When Might Be The Best Time To Start Saving For Retirement
Written by Brian B

When Might Be The Best Time To Start Saving For Retirement?

Retirement is a phase of life that many dream about but few plan for. Saving money for retirement is crucial, especially in today’s economic climate. So, when might be the best time to start saving up for retirement?

Best Time To Save For Retirement

Ideally, experts suggest that everyone starts saving for retirement as soon as they possibly can. Easier said than done, right? Well, experts offer many options for young people to save money now. Putting away at least 10% of your monthly income is a great way to start saving. Simple math here: put away 10% of your $5,000 earned per month equals a savings of $500 per month. That means a total of $6,000 will be saved for the year. Not a bad start at all. Saving 10% per month, starting in your 20s will help cover for any dips in the stock market.

According to a recent survey conducted by Charles Schwab, Americans believe they should have $1.7 million saved by age 65. In order to hit that goal, you would need to save nearly $500 per month, starting at age 25. In some cases, this amount of savings is not reasonable at all. Some 25-year-olds may be struggling in the job market, raising kids, paying off students, or all of the above. If you begin saving for retirement later on, the amount per month needed to be put away will only increase.

How To Start Saving

If you couldn’t afford to start saving in your early to mid-20s, experts say the next best time to start saving is right now. Put away whatever you can afford, even if 10% is simply too much money at this point. Start by jumping on your employer’s 401(k) plan, if offered. Opening a traditional IRA offers more investment options than the typical 401(k) plan. The only constricting part about IRA’s is the $6,000 contribution limit for those under the age of 50.

There are several other ways to begin saving for retirement. If you can’t invest in a 401(k) plan or an IRA, it doesn’t mean saving money is impossible. Start by banking any unexpected or extra cash. This means taking birthday checks and bonuses straight to the bank. Avoid any luxury purchases when possible. You’d also be surprised by how much spare change you’ll come across over the years. Try to put all your spare change away in the bank. Picking up a part-time job or just earning some extra money on the side could prove beneficial in the future.

Age When Americans Begin Saving

Here is a look at the typical age groups when Americans begin saving for retirement. All data is from a report published by Morning Consult.

  • Ages 20-29: 39%
  • Ages 30-39: 25%
  • Ages 40-49: 15%
  • Ages 50-59: 6%

Independent Living At Desert Winds Retirement In Peoria, Arizona 

If you are searching for an independent living facility in Peoria, Arizona, Desert Winds Retirement Community is the facility for you! Travel over to our independent living page to see pictures find out more about our facility, amenities, floor plans and more.

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How Much Does Retirement Cost?

Retirement Cost

The average cost of retirement is $136 per day, $4,083 per month, and $49,000 per year in the US in 2020, according to NorthwesternMutual.com.

  • Retirement Cost Per Day: $136
  • Retirement Cost Per Month: $4,083
  • Retirement Cost Per Year: $49,000

What is the average cost of retirement? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics: about $49,000 annually in 2014, the most recent year in which stats are available. Meaning, if you live for 20 years following your retirement, it will cost you about $980,000 (including taxes, not taking into account inflation).

If you are trying to determine how much you will need to save for your retirement, then $1 million sounds like a nice round number to strive for concerning saving. But the actuality is that determining how much your retirement will cost is a little more involved. The following are some important questions to ask.

How Much Does Independent Living Cost?

The average cost of independent living is $3,750 a month, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $6,000 in the US in 2020, according to Elmcroft.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

WhereYouLiveMatters says the national average cost of assisted living is about $4,051 per month, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2019. The average assisted living cost per day is about $133 per day. The average cost of assisted living per year is about $48,612 per year.

How Much Does Memory Care Cost?

As reported by AARP the average cost of memory care is $2,500 a month with costs ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 in the US in 2020.

How Much Does a Nursing Home Cost?

The average cost of a semi-private in a nursing home is $248 per day, $7,441 per month, and $89,297 per year in the US in 2020, according to SeniorLiving.

How Much Does In-Home Care Cost?

As reported by Aging.com the average cost of in-home care is $300 per day with costs ranging from $200 to $350 in the US in 2020.

How Much Does a Retirement Home Cost?

The average cost of a retirement home is $5,000 a month, with costs ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 in the US in 2020, according to FinancialPost.

How Much Money Will You Need Each Year?

Don’t forget that $49,000 annually is the average. In fact, it will be very different for each one of us. Are you planning on staying close to home and spending your days taking care of your grandkids? You might not spend as much. Are you planning on taking a significant trip or 2 every year and get in plenty of camping and just get away from it all? You are most likely going to spend more. When you are younger, it’s harder to judge exactly what you will spend in retirement. But as you get an idea of your lifestyle, you can imagine retirement will be relatively similar. Are you spending $30,000 each year or $150,000? Take your personal numbers into consideration when trying to estimate the cost of your retirement.

How Long Are You Going Live?

An annual cost estimate is helpful, but only when you know over how many years you will be distributing that cost. As reported by the Social Security Administration, the average life expectancy of a 65-year-old man nowadays is 84. In women, it is 86½. However, those are only the averages. There’s a 1 in 3 chance a 65-year-old will reach age 90; 1 in 7 past 95. The average retirement lasts about 20 years, but what happens if you live longer? If you want to guarantee you will not run out of money, you should save for a minimum of a 30-year retirement.

How Will Inflation and Taxes Influence The Cost Of Your Retirement?

Costs increase. The things you can purchase nowadays with $49,000 are probably going to cost more in the future. Meaning if you are 30 years old and are planning for the cost your average retirement now, you probably should not adhere to that $49,000 yearly estimate — by the time you reach retirement, the average cost will probably be considerably higher. Inflation will also influence you throughout your retirement. That’s the reason over the 20 to 30 years or more than your retirement might last, costs are probably going to increase.

As well as inflation, taxes may be another huge cost in retirement. If you are planning on funding your $49,000 average using Social Security and capital from a 401(k), you are going to need more than the $49,000 in income annually. The reasoning is you will be obligated to pay taxes on the capital you take out.

How Will You Produce Income in Retirement?

As you’re saving for retirement, it can be easy to put all your focus on, say, saving (maybe you’re striving for the million-number mark). But once it comes down to funding your retirement, saving is only part of the formula. You should also plan for how you will produce your income. And that plan could impact how you save.

The best retirement plans comprise of income from various sources, including Social Security payments, pensions, revenues, IRAs, 401(k)s and possibly cash value from your life insurance. It’s also a good idea to have a mixture of non-taxable and taxable income sources such as conventional and Roth retirement accounts. The variety of income sources can enable you to be more tax-efficient when you’re saving and taking out your savings. It may also help you balance the increase you could get from higher-risk investments (helping you keep up with inflation) with the dependability you can get from ensured income sources such as Social Security, pensions and revenues (which helps take into account for the possibility of you living longer than you expected).

In the end, when you are intentional about how you produce income in your retirement, you can get more out of the money that you’ve saved. Meaning more in retirement at a lower cost!

If all this appears to be a little compelling, don’t fret. A financial advisor can assist you in getting an impression of where you are and what you wish for your future. Then they can help you create a plan that takes all of the components we discussed into account. Don’t forget, your plan is not only about retirement — it’s also about making preparations financially for the things you’ll want to do between now and your future.

Source:

  1. Who We Are.” Northwestern Mutual, www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/what-does-an-average-retirement-cost/.

Peoria, AZ Retirement Community 

Desert Winds Retirement Community

20545 N Lake Pleasant Rd #2577, Peoria, AZ 85382

(623) 322-0600

Desert Winds Retirement Community in the West Valley offers an abundance of activities, flexible amenity packages, several different lifestyles, and many floor plans from which to choose. We are a community you will be proud to call home. Offering solutions for all Independent, Assisted Living & Memory Care Residents.

Learn More About Retiring in Peoria AZ

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What Age Can You Stop Filing Income Taxes?

What Age Can You Stop Filing Income Taxes?

Updated For Tax Year 2021

You can stop filing income taxes at age 65 if:

  • You are a senior that is not married and make less than $14,250
  • You are a senior that is married, and you are going to file jointly and make less than $26,450
  • You are a qualifying widow, and earned less than $26,450

The IRS will want you to file a tax return when your gross income surpasses the total of the standard deduction for your filing status, in addition to one exemption amount. These filing rules will still apply to senior citizens who are living on their Social Security. However, if you are a senior, you don’t consider your Social Security income as gross income. If Social Security is your only source of income, then you won’t need to file a tax return.

When Seniors Must File Taxes

For the tax year 2021, you will need to file a tax return if you are not married, at least 65 years of age, and your gross income was $14,250 or higher. But, if you live on your Social Security benefits, you don’t include this in your gross income according to TurboTax. If this is solely the income you receive, then your gross income comes out to zero, and you won’t have to file a federal income tax return. But if you do earn additional income that is not exempt from being taxed, then each year you must figure out whether the total exceeds $14,250.

For previous tax years, these amounts are based on the year’s standard deduction, in addition to the exemption amount for your filing status and age. For tax years after 2018, only the standard deduction is used because exemptions are no longer used in calculating your taxable income under the new tax law passed in the latter part 2017.

When you and your spouse are 65 years of age or older and married and are going to file a joint return, you have to file a return if your joined gross income exceeds $27,800 or more. When your spouse is under 65 years old, the threshold amount diminishes to $26,450. Bear in mind that these income thresholds only apply to the 2018 tax year, and usually increase somewhat each year after.

When To Include Social Security In Your Gross Income

There are certain circumstances when seniors must add their Social Security benefits in their gross income. If you are married and file an individual tax return and reside with your spouse during the year, 85% of your Social Security benefits are deemed gross income which may warrant you to file a tax return. Additionally, an allotment of your Social Security benefits are included in gross income, no matter your status, in any year the total of half your Social Security including all other income, tax-exempt interest, exceeding $25,000 or $32,000 if you are married and filing jointly.

Tax Credits For Seniors

Even if you have to file a tax return, there are ways you can decrease the amount of tax you will pay on your taxable income. So long as you are a minimum of 65 years old and your income from sources other than your Social Security is not high, then a tax credit for seniors, the elderly or disabled, can lessen your tax bill on a dollar-for-dollar arrangement. Nevertheless, this tax credit is only useful when you truly owe tax to the IRS.

What Age Do You Stop Paying Taxes on Social Security?

You can stop paying taxes on Social Security at 65 years old as long as your income is not high. According to TurboTax, “As long as you are at least 65 years old and your income from sources other than Social Security is not high, then the tax credit for the elderly or disabled can reduce your tax bill on a dollar-for-dollar basis. However, this tax credit is only useful when you actually owe tax to the IRS.”

Desert Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Peoria, Arizona

Desert Winds is a retirement facility in Peoria, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at (623) 362-1200.

Written by webtechs

Happy Retirement Quotes

Happy Retirement Quotes

If you’re searching for happy retirement quotes, this post should help!

1. To one of the best people that our office has ever had the pleasure of working with. Congrats on your retirement!
2. A life without the daily commute and mountains of paper work. You’re very lucky my friend. Enjoy your retirement!
3. Retiring doesn’t mean that you have to stop chillin’ with us! Don’t forget stop by the office every once in a while. Happy Retirement!
4. Retirement equals independence. I hope you enjoy doing the things that you never had time for before. Congratulations! Happy Retirement!
5. The office will never be same without you. You will definitely be missed! Congrats on your retirement!
6. Open up that champagne and start an amazing bbq – this landmark in your life is worth commemorating. Happy retirement!
7. Happy retirement! Are you ready to start your new job? I’m pretty sure your wife has a “honey-do-list”.
8. You can now dress however you want to and no one will bat an eye. Just remember to! Happy retirement!
9. This is only a catch you on the flip side, not a goodbye. Happy retirement.
10. Enjoy your retirement and unlimited weekends. Take care and congrats!
11. Wishing you a wonderful retirement. Enjoy your new chapter in your life and we hope it’s filled with relaxation, and fun!
12. Say farewell to tension and a nice how-do-you-do pension! Congratulations from all of us to one admirable retiree.
13. Enjoy your retirement, now you can start that book you’ve talking about. Congrats.
14. To my colleague, but more importantly my friend. Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement.
15. Sorry that you are retiring, now we can hang out someplace besides the office. Happy retirement!
16. To keep your life balanced, work like you’re already retired and retire like it’s work.
17. Here’s to your good health, good luck and great successes in your retirement. Congratulations.
18. Have a wonderful retirement, remember us when you are globetrotting around the world.
19. Happy retirement best wishes on what your next adventure will bring.
20. I’m not old enough to give you advice but today I want to give you some – be strong! This is just beginning!
21. Have you been yearning about day totally without stress? That day is finally! Happy retirement day!
22. I just can’t believe that you are retired. I hope this time in your life will be great for you. Congrats.
23. Happy retirement, my friend. This is a big day for you, because everything is going to change. Enjoy the retired life!
24. Are you ready to start a new you? I hope you will experience something interesting at this stage in life. Go have some fun!
25. Today was your last day of work, we know it’s kind of sad, but look on the bright side. No more “a case of the Monday’”.
26. Do you know what retirement means? It’s time to discover a new you. Happy retirement!
27. With new challenges, comes a new you. Happy retirement. Here’s to strong health and lots of joy!
28. No more alarm clocks, running out the door, the daily commute… all gone! Enjoy your retirement!
29. Here’s to all of the hard work your put into this company, happy retirement.
30. Retirement isn’t the end of the road. It’s a brand-new beginning. It’s time to get out there and try something new and keep your head up!

Read more happy retirement quotes at Winds Retirement Community

Written by webtechs

Common Elderly Health Issues

common-elderly-health-issues

Are you searching for “common senior health issues”? If you are, you may be wondering what your loved one may face as they get up in age.  Today, people in the U.S. can look forward to living longer than they ever have. Once you or loved one reach the age of 65, evidence suggests that you can conceivably live an additional 19 years, on average, according to the CDC.

 Common Elderly Health Issues

Getting older can seem disheartening—wrinkles, forgetting where you put your keys, graying hair. Aging can bring about distinctive health issues. With the elderly accounting for around 12% of the world’s population and will quickly increase to over 22% by the year 2050–it’s essential to understand the issues faced by people as they grow older, and realize that there are preemptive actions that can place yourself (or a loved one) on a course to healthful  aging.

Constant Health Conditions

According to the National Council on Aging, about 92% of the elderly have at least 1 chronic disease and around 77% have at least 2. Stroke, heart disease, types of cancer, and diabetes are among the most prevalent and pricey chronic health conditions causing 2/3 of deaths each year. The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion advises getting in touch with a physician for an yearly checkup, managing a healthy diet and exercising regularly to help manage or hamper chronic diseases. Obesity is a developing problem among seniors and engaging in these lifestyle behaviors can help decrease obesity and related conditions.

Cognitive health

Cognitive health is concentrated on a person’s capability to think, learn and remember. The most common cognitive health problem facing today’s seniors is dementia. Approximately 5.5 million people in the U.S. have dementia. The most familiar type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. According to the National Institute on Aging, other chronic health problems and diseases can escalate the risk of developing dementia, like substance abuse, high blood pressure, diabetes, bouts of depression, HIV and smoking cigarettes. Even though there are no cures for dementia, physicians and doctors can devise a treatment plan and medications to closely regulate the disease.

Mental Health

The World Health Organization reports that over 15% of adults over the age of 60 experience some type of mental disorder.  One of the mental disorders among seniors is depression, occurring in 7% of the elderly population. Sadly, this mental disorder is sometimes under diagnosed and under treated. Older adults make up over 18% of suicide deaths in the U.S. alone. Furthermore, promoting a lifestyle of healthy living such as improvement of living conditions and social reinforcement from family, friends or support groups can help care for depression.

Physical Injury

Every 15 seconds, a senior is admitted to the emergency room for some type of fall. A senior dies from a fall every 29 minutes, making it the main cause of injury among seniors. As a result of aging, bones weaken and muscle begins to lose strength and resilience. As a result, seniors are more prone to losing their balance, injury and fracturing a bone. There are two diseases that that are responsible for frailty, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. But, falls are and can be prevented. In a lot of cases, they can be avoided through education, more physical activity and practical alterations within the home.

HIV/AIDS and other STD’s

In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 21% of AIDS cases happened to seniors over the age of 50 in the U.S., and 37% of deaths that same year were seniors over 55 years of age. Even though sexual needs and capability may change as people get older, their sexual desire doesn’t go away entirely. Seniors most likely will not use condoms, which, when combined with a weak immune system, makes the elderly more vulnerable to contracting an STD. Delayed diagnosis of HIV is typical among older adults because the symptoms of HIV are comparable to those of normal aging, making it harder to treat and prevent  additional damage to the immune system.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition in seniors is often under diagnosed and can lead to other elderly health problems, such as a weak immune system and muscle deficiency. The causes of malnutrition can come from other health issues (seniors experiencing dementia sometimes may forget to eat), bouts of depression, alcoholism, dietary limitations, decreased social contact and a restricted income. Changes in their diet, such as eating more fruits and vegetables and reducing consumption of saturated fats and salt, can help nutrition concerns in the elderly. There are food services readily available for seniors who can’t afford food themselves or have a hard time with food preparation.

Sensory Impairments

Often neglected, oral health care is one of the most high priority issues for the elderly. The CDC’s Division of Oral Health has discovered that about 25% of adults over 65 do not have their natural teeth. Oral issues such as tooth decay and cavities can make it difficult to manage a healthy diet, a lower self-esteem, and other health issues. Oral health symptoms in older adults are dry mouth, gum disease and some types of mouth cancer. These conditions can be managed by making routine dental visits. Oral health, however, can be challenging for seniors to gain access to due to losing dental insurance after retiring or economical difficulties.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse, usually drug-related or alcohol addiction is more common among seniors than previously thought. According to the National Council on Aging, the total number of seniors with substance abuse problems is predicted to double to five million by the year 2020. Because a lot of people don’t usually connect substance abuse with the elderly, it’s often unnoticed in medical check-ups. Furthermore older adults are frequently prescribed numerous prescriptions to be used continually. The National Institute on Drugs discovered that substance abuse sometimes results from someone suffering mental issues or taking another patient’s medication due to their inability to pay for their own.

Bladder Control And Constipation

Urinary incontinence and constipation are both typical as people age, and can have an effect on a senior’s quality of life. These may be related to some of the issues discussed above, such as not eating a healthy diet and having the misfortune of chronic health issues. Keeping a healthy weight, managing a healthy diet and having an exercise routine will help avoid these elderly health issues. There are usually effective medical treatments, and senior should not be ashamed to discuss with their doctors.

Senior Living Communities Arizona

This list may seem frightening, but with the proper medical care, better lifestyle decisions, and support from friends, family and health care consultants, today’s senior’s can enjoy a longer, better quality of life. To schedule a tour of one of our senior living facilities, visit SLS Communities or for more information please call us today at 623-343-5830.

Written by webtechs

What is Independent Living?

What is Independent Living?

If you are searching for “What Is Independent Living?” while trying to understand the differences between the different types of retirement homes, this article should definitely help!

No doubt about it, we all will age and when it starts to happen it is time to maybe start thinking about changing our living arrangements. Sometimes responsibilities can become a little too much, and it could mean that our loved ones are alone and without a way to get around. Then there is the loneliness, which implies that they could use some friendship with those who are their own age. An independent living facility may be the answer but, depending on your loved ones circumstances, a retirement home may be better.

In order to deal with the stress that comes with the changes that they will encounter, you need to ensure that they can continue with their independence while the settle into a new home. It is a good idea to think ahead and begin your planning. This gives you and your loved one the time and space to deal with it.

What Exactly Does Independent Living Consist Of?

Independent living is plainly a housing arrangement for seniors who are the age of 55 or older. Housing for seniors will vary in types such as free standing homes, retirement communities, and apartment living. Senior housing will have a friendly atmosphere, more compact, and they are designed to let seniors get around more easily and all landscape and/or maintenance is done for them.

Typically, communities for independent living will offer its residents numerous activities and programs, other services as well as amenities. Independent living housing often has a recreational center and/or clubhouse that will allow seniors to interact with other seniors. Independent living may also have community participation in movie nights, arts and crafts, holiday gatherings, and other types of activities.

The community may also have facilities like fitness centers, swimming pools, golf courses, a variety of clubs and groups. There are other services such as on-site spas, daily meals, housekeeping, laundry services and barber or beauty shops.

After all, independent living facilities are focused on those individuals who are 55 and older and are designed and created to give an atmosphere of independent living, but with assistance available when it is needed. Hiring in-home aids is also a good option for those who feel that they may need it.

How Is Independent Living Any Different Than Other Senior Living?

The main difference between other senior housing and independent living is the level that a resident may need assistance in. If the resident needs around the clock assistance with activities such as bathing, using the bathroom, eating, getting dressed, or have certain medical needs.

Independent Living, Is It Right For Me?

Whenever a senior has to make a change in their living arrangements, it may feel as if their world is caving in, like they are losing all of their independence. Nevertheless, independent living is just that, it is all about making it that much more easy to stay independent. Knowing your loved ones limitations are keeping them from leading a regular life and facing that they could have quality life with a little help will allow them to be independent longer.

To Help You Out, Answer These 4 Questions:

Is your loved one keeping their home up as good, as I use to or is it getting harder for them to do?   

Keeping their home up and running is part of their pride, but when age sets in it can become a little overwhelming, becoming more of a burden. For example, they may have a home that has a yard that needs constant attention or extra rooms that aren’t needed but still have to be dusted and cleaned every now and then. There may be an issue accessing their home because of stairs or steep inclines like driveways, which keeps them from getting out as much as they want, which leaves your loved ones the feeling of isolation.

There may even be the possibility that their neighborhood isn’t as safe as it used to be, which prevents them from walking like they did before, or prevents them from getting out entirely. They could eradicate some of these issues by hiring help or by remodeling. If they are looking for independent living without all the stress of upkeep, then they may need an independent living facility.

Have they been connecting with their friends and family as much as they would like too? 

Those individuals who are isolated will have a greater risk of depression and/or mental health issues. This could happen for different reasons, like becoming mobile which making getting around harder and/or not being able to drive themselves as much as they used to.

Maybe their neighbors and/or friends don’t have time to come around anymore, or they just don’t feel safe in their neighborhood. Even though being able to send messages and chat using the internet is convenient, it will never replace face-to-face contact.

Independent living facilities will give them a network of peers that their social life has lacked, as well as provide activities like arts & crafts, field trips, sports and more.

Is getting around getting harder for your loved one?

Your loved one is in a home that is located where driving is harder for them to get out and socialize or visiting family and friends. If driving is troublesome and they have to use public transportation or it is hard for friends and family to get to their home. Maybe even have trouble getting to their doctor’s appointments.

Independent living facilities will have on-site amenities and most will offer options for transportation for outside activities.

Is their health declining (and/or their spouses)?

Take into consideration their health condition and understand what their health may be like in the future is a vital measure that will need to be taken into account. If the current condition of their health can let them know what to expect down the road, like a condition that will over time.

These conditions allow for planning in advance which is a wise thing to do. It isn’t just their health to take into consideration about either, their spouse will need the same thing and you should plan out their living arrangements together for the future.

Ask Yourselves The Following Questions:

  • Do they both still manage their daily living activities such as laundry, bathing, cooking meals, etc?
  • Do you both or one of your loved ones have the ability to manage their finances?
  • Do they both manage their medications and keep up with doctor’s appointments?

Independent living is for those who just need a little assistance with daily living. Understanding what your loved ones need will help to determine what is best for them and their future.

Independent Living In Peoria, Arizona

There will be a time in our lives where having a little help when we need it will give us peace of mind. Having peace of mind isn’t just for your loved ones, it is for your friends and family knowing that your loved ones have trained staff to help with what they need. Having their own apartment with trained and experienced staff around makes retirement years enhanced with socialization and activities.

If it is time for a change, contact us at SLS Communities about what location is best for your loved one. Give us a call today at 623-343-5830 or schedule a free tour of our independent living facility in Peoria, Arizona. Make sure you download our independent living checklist.

 

Written by webtechs

Assisted Living Checklist: What To Ask & What To Look For

Checklist For Assisted Living Peoria Arizona

If you’re looking for a checklist for assisted living that will help you in learning what you need to look for in an assisted living facility, read below!

When you are deciding on an assisted living facility, it’s important that you ready yourself. There are subtle differences between every assisted living community, they are never similar.

To stay ahead of the game, you need to be organized, below is a small checklist you can print and take with you. Make sure you always compare the differences between different communities; ask questions which will help you in deciding which assisted living community is right for you or your loved one.

Assisted Living Checklist

Below is an assisted living checklist you can use when you go for a visit or call an assisted living facility. Simply print out our Assisted Living Checklist to insure you ask the more important questions like:

  • Are their staff members allowed to administer medications?
  • Do their staff members have experience with diagnosing a recipient’s condition?
  • How much staff does your night shift have?
  • Are there nurses staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
  • What is their staff to resident ratio?
  • What types of apartments do you have available?
  • What type of experience and training does your staff have?
  • Are evaluations conducted prior to admission?
  • Can you describe your residents?
  • What is the monthly cost for your different types of apartments?
  • What is their policy on payment and billing?
  • How does their discharge process work?
  • Do they have a waiting list? If so, how long is the wait, and what is their policy?
  • Do the monthly fees cover all services? If not, what are the costs for  the extra services?

Assisted Living Tour Checklist

Below is an assisted living tour checklist to help you in knowing what to look for when taking a tour of the facility.

  • Pay close attention to the level of cleanliness.
  • Watch a community activity or event.
  • Do their staff members appear friendly and approachable?
  • Check out the outdoor area or courtyard, is it well kept and maintained?
  • Ask their security and staff questions, how do they respond?
  • Eat a meal with the residents, does it seem okay?
  • Speak with some residents. Do they like the facility?
  • Ask some questions about personal care.
  • Ask more about the move-in and move-out criteria.
  • Follow your gut.

About Desert Winds Assisted Living 

Desert Winds Retirement Community is a lot more than just your run of the mill retirement community. At Desert Winds we offer Assisted Living and Memory Care. We are located in Peoria, Arizona. Our Community offers several options to meet all of your needs. We are conveniently located by everything you may need, including wonderful restaurants, awesome shopping, tons of golf courses, cultural centers, sports complexes, and medical offices all within just a few miles.

Desert Winds boasts to be one of the best retirement locations in the West Valley. Our Retirement Community is built for today’s seniors who are looking for a lifestyle that is not only stimulating and active, but also interesting and adjustable.

Find Out More About Assisted Living in Peoria, Arizona

To find out more about give Desert Winds Retirement Community a call today at 623-343-5830.

Written by webtechs

Best Places To Retire In Peoria Arizona

Desert Winds recently featured in Sedona Wind’s article title “Best Places To Retire In  Arizona 2017! We were rated #1 for “Best Places To Retire In Peoria, Arizona”.

Best Places to Retire in Peoria, Arizona

Sedona Winds wrote, https://desertwindsretirement.com/Desert Winds is the best retirement home in Peoria Arizona that offers Assisted Living, Pathway Assisted Living & Memory Care services. Call Desert Winds Retirement Community today at (623) 362-1200!

Read The Full Article Here

About Peoria Arizona

Located in NW Phoenix, Peoria Arizona is the perfect place to retire. Peoria’s population is 2014 was around 166k and growing. It’s one of the biggest cities in Arizona, ranking #9 in Arizona and 150th in the Entire United States. Peoria’s population, in 2010-2013, grew over 40+% and is still growing in 2016. Peoria was originally founded in 1954 by settlers who moved from Peoria Illinois, hence the name “Peoria”.

Venture Outdoors

The city of Peoria is surrounded by rugged beauty and breathtaking terrain of the Sonoran Desert. It stunning sunsets and saguaros are the perfect backdrop for retirees who love to venture outdoors.

Sporting Venues

Peoria is home to some of the largest stadiums in the country and host spring training baseball. Peoria is home to many sporting venues in the area.

Perfect Weather

If you like hot summers and mild winters, then retiring in Peoria Arizona is right for you. The average temperature in the hottest months only get up to 104 while the coldest months average 41 degrees.

Parks & Swimming

Get active and stay cool by visiting one of the many public swimming pools and parks around the city.

Pioneer Community Park is the perfect place to get started. They opened back in 2013 and have 6 lighted sport fields, playgrounds, multipurpose fields, a fishing lake, and picnic areas. This is also a pet friendly park where you can take your dog off the leash and let them run, play, and swim with other dogs.

Rio Vista Recreation Center & Community Park is great for outdoor splash pads, skate parks, racquetball courts, climbing walls and more. Great place to bring the family while they are visiting.

Assisted Living, Independent Living & Memory Care In Peoria, Arizona

Independent Living: Searching For Independent Living In Peoria or Independent Living In Phoenix? Desert Winds can help! We offer the highest standard of independent living services in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

Assisted Living: Searching For Assisted Living In Peoria or Assisted Living In Sun City West? Desert Winds can help! We offer the highest standard of assisted living services in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

Memory Care: Searching For Memory Care In Peoria, Arizona? Desert Winds can help! We offer the highest standard of memory care services in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

If you would like to schedule a tour please give us a call at 623-343-5830

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