The world is a new and interesting place for older Americans, and retirement options are greater than ever before. Rather than opting to age in place, many individuals are moving to vibrant senior living communities where they can enjoy countless services and amenities. These communities afford the freedom to make new friends, travel, socialize and pursue new interests.
However, deciding when to transition to a senior living community can be challenging. While some adults wait until a major life event occurs, like a spouse passing away or an illness diagnosis, to leave their old house behind, others embrace the idea of senior living even before they are fully retired.
10 Signs You Should Move to a Senior Living Community
Of course, there is no “right time” to make this transition. Though, some signs you should consider making the move sooner rather than later include:
- Family and friends have already moved on: when kids and grandkids move away, and a once-cozy home seems large and empty, it is the right time to reconsider lifestyle options. Also, when close friends relocate to resort-style retirement communities, why not do the same?
- You’re ready to give up home upkeep and yard work: there’s no question that routine maintenance and repairs take time, effort and money. The decision to move into a senior living community frees you from those concerns. Trade the chores for more time to devote to things you love doing like birdwatching or woodworking.
- You crave spontaneity and creativity in your life: senior living means there are always interesting things to do with newfound friends. Participate in local cultural events, volunteer your time, take a cooking class, join a book club or explore restaurants, galleries, museums and historical sites. Make time for yourself.
- The housing market is strong: home prices are up in most areas of the country and interest rates remain low. Now may be the best time to take advantage of a strong real estate market and put your equity to work.
- You are ready to be pampered: if, like most older adults, you have worked hard to achieve your goals in life, now may be the time to “play” a little. A senior living community affords a worry-free lifestyle. Staff will handle housekeeping, laundry, yard work and cooking, leaving you with ample time to pursue what intrigues you.
- You are struggling to manage the day-to-day: you may notice tasks that were once easy to manage are becoming a burden: appointments are being missed, bill payments are forgotten and overall quality of life is on the decline. When these things begin to happen, it is time to seek help. Many senior living communities provide comprehensive solutions, including transportation to appointments and shopping, housekeeping and linen services, and assistance with personal hygiene and grooming.
- Difficulty preparing meals: cooking can be time-consuming, especially for older adults. When you notice a marked change in your ability to prepare or cook meals, a change of scenery may be needed. Fortunately, senior living communities provide nutritious, chef-prepared meals daily for residents.
- Medication mishaps: prescription labels with small printing and hard-to-open lids can be problematic and even life-threatening for older adults. If you notice that you are needing more assistance managing your medications, a senior living community might be the next best move.
- You are seeking more social interaction: older adults are at risk of feeling isolated or lonely, especially when a spouse passes away or when family members move. Senior living communities can help by providing many opportunities for residents to engage with one another.
- You want to be happier and healthier: with the loneliness of aging in place often comes depression and anxiety. Fortunately, senior living communities are designed to help residents remain as active as possible for as long as possible. Rather than sitting inside your home, you can go for a walk with your neighbor, discuss a book with friends or catch a movie with family members. You will be surprised by how busy you will stay.
In Summary
It can be challenging to determine the best time to transition to senior living. However, there are some tell-tale signs that sooner may be better than later. If you are seeking more social interaction or struggling to manage your medications, moving to a senior living community could improve your life for the better. If you are considering a senior living community, please take our five minute quiz to learn more about care levels and available options.
