Even though more people are moving into Independent Living communities, it is still a life-changing transition that is both tough and scary. It is definitely an amazing experience for many with additional benefits like community events, superior amenities, and beautiful housing options.
If you’ve decided that independent living is the right choice for you, here are our top tips for making the transition as seamless as possible.
Choosing The Right Community
This is definitely the most important step. Aside from making sure that the retirement community is able to meet your physical needs, it is just as important you feel comfortable and at ease in the surroundings. When in doubt, make sure to follow your intuition in choosing the best fit for your long-term stay. After all, if you choose the wrong option, this might greatly affect your quality of life and even your well-being later on.
Certain things to take note of include:
Healthcare and medical options that meet your needs
A consistent offering of fun and interesting events for residents
Comprehensive amenities and facilities
Caring and conscientious staff
Good reviews from residents
One top consideration is definitely to have an in-person tour so that you can better understand what the community looks like and if it is really the right fit for you.
Prepare For The Moving
Just like moving into any other home, it is important that you start planning for your new space. In many cases, moving into an independent living space means downsizing into an apartment-style home. This means that it is important to work with the team members at the community to get the dimensions of your new home and map out how much storage and furniture you will have and what is required to make the space a home. Instead of simply packing up and deciding only when you’ve moved in, take the time to sit down and decide what you need to keep with you, what should be thrown away or recycled, and what you might want to leave with your family members.
Have Family Come Along
While the transition is hard, you do not have to go about it alone. It can be helpful to have family around for the first few days to help with unpacking and also to help ease the experience of settling into a new space by yourself. For some communities, it is also possible to have guests stay over or join in some of the community activities. For less sociable individuals, it might be easier to warm up to others and the retirement community by having family members or loved ones help break the ice. More importantly, it will highlight that moving into a retirement community does not mean that you lose the connections and relationships that you treasure.
Make the Most Of The Perks
One of the best parts of moving into an independent living option is the perks that come along like restaurant-style dining, housekeeping services, complimentary transport and the amazing programs, events, and activities. Make the effort to explore the community and try out different things. Staying active and getting involved means that you will soon start to form new bonds and find new interests that can make each day more fulfilling.
