Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.
Issue link: https://wellesleywestonmagazine.epubxp.com/i/359840
You may want to have an elder law attorney look over the contract to help compare the con- tinuing care facilities. And the facilities themselves will analyze your finances to make sure that, besides meeting the upfront costs, you'll be able to manage the monthly fees. A must do step before choosing a retirement home or community is visiting it. You will want to observe how the staff and residents interact with each other, taste the food, sample the activi- ties, and check out how well the grounds and facilities are maintained. Seek out opportunities to chat informally with residents and their families. Get a sense of the personality of the place. Is it too formal or informal? Welcoming or somewhat clique-ish? Too sophisticated or not sophisti- cated enough? Again, there are no rights or wrongs here. You're making decisions about the people with whom you may well be spending the rest of your life. This year the Wellesley Council on Aging began arranging tours of various senior communi- ties in the region, from independent living to nursing homes. Each month, a different facility sends a bus over to Wellesley. Typically, the visit includes a tour, lunch, and a concert or other resident activity. "It's turning out to be quite a popular offering; we're running a waiting list on most of the tours," says Linda Clifford, a licensed social worker who fields questions about services and housing options for the council. Register in advance for the tours, which are listed in the council's newsletter. * * * While the options for the affluent have expanded, they have narrowed for those with limited means – especially if they want to remain in their hometowns. Some long-time Wellesley and Weston residents may be house rich, but income poor. All that equity can be quickly gobbled up by rent and monthly fees, especially in assisted living and nursing homes. To qualify for public housing or rent sub- sidies, you must meet certain income stan- dards. Even if your retirement income is as high as $50,000, you may qualify. Wellesley Housing Authority has 145 units for seniors in four complexes. Priority goes to town resi- dents, but anyone can apply. Even if you're just thinking about moving, sign up on the wait list; openings may take six months or much longer, depending on your preferences. Subsidized housing is available through various private and nonprofit organiza- tions. Glen Grove in Wellesley has 125 units, but the wait is two to five years. The Regional Housing Service Organization of Massachusetts serves as a clearinghouse for affordable housing in Weston, Acton, Bedford, Concord, Lexington, and Sudbury. As a result of the state's affordable housing law, luxury complexes like Waterstone have below-mar- 120 W e l l e s l e y W e s t o n M a g a z i n e | f a l l 2 0 1 4 Retirement Living