Is there a right time or a best time to move to a seniors’ residence or retirement community? Most retirement communities are geared to those 55 and up, but there is no magic age to indicate that it’s time to make a move. And the earlier you make the decision, the more options you will have.
Moving into a seniors’ residence is a big decision, but with so many choices available, the thought of moving can be overwhelming.
AGING IN PLACE OR AGING WITH CHOICE
Not long ago, the buzz words were “aging in place” emphasizing the option of staying put in your current home or only moving once from your home to a retirement community. As the needs of seniors change, however, this concept is being replaced with “aging with choice.” Now with a seemingly endless number of housing options available, deciding when it’s the best time to move is really up to you.
BE PROACTIVE
Start exploring the vast array of choices well in advance of your move so you can locate a place that meets your needs and wants.
How do you find the “perfect” fit? Start with knowing your budget, and then list the different services and amenities that are important to maintain your lifestyle. What about location? Size of the residence or community?
To narrow down your options, begin your search in this issue of INSPIRED on page 13 and visit online at www.inspiredseniorhousing.com. In addition, you may want to consider the following as you make your decision:
STAYING CLOSE TO YOUR OLD NEIGHBOURHOOD
After falling and breaking her hip, Brenda decided to move from her condo to a seniors’ residence in the same neighbourhood that she had lived in for 20 years. This made it possible for Brenda’s friends to visit frequently. Not everyone is fortunate to find the right housing so close to home but ensuring that your new place is on a bus route, has ample visitor parking and is close enough for you to visit your friends or vice versa will help you maintain contact.
MAINTAINING YOUR HEALTH
There are several health benefits to living in a retirement community. Numerous studies show that seniors who are social tend to live longer than those who isolate themselves.
If you enjoy socializing, retirement living provides lots of opportunities to make new friends.
“We had a lady who was vibrant and baked for people and enjoyed visiting with others. She moved in with her family for three months and has now returned to live in Dunwood once again,” says Roschelle Wilson, administrator at Dunwood Place. “The sense of community is huge, just being able to talk to someone every day and going for coffee or lunch together is important.”
YOUNGER SENIORS
People choose to downsize for a variety of reasons. One of the most common ones is that they get tired of the tasks associated with looking after their homes – they want to enjoy their retirement.
In thinking of when and where to move, younger seniors may be focusing more on lifestyle factors than health concerns. It’s for this reason that a growing number of senior residences are designed with younger seniors in mind. Salons, spas, yoga classes, wine tours, book clubs, cooking classes, seminars, hiking clubs, golf, swimming and gourmet dining are just a few amenities on offer.
CHANGING NEEDS
Seniors from the Boomer generation tend to be fiercely independent. Maintaining this independence can become a challenge as one ages, especially if there are health or mobility concerns. Living in a retirement community with variable options for changing care needs enables residents to maintain their independence while providing reassurance to loved ones.
IT’S YOUR CHOICE
Times have changed, people have changed, and when and where we live in retirement has certainly changed. Today, people have choices. Take the time to explore the ideal situation for you. Don’t wait until your options are limited. You can create your own retirement community or take advantage of one of the many retirement communities providing a range of lifestyle choices in a safe environment.
When the time is right, you’ll be well-informed to make the best choice for you!
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