What To Consider When Deciding Whether or When To Move to Senior Living
Have you been thinking about moving to a retirement community? Or are you helping a loved one decide whether to make the move? If so, then you may be wondering about the best age to move into independent living.
The truth is there’s no optimal age for transitioning into a community created specifically to benefit older residents. Rather, the right time for moving to senior living depends on a set of circumstances that are unique for each person.
Having some basic knowledge about senior living communities can make it easier to narrow your focus and ultimately decide if, when and where you (or your loved one) should move.
A Quick Look at Different Types of Senior Communities
Active Adult, or 55+, Communities
In most cities, there are active adult communities that welcome residents who are at least 55 years of age. In these communities, you’ll find residents who are still fully involved in their career, as well as residents who’ve been retired for many years.
Independent Living Communities
Active adult communities and independent living communities are often similar, though some independent living communities may have an age threshold higher than 55.
Independent living benefits include convenience, security, peace of mind and a fulfilling lifestyle, as you’ll see momentarily.
How does independent living work? It’s simple, really. In some communities, you’ll pay an entrance fee when you move in, along with a monthly fee that covers expenses such as utilities, amenities, services and possibly meals. Other communities offer the option to rent your residence instead of paying an entrance fee.
Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities
Older adults who want to remain active, but would benefit from medication reminders or help with routine tasks, such as bathing, dressing and preparing meals, can receive this level of care in an assisted living community.
Those who are experiencing some cognitive issues or dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, have access to specialized programs and services in a memory care community.
Some communities offer both assisted living and memory support.
Life Plan Communities
Sometimes called Continuing Care Retirement Communities, or CCRCs, Life Plan Communities like Heritage Community of Kalamazoo provide access to advanced levels of care on-site. This makes it possible for independent living residents to remain in the community even if their health needs change over time.
In addition to assisted living and memory care, Life Plan Communities may offer skilled nursing and rehabilitation therapy, along with other types of care.
Choosing When To Move to Independent Living
How do you determine whether it’s the right time to start enjoying the benefits of independent living? Answering the following questions may help you decide.
- Are you tired of maintaining your house and yard?
If you’re taking care of a home that’s larger than you want or need, moving to a “rightsized” residence in an independent living community would free up time — and probably money, too — that you could put to better use in some other way.
Let someone else take care of the cleaning, maintenance, repairs, yard work and snow removal. You can devote your time and energy to more pleasant pursuits.
- Would you like to be more active socially and physically?
Has staying home become a habit? Do you feel isolated because friends and family no longer live close by? Independent living communities offer a full calendar of social, educational and wellness activities.Most independent living communities also have an on-site fitness facility with a variety of classes designed specifically for older adults. Instructors know how to adapt classes so residents with mobility issues can join in the fun!
- Has driving become more stressful?
Some seniors enjoy driving well into their retirement years, while others no longer feel safe behind the wheel due to changes in their eyesight, hearing, mobility and reaction time.Independent living communities typically provide transportation to nearby appointments, as well as scheduled transportation for shopping, dining and recreational activities. If you choose to keep your car, you’ll have the option to drive or be driven.
- Do you want to travel?
As a resident in an independent living community, you can lock your front door and go whenever you please. No need to have someone check on your home while you’re away — the security and housekeeping staff will take care of it for you. - Have meals become a challenge?
Cooking at home means grocery shopping, food prep and clean up. Mobility and dexterity issues can make it all more difficult.For many older adults, not having to cook is one of the most appealing benefits of independent living. Many communities have multiple dining venues ranging from coffee shops and bistros to cocktail lounges and elegant restaurants.
Independent living residences generally have fully equipped kitchens, giving you the choice of dining in or eating “out.”
- How safe do you feel in your home?
Knowing you’re protected by security staff and an emergency response system in an independent living community can give you immeasurable peace of mind. Resident safety is a priority. - Do you have a plan for future health needs?
Having priority access to additional levels of care is one of the strongest arguments in favor of moving to a Life Plan Community like Heritage.Move now so you can take full advantage of all the social activities, classes and services available to independent living residents. Then, down the road, if you need skilled nursing care or rehabilitation after an illness or surgery, you can receive it in your community.
If the time were to come when you would benefit from assisted living or memory support, you would only need to move to a different wing or building within the same community.
A person turning 65 years old today has approximately a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care in their remaining years, according to the S. Department of Health and Human Services. Planning ahead now will save you and your family from potentially having to make hasty arrangements during a medical emergency later on.
Interested in Independent Living at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo?
Although we touched on many excellent reasons for moving to senior living, spending time with us can give you a clearer picture of everything independent living offers.
Let us set up a visit for you. We’ll show you around our community, and you’ll have opportunities to talk with residents who’ve made some of the same decisions you’re contemplating
Call (269) 364-6560 or fill out our contact form and we’ll be in touch promptly.
