WHAT’S ON OUR MIND

For many older adults the prospect of downsizing feels so daunting, especially if you live on a big piece or land or a farm or have numerous vehicles. However, in many ways the downsizing process isn’t altogether different regardless of the size of one’s home or property. At its core, the two major factors that must be contended with in the downsizing process are the mental obstacles and the emotional barriers, both of which cause people to feel overwhelmed. These are among the near-universally common hurdles that prospective residents of continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) must overcome to make their final decision to move to a community.

Making the decision to move into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) means considering a lot of financial options. Many CCRCs require payment of an entry fee. And it’s not uncommon for some communities to offer a refundable entry fee contract in addition to other options. What’s the best CCRC contract choice?

For those who are in the middle stages of retirement, usually beginning in the early-mid-70s, now is the time to plan for your later retirement years — while you are active and able. Delaying important decisions about tomorrow’s needs may leave you and your loved ones facing difficult, and often costly, situations in the future.One of the more important – and complex — decisions you need to consider is where you will live.

Although most people who live in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (also known as CCRC or Life Plan communities) report that they are happy with their decision, there are many who delay a move indefinitely because they feel they are not ready yet.Of course, moving to a CCRC like Topeka Presbyterian Manor is an important decision. It requires appropriate planning and should not be rushed. Yet, delaying the decision too long could mean missing the opportunity to take advantage of all the benefits a senior living community has to offer while your health is still good, and you can still live independently. We hear of a lot of personal reasons that make people not feel ready for senior living.

Local artists in Topeka Presbyterian Manor’s annual Art is Ageless® juried competition will be featured in the 2024 Art is Ageless calendar produced by PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®).