So, you are thinking of moving to a retirement residence! This can be an exciting time, and with careful planning, it can be an easy transition.
BC offers so many options, from condos with amenities when you want, to mini apartments offering common areas and large formal dining rooms, to smaller boutique places outside urban areas. No more lawn to mow, no weekly trips to the grocery store, and no snow to shovel!
Jane Bryce, manager of The Wexford in Tsawwassen says, “Moving, at any age, can be difficult. It is important for seniors to make this move while you have the choice and are able to enjoy the lifestyle and amenities.”
If COVID-19 taught us anything, it was how important it is to not get isolated. You enjoy living in your own home now but may soon need daily support. Moving when you are mobile and can consider where you may like to live is the best option.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
-C.S. Lewis
Research shows people who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer and have a greater sense of purpose. Those who stay active and have a good social network tend to be happier overall.
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
Are you moving away from your current city or neighbourhood? How will you keep in touch with friends? Are you moving to be closer to family?
Set up a regular schedule with family, so you can allow time to meet other residents in your new community and make new friends.
If you move to a location with several retirement residences in one central area like White Rock or Sidney, you can be close to friends who live in another. If not centrally located, does the residence offer trips to local shopping areas, or to downtown on a regular basis?
Are you close to your primary physician? Can you get there easily? Retirement communities will have nursing staff, but you still need to keep or obtain a family doctor who you can easily access.
Consider future needs. Will you need a place on one level? If you use a walker, are the suites spacious enough for you to move around safely and manage on your own?
If you need more care, while your spouse can still live on their own, be sure to find a place that can transition you within the same building or complex.
Bria Communities, with locations in both Tsawwassen and Langley, has sister buildings offering Independent Living only in one and both Independent Living and Long-Term Care in the other. This makes it easy for residents to transition into long-term care, if needed.
Be sure to talk to the staff when you are looking at residences. Stay for the meal. Ask the cleaning or service staff how they like working there. If staff are happy, you will know you are in a good place. Everyone plays a part in the welcoming of a new resident.
“To truly meet the needs of our community, we must be open, positive and helpful towards each other,” says Christie Hansen of Harrison Pointe and Harrison Landing in Langley. “That we may ‘age in place’ is surely the ideal that we hope for in retirement, and we believe that this is possible for residents.”
A good recreational team will help you connect with other residents who like to do similar activities. If you enjoy swimming now, be sure to find a place with a pool. If you like to visit the salon once a week, make sure there is a good hairdresser onsite with availability for new residents. If you like gardening, is there an area for residents to get their hands in the dirt or a gardening club? Perhaps you can have a small container garden on your patio or balcony.
Referrals from friends or neighbours who have made the move are great but be sure to ask your adult children how they see your new location fitting into how they can support you when you need them.
Whatever you decide, make sure you get a sense of “being in the right place” before signing a lease.
And look forward to your new freedom!
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