How do you know when you’ve found the right retirement community to call your forever home? There are many factors to look at and important guidelines that will clearly help you make the right decision. Finding a suitable independent, assisted living or memory care facility is incredibly important to you and your loved ones. The decision should not be taken lightly or without some research and planning. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the right senior living solution.

1. How do you feel when you walk into the retirement community? If you feel comfortable right off the bat, that’s a good sign. Are you greeted with a warm smile from someone who works there? Take your initial instincts into consideration. The way the facility looks and feels should be an excellent indication of how you will feel while you are living there.
2. How much does it cost? This one should probably go without saying, but price can become a serious concern for many people who forget to add in all of the monthly expenses. Be sure to ask the property representative about water, gas, rent, parking and any other fees the tenant is responsible for. Double check that the final amount works with your budget.
3. Does the property offer community events? Make a note as to how often the property celebrates holidays as a group, takes trips to the grocery store and other events that could help you feel welcomed and entertained. The community should be a happy place to live! Ask the property to see their events calendar or where you can locate one online.
4. Are you allowed to have furry friend? Your pet is part of the family. Always remember to ask about the full pet policy before you sign on the dotted line. There are many questions to ask when researching your next home, don’t let this be the one you forget.
5. Find out what happens if your needs change and you need increased care. You might start out in an independent care facility, but find that after a few years you need more assistance. Talk to the community manager or employee about what they might do in a situation like this. Does the community offer increased care and would the transition to increased care go smoothly?

There are many questions to ask yourself and a community when looking for the right retirement, assisted living or memory care facility. Remember that no question is a bad one. Take a tour and get to know the people and location. Ask questions, research the community online, read reviews and call with any questions before making your final choice.

Works cited: Ridgewood Senior Living October 27, 2016

YAKIMA Wash. -- People, businesses and organizations all around the city of Yakima are spreading red sand on sidewalk cracks to help bring awareness to human trafficking.
Barbara Ziegler was a victim of human trafficking at a young age.
After she was able to escape, she became an advocate here in Yakima where she has dedicated her time to bring awareness to human trafficking.
“From kindergarten up I was underneath the radar of everybody and I think people knew something was wrong but they didn’t know what to do so I want to make sure people know that it’s there, that it's real and give them a call to action," said Ziegler.
Ziegler along with the Peach Tree Retirement Center brought a movement to Yakima that started in New York called the Red Sand Project.
Part of this project is to fill in cracks on the sidewalks with red sand to help bring awareness to people that are at risk of being trafficked.
“The red sand helps us remember those who fall through the metaphorical cracks. It’s the overlooked population such as refugees, immigrants, girls and boys who have vulnerabilities that could put them at risk of being trafficked," said Ziegler.
This is a five-step project and right now they are in step two where they are creating Call to Action Videos with organizations, businesses and even the Yakima Police Department.
Member at the Peach Tree Retirement Center Gale Rescorla says she supports Ziegler and this project because it is the right thing to do.
“The Red Sand Project is near and dear to many of us at Peach Tree because we know what Barbara went through throughout her earlier years and it’s just an important project to be a part of," said Rescorla.
Ziegler says she wants more people to get involved and be a part of the project so she’s inviting everyone to participate September 16.
Anyone can just head over to Peach Tree Retirement Center pick up one of these bags that has red sand in it and all they have to do is open it up find a sidewalk crack and fill it in.
Everyone participating is encouraged to take pictures spreading the sand and post it on their social media platform using the hashtag YakimaRedSandProject.
Now if you suspect of anything related to human trafficking you can call the national hotline number for human trafficking or contact our local police department.