Contemplating a move to senior living? Wondering if now is the right time? Here are 3 reasons why you should act now—and why waiting could keep you from the retirement lifestyle of your dreams as well as the benefits of a continuum of care.
Planning Ahead for a Move to Senior Living
Once you have an idea of the type of retirement you want, you don’t want to miss out on securing it. For example, you might be ready for a carefree, secure lifestyle in a senior living community that has the amenities, services, and atmosphere that fits your preferences. You like the activities. The delicious dining. The floor plans. The friendly, welcoming people. And you have learned what is the continuum of care—a secure plan for the future.
But you’re still thinking: I’m not sure I’m ready yet. Should I wait to make a move to senior living?
The answer is no, you should not wait—not if you want to be sure you get what you want.
Related: Planning Your Retirement Long-Term With a CCRC
3 Reasons Not to Wait for the “Yet” to Move to Senior Living
1. Care
Life is full of uncertainty, which everyone over the age of 55 knows all too well. Try as we might, it’s very difficult to predict how aging will affect any of us. Some will remain in good health; but the majority of people over 55 require some form of assistance as time goes by. It could be a helping hand with daily activities, such as what you would receive in assisted living. Or cognitive decline that calls for the specialized care and attention that comes with memory care. Still others may develop a chronic disease or condition that requires the 24/7 supervision of medical professionals in skilled nursing.
It’s a lot to think about, which is why so many older adults put a plan in place for their future: a plan that involves a move to senior living with several levels of care. This is known as a continuum of care.
What is the continuum of care and why does it matter?
A move to senior living that offers a continuum of care means you will have access to multiple levels of care as needed. This can include independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services. So, as your needs change, you have the reassurance that the care you need will be available to you. No need to move elsewhere.
However, if you wait too long to move to senior living, you could miss out on this convenience.
A sudden change in health or mobility could result in having to decide quickly, without the opportunity to thoroughly research your options or feel comfortable about your choice. In addition, the senior living community you would prefer might not have availability at the level of care you require.
The result can be increased stress, a difficult transition, and greater anxiety both for you and your family. You may not feel as confident about your care team simply because you are not familiar with them, nor are you as comfortable in your surroundings as you would be had you already been a resident of the community.
Related: The Value of the “CC” in CCRC
2. Housing
Yogi Berra once said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll wind up someplace else.” There’s a lot of wisdom to that when it comes to securing the retirement lifestyle you want.
If you wait too long, you might not have as much choice when it comes to the specific apartment floor plan that appeals to you. Instead, you might have to go on waiting list. Or, if needs are urgent, move into another residence which might not offer all the amenities, services, location, or quality care you hoped for.
When you consider that this will be your new home, one that can open the door to a lifestyle filled with relaxation, wellness, opportunities, and companionship, wouldn’t you prefer not to risk waiting too long and not fulfilling your retirement dream?
3. Overall quality of life
Many times, older adults think they’re not ready for a move to senior living. That’s understandable, until you examine what might be behind this belief. Worries of losing independence. Not being in control. A fear of boredom or loneliness. Wondering if they will age faster and lose interest in things.
While those worries can be upsetting, the reality most often is actually the opposite. Staying at home too long can mean being cut off from friends, family and neighbors, not being able to get out and engage in activities and events, lonely times with not much to do…. the list goes on.
Now consider what not waiting to make a move to senior living can mean
New friends around every corner. Nutritious and delicious dining in a lovely setting with friendly companions. Stimulating and fun activities, events, celebrations, programs, lectures, games, special outings, volunteering opportunities, family gatherings, hobbies, and so much more.
Make a move to senior living now, once you have made your decision, and start enjoying this enhanced quality of life without delay, while you can still enjoy every bit of it.
Related: Is Senior Living The Right Choice for Me?
Choosing St. Mark Village gives you access to a full continuum of care: independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and in-patient rehabilitation. Seamless access to future care options. So, no matter where you reside in our community, you benefit from the support, focus on total wellness, and strong social network that can lead to increased longevity.
