Hello, needanswers1-ga!
Retirement Community Information
The Continuing Care Accreditation Commission is a reputable
organization that compiles an annual list of “aging communities” that
meet their strict criteria of standards. http://www.ccaconline.org/
“Founded in 1985, the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission is the
nation's only accrediting body for aging services. The CCAC's
accreditation program is based on the belief that accreditation
promotes and maintains quality and integrity in the aging services
profession. Sponsored by the American Association of Homes & Services
for the Aging (AAHSA), CCAC is an independent entity that accredits
only those communities that meet or exceed its standards of
excellence.”
Their current list of “accredited” communities is available at
http://www.ccaconline.org/list.htm#ARCs There are numerous facilities
in both Florida and California, each with website links.
The Senior Hospitality Institute, which seems to be a well-respected
organization, has some very helpful information on retirement
communities, and “retirement resorts” in particular. Their website
features communities “that have been certified (or pre-certified) as
RETIREMENT RESORTS™ by the Senior Hospitality Institute (SHI). This
honor recognizes these outstanding communities for promoting this new
definition of retirement, and for providing their community members
with "The World's Finest Active Retirement Living™".
http://www.retirementresorts.com/index.html
Retirement Resorts are described, by the SHI, as senior communities
that have distinguished themselves by providing exemplary services and
amenities to their community members, as well as access to quality
on-site healthcare services. A list of requirements needed to qualify
as a retirement resort by the SHI are listed at
http://www.retirementresorts.com/whatis.html
For lists of retirement resorts that “fit the criteria” by SHI in
Florida and California, go to
http://www.retirementresorts.com/action.lasso?-Database=resorts.fp3&-Response=location.html&-layout=everything&-Show
and type in the name of each state for descriptions and links to
websites.
Further, the SHI has a very good “Retirement Living Classification
Chart” under “Know Your Options” at
http://www.retirementresorts.com/options.html
“Retirement Living Communities: A National Directory to over 400
Communities, Listed State by State, That Offer High-Quality
Independent Living, ”by Deborah Freundlich is available at
Amazon.com. The book has received high ratings from reviewers.
The Retirement Living Information Center, is another website that
offers a listing of retirement communities by state at
http://www.retirementliving.com/RLretire.html. Within each state,
there are six types of living situations offered….Resort, Independent
Living, Continuing Care, Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s Care, and
Nursing Care.
However, the site does offer one unique option:
“For an unbiased assessment of patient care in a specific CCRC,
assisted living or nursing care facility,” you may order one of a
variety of specialized reports on a facility. Go to
http://www.retirementliving.com/RLquality.html for this option. (Is it
really unbiased, or merely a service for which the facility pays for a
good rating? I don’t know!)
Retirenet.com offers an extensive listing, by state, of various types
of retirement communities and facilities. Are they reputable or merely
an advertiser? It’s hard to tell. However, it is worth a first look to
at least break down some choices within Florida and California. The
state chart is available at http://www.retirenet.com/careindex.shtml.
Relocation Specialists
This information was sketchy, at best.
Elderlifeplanning.com offers a directory of “Elder Care
Professionals” by state at
http://www.elderlifeplanning.com/residents/index.html While none of
the professionals listed in California and Florida are relocation
specialists, there were a few references you might consider pursuing.
California:
Senior Care Consultants, at
http://www.elderlifeplanning.com/residents/clarkconsult.htm, offers
consultation on placement options as one of it’s services.
Florida:
The firm of Jack M. Rosenkranz, at
http://www.elderlifeplanning.com/residents/jackmrosenkranz.htm, offers
consultation on nursing home placement(not really what you are looking
for at this point) ”We can relieve the stress of overburdened family
members by taking care of much of the legwork and by acting as an
intermediary with hospitals and other providers.” Perhaps there is a
possibility that the office could offer some recommendations on the
type of facility you require.
“A Place for Mom” at http://www.aplaceformom.com/ offers Eldercare
Professionals for consultation.
“Call today and speak to one of our experienced Family Advisors. We
can help you understand your options and narrow your search. We have
many years experience in the senior care profession. Whether you are
looking for assisted living, retirement communities, nursing homes or
Alzheimer’s care, we’ll help you find the best community for you or
your loved one.”
A link to individual advisors for various states can be found at
http://www.aplaceformom.com/home.asp?content=advisors.asp (However,
there does not appear to be an advisor for Florida)
The Eldercare Locator is one resource that may be helpful. Although
they are mostly involved with aging “services” available in
communities throughout the US, they also have Information Specialists
available for more comprehensive information. Their homepage is at
http://www.eldercare.gov/ .
Other than what I have turned up about relocation specialists, which
is rather sparse, I would recommend selecting some facilities that
seem desirable in both Florida and California, and then contact a
social service agency that deals with Senior care. Perhaps you can
then be linked up with a social worker who deals with seniors, and who
would be willing to work with you on narrowing down your options.
Otherwise, I would suggest a Yellow pages search in both Florida and
California under various headings that might include Senior Relocation
Specialists.
I hope this information gives you a good start in your search for a
great retirement community for your relative! With so many people who
let their relatives merely fend for themselves in later years, I
congratulate you on going the extra mile to help them find the best
situation for their retirement.
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Continuing Care Accreditation Commission of the America |
