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Magnolia North
Exclusive Advantages:

ililignolia by the Lakes

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The Premier European Senior Village

ANNOUNCING
THE OPENING OF MAGNOLIA NORTH... THE EASY LIFE
SEPTEMBER 2014
Luxury, Enhanced, Resort Living in a Quaint, Cozy and Convenient Setting

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The True Cost of Senior Living

By: Dr. Farideh R. Bagne

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For further information, call: (248) 681-7505

T

he true cost of living in a senior community is not always easily recognizable. Options, excluded services, administrative
charges and added fees can substantially increase the actual cost. My prior article, "Selecting a Senior Residence," addressed
factors to consider when choosing a senior community. This article discusses hidden expenses to watch for when comparing
the rents of various senior residents.

FEES & CHARGES:
Ask if any of these fees and charges are required
in addition to the monthly rent:
• Security deposit?
• Administrative charges?
• Entrance fee and refunds? Some facilities
require over a $500,000 entrance fee and
charge a 10% administrative fee.
• Utility charges (Gas, heat, electricity and
water)?
• Local and long distance calling charges?
• Charges for cable and Internet services in the
residence?

COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES AND AMENITIES:
Does the facility provide:
• Land-line, resort-style phone in residence?
• Linens and towels?
• Weekly linen and towel service?
• Paper products (toilet tissue and paper towel)
and replenishment of products?
• Weekly housekeeping?
• Daily trash removal from your personal
residence?
• How far does your complimentary transportation extend? (10-Mile radius or beyond)
• What is the meal package? (3 times a day, every day?)

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ICHIGAN

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MGNOLIA

CONCIERGE SERVICES:
What services and amenities are provided?
• Concierge services for personal activities (reservations, tickets and travel arrangements)?
• Credit for unused meals to be used for guests?

CONVENIENCE:
Is the facility truly set up for your convenience?
• How many emergency pull cords in each unit?
• On-site and easily accessible nurses station with 24/7 staffing?
• Trained and courteous staff available at all times?
• On-site doctor's office?
• Keyless swipe access card for the unit and exterior entrances? (Using a key to open doors may be difficult for those who use
assisted devices or suffer from arthritis.)
• A single Universal Campus Card for all purchases and services provided in the facility? (Cash and credit cards can become
misplaced, lost or stolen.)
• Does the facility provide its residents with a single monthly statement which identifies all in-house purchases and third- party
services, or are residents bombarded with multiple monthly statements with multiple due dates requiring writing multiple
checks?

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Easy access to dining, social
activities, club and exercise room
No security deposit
No entrance fee
No administrative charges
No gas, electricity or water charges
No long distance or local
telephone charges
No Internet or cable TV charges
Complimentary resort-style phone
in every unit
Nurses station with 24/7 staffing
Staff accessible by the push of a
button
Complimentary weekly linen &
towel replacement
Complimentary paper towel and
toilet tissues
Daily maid service/trash removal
Weekly housekeeping
Free transportation within 15-mile
radius
Concierge service on site
World-class gourmet indoor/
outdoor dining
Three meals daily
Complimentary juice, fruit and
sweet bars every day
Views of Cass Lake
Meal credits for residents' unused
meals
Keyless-entry swipe card for each
resident
Emergency pull cords
Single monthly statement for all
residents' purchases and services
Kitchenette
9' ceiling/extra large windows
Emergency call/backup system
24/7 on-site response/security
Indoor jetted pool
Full service beauty salon
Roof-top garden
Harbor walk enclosed street
Windmill of Holland
Barcelona Bistro
Gelato Italiano
La Belle Patisserie
Youth Activity Center
Irish Pub
Riviera Club + fireplace
Lounge + fireplace/saltwater
aquarium
Sienna Outdoors Garden
Private conference center +
Internet
Clinque de Paris
Sun terrace overlooking Cass Lake
On-Site medical center

Please remember that the hidden medical and psychological cost of frustration, annoyance and exasperation for a senior resident
could be immense and often irreversible.

July 10 • 2014

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