Making a Move: How to Choose
If you decide it’s time to downsize and move, there are a lot of options. You can consider a smaller home, a condo, or a senior community. Choosing the right place to call home takes time and research. Retirement living options include 55+ communities for homeowners, independent living apartments, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. The differences between and among these types of communities can vary greatly. While there are often many commonalities, each will have unique features. As you learn about and tour communities, consider your current and future needs and preferences for living options, health, and finances.
Ideal Location - Often when seeking a place to live, it’s all about location, location, location. If you like the area you live in and are close to friends/family, you might start your search close to home. For others, this is an opportunity to move to a part of the country with more desirable weather or to be near family. Either way, choosing your preferred location can be the first step to narrowing down your options.
Costs and Finances - Your budget can help decide which community and apartment size will be the best fit. Some senior communities have an entrance fee along with a monthly fee for various services, in addition to the rent. Get a breakdown of what is included in the monthly costs to compare communities accurately. A financial advisor can help you determine your budget for your future living expenses.
Levels of Care - Some senior living communities offer solely one level of care. For example, a community might only have independent living apartments and another might only support memory care residents. Alternately, continuing-care retirement communities offer all levels of care. For some people, this can offer peace of mind that they won’t need to move again if they experience significant changes in their health.
Activities & Recreation - Many senior communities offer a variety of events and activities. Ask about what activities are available and how often they occur. Do they offer activities that are of interest to you? Can you bring friends and family to their events?
Meals and Dining - Do you still enjoy cooking? Or are you ready to hang up your apron? During your tour, review the dining menu and ask if you can stay for a meal. If you have any dietary restrictions, ask about their ability to accommodate your needs. If you are still active in the kitchen, seek out living options that offer more than a kitchenette to allow sufficient space to prepare meals.
Parking and Transportation - Does the community offer on-site transportation services to local stores and activities? If you are still driving, learn about the parking options for residents and the associated costs. Will you need more than one parking spot? Some communities offer undercover parking out of the elements, which can be important in northern climates.
Housekeeping & Laundry - One of the many benefits of a senior community is the freedom from home maintenance and repairs. Some communities offer basic house cleaning and laundry services included in the monthly fee. If you are doing laundry more than once a week, you may want to consider an option with in-unit laundry facilities.
Knowledge is Power - As with any decision, give yourself time to make thoughtful considerations about your options. Take the time to evaluate your situation and lifestyle needs and wants. Then, learn all about the communities in your desired area. And, most importantly, trust your instincts as you are touring a community.
Author: Kari Stremmel is a Team Leader for Smart Moves. She is married and has 2 young adult children. This past year, Kari helped move her mom into memory care and her dad into an independent living community.