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Top 10 Considerations When Choosing Senior Living

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, and 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, because they are potential housemates. 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'll make every effort to extend our hometown hospitality to you with the services you have been searching for. We 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 for affordable pricing. The first and security deposits are the only financial requirement for admission. The monthly rent is all inclusive except for telephone services.

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, it's a company policy to communicate with the resident's doctor of choice, prior to admission. We do not require a financial statement. Lastly, it is the resident's choice if they like to have their own furniture or have it provided for them.

4:  Atmosphere/Comfort Level?

•  General feel of the community? Clean and well manicured? Staff? Pets?

The Ranch: The Cowles family 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 My Fathers Retirement Ranch is on the garden level nestled in a mesquite grove. There are green lawns throughout the property with lost of open space for walking and freedom.

5: Additional Healthcare Available?

•  Quality Doctors? Hospital? Emergency Service? Higher Levels of Healthcare? Peace of Mind when you need it?

The Ranch: Located just 35 miles Northwest of Sun City, My Fathers Retirement Ranch's location is prime to benefit from all the benefits of specialists and major medical services just minutes away, with emergency care located right in town. The Cowles Family and staff are highly concerned with the medical care of each resident, therefore, personal touch is given to each resident when a higher level of care is needed to ensure that everything possible has been done for the residents benefit.

6: Safety/Security?

•  Lighting? Crime Rates? Intercom? Licensing? Emergency Response System? Fire System? Staff Response?

The Ranch: My Fathers Retirement Ranch is fortunate to be situated in the heart of Wickenburg, which is a city chosen by many because of it low crime rates. However, we also make every effort with regard to safety and security, realizing how important this is. We have 24 hour staffing and emergency response system in each unity throughout the community. We also regularly inspected for fire safety measures. Furthermore, we are fully licensed by the State of Arizona Department of Health Services and are in full compliance with all of their regulations regarding safety.

7: Services Available?

•  Transportation? Laundry/Linen? Housekeeping? Shopping? Medication Assistance? Meals?

The Ranch: A complimentary Shuttle is available to all residents. We have complimentary laundry facilities and we also have full laundry and linen services on site. Housekeeping services are included in the rent. We offer medication supervision as well as a wide variety of other services on an as needed basis. Planned home cooked meals are also offered three meals per day/

8: Equipment/Amenities?

•  Exercise facilities? Clubhouse? Religious facilities? Kitchens in each 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 equipment to meet all area resident's skill levels. There is a clubhouse available to residents for special events. My Fathers Retirement Ranch caters to individual needs in respect to special equipment requirements. After consulting with the resident, family and doctor, we install all assistive devices deeded.

9: Visitors/Guests?

•  Visiting hours? Accommodations? Meals? Policies? Family Gathering? Are they welcome?

The Ranch: My Fathers Retirement Ranch encourages guests to visit by offering a model apartment for $10 per person. Guest meals are just $5 each. We also offer our clubhouse and dining rooms for birthday parties and special family gatherings when they are available.

10: Activities Available?

•  Planned Activities? Activity Director? Surrounding Community Activities? Common Lounges? Planned Trips?

The Ranch: Nestled just two blocks from downtown Wickenburg, we 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 newly opened 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 Activity Director to plan special trips, potlucks, bible studies, church services, bingo, and much more.