Top 10 Considerations
Choosing the right senior housing should be an involved and carefully thought-out process. Picking the right environment is as important as choosing a house or apartment. Visit the facilities you are considering, talk to the staff and residents, read through brochures and information offered. Make several visits at varying times of the day and week in order to get a complete impression of the facility. When you tour the facilities, pay special attention to the attitudes and overall friendliness of the staff and residents. Find out which state and federal regulations apply, and make sure that the facility properly complies with them. Most importantly, involve loved ones in making your decision.
1. Size/Location of Senior Community
Varies from small group homes to large multi-level institutions, each of which has benefits of their own.
The Ranch: From the moment you come down our drive, we make every effort to extend our hometown hospitality to you with the services you have been searching for. We have the capacity to welcome approximately 50 residents to our community.
2. Financial Considerations
Private Insurance Coverage - HMO's - Medicare - Private Pay. Pay Special Attention to Buy-In-Fees and hidden costs.
The Ranch: We offer quality, loving senior care at competitive rates. There are no buy-in fees or association dues. First month's rent and refundable security deposit are required.
3. Admission Requirements
Financial statements required? Lease? Paperwork? Physicians Referral? Bring Furniture?
The Ranch: We are a licensed healthcare community. For the safety and health of all the residents, we communicate with the resident's doctor of choice prior to admission. We do not require a financial statement. It is the resident's choice if they like to have their own furniture or have it provided for them.
4. Atmosphere/Comfort Level
What is the general feel of the community? Is it clean and well manicured? Friendly staff? Pets allowed?
The Ranch: We have owned and operated My Fathers Retirement Ranch since 1979. The peace and serenity of the grounds combined with the ever-caring staff do everything possible to create a place to call "home". Pets are welcomed with a few pre-requisites. Every unit at the Ranch is on garden level nestled in a mesquite grove. There are green lawns throughout the property with lots of open space to enjoy.
5. Additional Healthcare Available
Hospital? Emergency Service? Quality Doctors? Higher Levels of Healthcare? Peace of Mind when you need it?
The Ranch: Our location benefits from the nearby Wickenburg Community Hospital and emergency services. A wide variety of consulting specialists and major medical services are also available in nearby Sun City. As medical needs arise, our staff partners with residents and their representatives in securing the level of care necessary.
6. Safety/Security
Lighting? Crime Rates? Intercom? Licensing? Emergency Response System? Fire System? Staff Response?
The Ranch: We are fortunate to be situated in the heart of Wickenburg, which is a town chosen by many because of its low crime rates. However, we also work hard to promote safety and security. We have 24 hour staffing and an emergency response system in each unit throughout the community. Furthermore, we are licensed by the State of Arizona Department of Health Services.
7. Services Available
Transportation? Laundry/Linen? Housekeeping? Shopping? Medication Assistance? Meals?
The Ranch: Complementary transportation is available to residents. Community laundry facilities are available. Some units are furnished with washers and dryers. Linen, laundry and housekeeping services are included with select units. Optional TLC Services include: medication supervision as well as a wide variety of other services ala carte. Our full service dining room offers three dietitian-planned, family style meals daily.
8. Equipment/Amenities
Exercise facilities? Clubhouse? Religious facilities? Kitchens in my unit? Storage? Equipped to meet special needs?
The Ranch: The Del E. Webb Wellness Center is just blocks from My Fathers Retirement Ranch with a fully staffed facility including physical therapy and exercise equipment to meet all skill levels. We cater to individual needs when special equipment is required. After consulting with the resident, family and doctor, we can install assistive devices as needed. Chapel services are held in the dining room (see Activity Calendar for schedule).
9. Visitors/Guests
Visiting hours? Accommodations? Guest Meals? Family Gathering? Are they welcome?
The Ranch: We encourage guests to visit by offering a guest apartment and dining services for a modest fee. We also offer our clubhouse and dining rooms for birthday parties, anniversaries, and special family gatherings subject to availability.
10. Activities
Planned Activities? Activity Director? Surrounding Community Activities? Common Lounges? Planned Trips?
The Ranch: Nestled just two blocks from downtown Wickenburg, residents are encouraged to take advantage of the historic shopping district, swimming, dining, public library, movie theater, community center and town parks. Wickenburg is also home to two beautiful golf courses and the acclaimed Del E. Webb Center for Performing Arts, providing performances by nationally acclaimed artists such as the Phoenix Symphony, Ballet Arizona and Steinway Piano Series, and family events. We also have an Activity Director to plan special trips, potlucks, Bible studies, church services, bingo, and much more.
