"I’m not ready yet." How to know if it’s the right time for senior living
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. Here are a few of the most common:
“I don’t want to leave my home.”
Leaving the home where you have lived for years, if not decades, is not easy. Your own home is a familiar environment and the memories you have built there will forever be cherished. But, these are not necessarily the best reasons to stay in your home. Over time, the idea of staying in the home often proves to be easier in theory than in practice for many older adults and their family members. Sometimes staying in the home means delaying a move later to an assisted living facility or nursing home, at a time when moving to an unfamiliar environment is even more challenging physically and emotionally.
“I’m still independent.”
Because continuing care retirement communities include assisted living and healthcare services on-site, there is a common misperception that they are long-term care facilities. However, many CCRC residents live independently. They lead independent and active lifestyles for many years before ever requiring assisted living or long-term care services. Yet, they also recognize that things can change unexpectedly. They want a plan in place and do not want to be a burden on their children whenever that day comes.
“I do not want to deal with the hassles of moving.”
Moving and decluttering isn’t easy at any age, but it will only become more difficult as you get older. If this is the main reason for your delay, then it is better to make the move now rather than later. The process of decluttering can even be a special time to share with adult children or other family members as you dust off old family keepsakes together. Some retirement communities may even include moving and decluttering services as an added incentive to help make your move easier.
“I am not yet comfortable with the decision financially.”
There are many resources available to help you determine whether a continuing care retirement community is a viable financial choice for you. A financial planner who is well-versed in CCRC contracts should also be able to help. Finally, many CCRCs utilize software that helps them determine if your assets and income are adequate to cover your projected lifetime cost and they will usually share the results with you.
If you are considering a CCRC like Topeka Presbyterian Manor but feel that you are not quite ready to make the move, then it could be helpful to think about what “not ready” means for you. Look into what may be the best time to move into independent senior living and try to identify and address your reasons sooner rather than later. Both will help assure that you keep your options open and could spur important conversations about what is ultimately best for your long-term situation.
The above article was written by Brad Breeding of myLifeSite and is legally licensed for use.
