Considering a Retirement Community?

Do the Numbers

By Marge Shoemaker

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Winter is coming. You don’t want to face the shoveling, the high heating bills, the risk of frozen pipes, and all the other worries that come with owning your own home. You like to travel at this time of year, but that doesn’t do away with the worry that something could go wrong while your home is unattended. You’re considering relocating from your current home to a retirement community, but there are so many choices…how do you decide?

Let’s assume you’ve chosen independent living in a 55+ community. You’ve talked to friends about their experiences finding a place for aging parents or for themselves. You’ve rated the list according to the major criteria of affordability, security, location, size, and what is offered. You think you’re ready to make appointments to tour some of the remaining selections. Have you done your homework?

Michale Kavan, Marketing Director for Sunridge Village Retirement Community, reminds anyone considering relocating to “do the numbers.” When you ask what a particular location costs, you’re probably going to get a four-digit number. You need to know what you’ll get for that amount. 

Figure out what you’re paying out now. List your regular monthly expenses: house payment, utilities, insurance, cable, phone, computer access, outside maintenance, and even groceries. With that total in mind, ask what the quoted amount for that location includes. That’s the only way to really compare costs.

Michale reports that many prospective residents are amazed at how much is included in the monthly payment at Sunridge Village. Payment is based on which of the floor plans you choose for your apartment: one bedroom, one bedroom and den, or two bedrooms and two baths. Each apartment has a full kitchen as well as washer and dryer hookups. 

Payment includes an emergency lifeline system (a medallion to wear as a pendant or on your wrist), all utilities, and trash removal. Also included are housekeeping, courtesy transportation to doctor appointments, shopping and more, and private storage for holiday items, suitcases, etc. Meals include breakfast and a restaurant style evening meal, or choose the flexible dining program. Extras offered at minimal expense include underground parking, cable television, and beauty/barber shop services.

If you want to host a gathering, a meeting room can be reserved at no cost…and you can bring in your own caterer or enjoy a potluck meal. Family and guests may also be served in the dining room at regular mealtimes with advance notice.

Safety and security are primary concerns at Sunridge Village. The three-story building features a secured entrance and is equipped with closed-circuit cameras that are completely monitored. Guests have the convenince to ring your apartment from the main entry for admittance day or night. Every apartment features an emergency generator that provides power in the event of an electrical outage.

Other resident services include social activities tailored to your lifestyle. Sunridge Village is decorated for holidays, including celebrations for Veterans Day and the Fourth of July. Sometimes, Michale notes, they’ll have a party “just because a party is needed.”

Sunridge is designed for those who wish to remain as independent as possible and age in place. They welcome all in-home healthcare companies and medical services. You choose the services and when you want them.

I’ve been writing about Sunridge Village for over a decade. In that time, I’ve spoken with many residents. You might expect that the wide range of amenities is what draws people to Sunridge Village. As it turns out, the overwhelming response, when asked what sold them on Sunridge Village, is the friendliness of the residents. One couple told me that, during their tour, they were asked several times if they were “going to be neighbors.” The feeling is that of extended family.

Owner Richard Anzalone, whose family owns and operates Sunridge Village, is present nearly every day. I’ve been told that he even shows up during inclement weather or when conditions are dangerous so his staff can stay off the roads. Richard recognizes his residents and they know him. They refer to him as Richard…they are all family here. 

Over the years, I have met many of the people who work at Sunridge Village, and I can attest that there’s very little turnover. According to Richard, one of the things that makes staff and residents alike happy at Sunridge Village is the high opportunity for flexibility. Because the community is family-owned, they can make decisions with their own residents in mind…and that’s just what they do.

Sunridge Village Retirement Community is located at 13410 Blondo Street, in Omaha. Find it online at sunridgeomaha.com or call 402-496-0116 to arrange a tour.