Called by a variety of names like the Priority List, the Wait List, or the Waiting List, this is a group one should seriously think about joining when the search for a retirement community begins to narrow down.

Joining the Priority List can be accomplished with an application and a deposit (ranging from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the community’s contract). Typically most the deposit will be refunded, if the applicant decides not to pursue it further.

The advantage to joining a list is to hold a place in line.  Many communities in the Baltimore area maintain very high occupancy and their wait lists are long. The sooner one joins the list, the better chance they have of getting the residence they prefer when the time is right. I’ve recently been working with a couple that found themselves in a hurry to move, but with limited options because they hadn’t gotten their names on the list of one of the communities they liked.

Often times, members of the list also have special privileges at the community, such as invitations to special events, monthly meal privileges in the dining room, overnight visits, or the opportunity to rent party facilities.

Joining the Priority List does not commit the applicant to moving to that community.  It just allows him to cast his net broader when he’s ready to make a move.

If there is any reason to believe that health status could change signficantly in the near future, we also recommend getting the medical screening as soon as possible, if a lifecare agreement is involved.  This typically means committing to one community and beginning the acceptance process, however waiting too long may disquality a person from entry into any Type A (or lifecare) continuing care retirement community.  Most medical approvals are good for a 6-12 month period, meaning the community will accept the resident regardless of changes in their medical situation if they move to the community within the approved time period.

Engage the services of Top-Drawer Resources to further discuss Priority Lists and much more.  For more information on our consulting services click here or contact us directly.

Copyright ©2012. Top-Drawer Resources, LLC

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