Moving into senior living, and even starting a senior living search, is something people find easy to put off. But is this a good idea? No. The sooner you start your search, the easier it will be on you, your family, and your future health and happiness. In fact, the earlier you begin looking at and comparing Life Plan Communities, the more control you’ll have over your next living situation. Let’s consider some of the reasons why.
Why wait for freedom and security?
Once you’re out from under the burdens of homeownership and enjoying life in a retirement community, you’ll immediately have more time to devote to the things you love. You’ll no longer need to cook unless you want to. You can now enjoy exceptional dining services and healthy meals in the company of interesting, like-minded people. Senior living residents have broader social circles and the ability to forge meaningful friendships faster than if they were still living at home.
Living in the right retirement community means you’ll always have something meaningful to do, on campus and off. A Life Plan Community helps you stay fit through wellness programs and in-house fitness centers. You’ll have easy access to swimming, aerobics, yoga, weight training and exercise classes. Think how challenging it might be to participate in such activities if you continue to live at home as you age. Senior living communities also make it easier to engage in volunteering, attending cultural events, taking recreational daytrips, and leisure activities. Residents have more opportunities for intellectual engagement than they would in a home setting through on-campus guest speakers and educational offerings.
It’s possible to wait too long.
Senior living works best when you arrive early enough to establish yourself in your new home. You’ll build relationships, take advantage of all the services and amenities retirement communities offer, and become part of the community culture. You’ll get to know your neighbors, participate in interesting clubs, attend fun events, and become familiar with the community’s health center and caregivers. None of this is possible if you wait until there’s a crisis or emergency to begin planning. Something else to consider: The most desirable senior living communities generally have a waitlist for residency. It could take many months for an opening to emerge and even longer to secure just the right residence. It’s wise to familiarize yourself with the types and sizes of residences offered at your preferred community and to keep an eye on their availability.
Give yourself some breathing room.
Knowing when to explore your senior living options can mean having more time to make thoughtful decisions and downsize without feeling pressured to do so. Waiting too long might mean your family will have to make decisions on your behalf while you recover from a medical emergency or other crisis. It’s better to begin searching for your new home sooner rather than later so you can make your own choices.
Starting early lets you take your time to thoroughly research senior living options in your desired location and to explore the levels of care and assistance they offer that you might need in the future. Looking for senior living options early also lets you make better financial decisions. You’ll have the time to ask questions and get answers from professional advisors. You’ll be able to attend meals and activities at the communities you’re considering, and get comfortable with each community’s culture.
Reading the brochure isn’t enough.
Deciding where to spend the next chapter of your life isn’t a decision to be made overnight. Variables to consider include proximity to loved ones, amenities and services offered, variety of dining, social programming, access to care services, and other factors. Maybe the most important variable is how you feel when you visit each community. This takes time and reflection to gain the most benefit.
Hopefully, you can see that starting your senior living search before you need care services is a good idea. At the root of the timing question may be the misconception that all senior living communities are nursing homes. That’s not accurate, although at a continuing care retirement community, also known as a Life Plan Community, you’ll find a full continuum of senior care ready for you if you need it at some point in the future. But to qualify for Independent Living, you’ll be asked to demonstrate that you’re able to live independently. If you wait too long, you could miss the chance to enjoy Independent Living completely.
Start your search at Friendship Village.
Friendship Village Senior Living is an excellent choice to begin your exploration of senior living. You might find this information particularly interesting. Scheduling an on-site tour will give you the opportunity to see everything we offer, chat with residents, ask questions, and get an authentic feel for what life would be like living here. You’ll learn all about our health services as well. Contact us anytime to arrange your personal tour.