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Senior Living Decisions: When to Leave Your Current Home
Even though the benefits are often undeniable, leaving the familiarity of a long-time home to move to a senior living community is a big step. However, it’s one filled with opportunities. So what’s the best way to navigate this critical transition?
Let’s get moving on finding an answer!
Both already in their late 70s, Elaine and Greg cherish independence. They’d lived in their home since she and George married, and had raised their children there, filling their home with laughter and love. But in more recent years, the stairs seemed steeper, and the garden was harder to maintain. Even getting out to see friends was becoming difficult since neither was comfortable driving at night.
Their children had hinted at it. “Mom and Dad, maybe it’s time to think about a home that’s a better fit now and in the years to come,” they’d say gently. But even thinking about it felt like a real crossroads and a life-changing decision.
This is a dilemma that so many seniors face. They want to maintain their independence but are also looking for a more secure and fulfilling lifestyle in retirement. If you’re working toward building your next phase of life with optimism and energy, here is some advice that might help:
Acknowledge Your Stage: Moving from one life phase to another is a significant change and you’re right to take it seriously. Allow yourself to feel emotions without judgment. Don’t minimize them or try to push them away. And at the same time, make sure your emotions don’t cloud your judment in making the decision that is gives you the best life possible.
Talk to Your Children: Open and honest communication with adult children is crucial. Share your decisions and your feelings. They love you and want what’s best for you. Be honest about your desires for the life you want to live in retirement and listen to their recommendations. They want what’s best for you.
Assess Your Needs: Think carefully about your current needs and what you anticipate needing in the future. Most people would prefer a senior living situation that allows for continuity of care, such as transitioning from independent to assisted living. As your needs change, the level of support and care you receive can change without moving to a different facility. Having the option to increase the level of support as you age means you can stay in the same home for many years.
Take A Tour: If you’re not sure what a luxury senior community is really like, see for yourself! Talk to the residents and staff. Get a feel for the atmosphere, amenities, and services offered. Consider factors like location, cost, and transportation availability.
Timing It Right: The best time to move to a retirement community is often well before you think it is. If you’re still relatively healthy and independent, you’ll have a much easier time adjusting to a new environment and getting involved in community life. Planning can prevent rushed decisions made under stress, giving you a sense of preparedness and control.
Creating a New Home: Moving doesn’t mean leaving all your memories behind. A move to a residence starts to feel like home before you know it. From your cherished photos to your familiar furniture, you can make a well-designed space your own. You’ll feel quite comfortable surrounded by the things you love.
Elaine and Greg decided it was time to close one chapter of their lives and begin a fulfilling new one. A new but exciting and enriching lifestyle filled with new possibilities, friendships, and adventures. It was time to embrace the future with all its potential. Just as important, they gave their children – and themselves – the peace of mind that they’d be active, engaged, and well taken care of. Their decision was a testament to their control over their lives and readiness to embrace their future.
Fast forward to now. Elaine and Greg are enjoying morning coffee on the patio of their bright, sunny Vicar’s Landing home, waiting for their grandchildren to come for a visit. Every day, they take an invigorating stroll around the beautifully manicured grounds and enjoy the fresh and and Florida sunshine. Elaine has already made many friends at the book club, discovered a hidden talent for watercolor painting, and even started taking yoga classes. Old friends visit often.
For this couple and so many other residents, Vicar’s Landing isn’t just a place to live; it is a premier senior living community, a place to feel safe, supported, and, most importantly, at home. There’s no doubt that when they were at the crossroads, they made the absolute best decision possible.
