Military Officer - December 2008 - (Page 26) rapidfire Retirement Living I Community Life Understand the payment arrangements. Family Matters Discover helpful resources for military spouses and children. Starting Oct. 1, families who do not live near a military installation still will have access to family programs and support services through a DoD initiative with the Armed Services YMCA. Eligible families and servicemembers nationwide will be able to join their local YMCA for free. The program will pay up to $70 a month; YMCA fees vary from location to location but average about $55 a month. Officials expect to provide the free memberships to more than 27,000 active duty servicemembers and their families under the $31 million, two-year contract. There are 2,686 YMCAs nationwide. The program also waives any initial fees for joining or for child care services at the YMCA. Those eligible can find a local YMCA at www.ymca.net. You must show a military ID card and a copy of deployment orders, if applicable, and fill out an eligibility verification form. ILLUSTRATION: CANDICE TAYLOR n retirement, a convenient alternative to hiring in-home care is assisted living, which offers the benefits of being in a community setting and having staff available to help around the clock. However, before choosing this option, it’s important to consider several key aspects of assisted living. Know the procedures for getting medical care. Find out what services and sys- tems are in place so you get adequate health care and access to emergency medical care. Compare different settings. You might find smaller residences that offer a room in a traditional home or larger residences that offer apartments with central dining and recreation areas. Which type of setting do you prefer, and does it meet your needs? Bigger doesn’t always mean better, and small does not necessarily mean you will receive more personalized care. The cost for an assisted-living community can vary dramatically. It’s important to understand what is included in the base rate and what charges are extra, such as transportation or housekeeping. Be sure to ask about billing, bed reservations, refunds, and payments. Ask for written materials, including copies of the resident agreement that covers services, prices, extra charges, admission and discharge criteria, and staffing and house rules. Make a successful transition. With any move, there always is a period of adjustment. Give yourself time to get acclimated, and try to get involved in your new community. Be sure to praise good work and show appreciation to the staff. Find out the procedures for sharing your concerns, and don’t be afraid to speak up. For more information, visit www.mature marketinstitute.com 26 MILITARY OFFICER DECEMBER 2008 http://www.maturemarketinstitute.com http://www.maturemarketinstitute.com http://www.ymca.net
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