Issue link: https://www.newlifestylesdigital.com/i/659338
7 200 Alliance Way, Manchester, NH 03102 603-836-2302 birchhillterrace.com An independent lifestyle. The companionship of friends. Freedom to enjoy life. A serene, wooded setting. Manchester's Only Continuing Care Retirement Community UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS Are you independent and able to life safely on your own? Are you interested in a lifestyle that lets you spend less time managing your house, and more time traveling or getting involved in new interests and activities? If so, joining a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) might be right for you, where you can live independently, but have the promise of care, if and when you need it, right in the same community. KICK THE TIRES Identify communities that fit your needs, ask for information, and check their websites. Narrow down a few to visit, and schedule ample time for a tour. What is the staff to resident ratio? Are people friendly and do the residents seem happy? Make sure to have a meal in the dining room, preferably with residents. RUN THE NUMBERS AND INVOLVE KEY PEOPLE Examine the contract to understand what the monthly fee covers, and what is additional, so you understand your costs – including how costs change when you shift between levels of care. Compare this to your actual current monthly costs, including your taxes, utilities, lawn/plowing/cleaning service costs, etc. Once you narrow down the list, bring your family or friends with you to see the community, get their input and see if they have questions you haven't considered. Ask your financial planner or attorney to review the contract and financing. VERIFY THEIR REPUTATION Is the company a not-for-profit, or a for-profit? Request the organization's last 3 – 4 years of audited financials, yearly increases, and occupancy percentages, to understand their financial track record. Review their board of trustees and management, and accreditation information on the organization. Most importantly, ask current residents for their opinion. By Cathleen Toomey, Vice President of Marketing for RiverWoods, a nationally-accredited not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community in Exeter, New Hampshire. www.riverwoodsrc.org See our listings on pages 12, 18 and 21.