How To Compare Retirement Communities

To request an information kit about Lasell Village, please call (617) 663-7044.

Moving into a retirement community is a big deal – a decision that most seniors don’t take lightly. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or are looking to make a move in the near future, you might want to visit more than one retirement community.

The checklist below can help you compare retirement communities, in order to find the best senior living option for you.

Housing Options: What are the housing choices in the retirement community? How large are the units? Are there one-bedroom apartments, and/or two-bedroom apartments? Do the units have full-size kitchens and washers and dryers in the units? Do the residences have patios or balconies? How are the views?

Price: What’s the monthly fee for the retirement community? Is there also an entrance fee, and is some or all of your entrance fee refundable when you leave the community?

Location: Is the retirement community near your family and friends? Is it in an area of town that you prefer? Are some of your favorite shops, restaurants, and other preferred places nearby? Is the community close to your medical providers?

Healthcare And Continuing Options: Is there a wellness center and/or healthcare providers on-site in the retirement community? Does the retirement community have supportive living and/or rehab and skilled nursing options? Are the healthcare services included in the monthly fee, or is there an additional charge for them? Is the community a continuing care retirement community (an option that allows you to “age in place” and receive the care you need, including hospice care)?

Dining Options: Does the retirement community provide meal options, and are these included in the monthly fee? Is there a dining room, and does it have a wait staff? Are take-out meals an option? Do you have to pay for a minimum number of meals per month, and if so, how many? How does the food taste?

Amenities And Activities: What types of amenities and activities are available at the retirement community? Is there a fitness center, swimming pool, and/or beautiful outdoor areas? How many events, activities, and outings are scheduled each month, and how many residents participate in these?

Transportation: Is there scheduled local transportation? Is the retirement community close to public transportation? Is the neighborhood around the community “walkable” and safe?

Pet-Friendly: Is the retirement community pet-friendly? Are dogs and cats welcome, and are there any restrictions on size or breed?

Lasell Village
When you’re comparing retirement communities, we’d love to have you consider Lasell Village! We’re dedicated to lifelong learning, and we share a campus with Lasell University, which provides our residents with unique learning opportunities. As a continuing care retirement community, we can provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ll be well cared for, even as your daily living and healthcare needs might change. We have independent living residences, supportive living studios, and a rehab and skilled nursing facility – all on one campus.

Located in Newton, Massachusetts, we’re just 11 miles from downtown Boston, and we’re a pet-friendly community (we accept dogs and cats).

For more information about Lasell Village, or to request an information kit, please call (617) 663-7044.

“I moved to Lasell Village in June 2016 and have found it to be a congenial, interesting, and helpful community. One can have independence as well as assistance, if needed. The academic offerings are excellent, as are the facilities and staff for exercise. The Village is near public transportation, but also offers car service to shopping and medical appointments for those who do not drive. Meals are excellent, and there is always lively, friendly companionship. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. Staff and management are caring and helpful.”

How To Compare Retirement Communities

—Barbara G