How To ...

by Ann Bucy

There are a lot of things to consider when looking for a retirement community from price and amenities, to services provided and activities available.

Retirees have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to accommodations, from studio apartments, to duplexes to condominiums, according to local retirement community managers.

Among the factors to consider are cost (including buy-in cost, security deposit, monthly rent or payments, etc.), whether the retiree wants to rent or own, how much living space is needed, whether the individual has an automobile or needs transportation services, whether personal care or medication management assistance is available, costs for add-on services or double occupancy, and what amenities are provided such as housekeeping, laundry, meals and activities.

For example, The Montclair, at 1000 E. Montclair, offers studios, one-bedroom regular, one-bedroom deluxe and two-bedroom apartments.

Monthly rental includes all utilities, except telephone, three meals daily, maintenance, cable TV, biweekly housekeeping, full-time maintenance staff and scheduled transportation, said General Manager Barbara Ray.

Also, Oxford Home Health has an office located on site in case a resident needs extra care like a bath or medication set-up.

Creekside at Elfindale, 1601 S. Fort, offers duplexes and one- and two-bedroom apartments for rental, as well as condominiums, The Villas, for purchase, said Donna Specht, Creekside's resident coordinator.

For an extra charge, two people can live in either the one- or two-bedroom apartments. Also, residents who need home health assistance can take advantage of the services of Elfindale Home Health, which has an office and staff on the property. An additional cost applies for these services.

Creekside also offers the Ambassador Program. "It's where someone who's been living here a while shows a new resident the ropes," Specht said. "We have ambassadors for the duplexes, apartments and the condominiums," Specht said.

At The Cambridge, 2900 S. Jefferson, studios and one and two bedroom apartments are offered. An additional charge applies for a second occupant.

Included in the rent are three full meals a day, weekly housekeeping and linen service, paid utilities, cable television and free transportation on The Cambridge's bus, according to information provided by The Cambridge.

Each room has a kitchen with stove, refrigerator and garbage disposal, and individual heating, air conditioning and water temperature controls.

There's also a pull cord in each bedroom and bathroom in case of emergency. Pulling the cord activates alarms in the offices and apartments of the manager couples.

When it comes to having fun, many of the area's retirement communities provide group activities and outings, as well as special amenities.

Residents at The Montclair attend the theater, go to shows in Branson, play cards, go on shopping excursions and more, Ray said.

At Creekside, "For nature buffs, the beauty of the outdoor area here is great. We have our own lake and wooded walkways. There are decks outside the apartments where some of the residents maintain a floral garden or sit on their lawn chairs and just enjoy being outside," Specht said.

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Retirement communities like The Montclair provide residents with such amenities as meals, housekeeping services and transportation.[[In-content Ad]]