While it can be a difficult decision to decide to a senior living community, it’s a tough choice that can be made easier by accepting that you are simply doing your best to take good care of yourself and make positive changes in your life. Especially if you struggle with self-care in other areas of your life, such as housekeeping, bathing, or remembering medication, getting regular assistance could be the best possible way to care for yourself, even if you worry about becoming less independent. Look at all of the other things you have done to set yourself up well in retirement, and consider how a move to a senior home could fit into those plans.
If you are struggling with some aspects of day to day life that can be one sign you are ready for a retirement home. If you are feeling lonely or have trouble leaving the house to do the things you used to enjoy, that can also be a sign. No one wants to feel stuck because of mobility or memory issues, or because you get tired more quickly than you used to. Independent senior living and assisted living can get you the help managing daily life that you need. Choosing the right senior living community can also mean finding one that can age with you, providing increased levels of care as you need them.
You can also take a look at your finances and assets to see how a move to a senior community would fit into your plans. Many people assume that senior communities are a pricy last resort, when in fact they can consolidate costs, making it easier to manage finances and plan ahead. The all-inclusive nature of many retirement communities makes it easier to simplify and stick to your budget, and often doesn’t add a financial burden.
Talk to your financial adviser or accountant to see how you can adjust whatever plans you made earlier in retirement to accommodate a move to a retirement community. That may mean selling off assets like a house, car, or boat that you no longer need, changing up insurance arrangements, or adjusting where your investments are distributed. No matter how well you planned early in retirement, sometimes changes in health, the economy, or some other factor can mean it’s time to reevaluate your plan and make changes as necessary.
Finally, you’ll want to look at how moving to a senior care community can improve your quality of life. Envision yourself in that setting, enjoying regular activities and trips around town, making new friends, and having fewer daily stressors to worry about. Consider how it will affect your life to have regular medication reminders, nutritious meals, and a manageable apartment size. Making any big decision can feel intimidating, but you can make them more manageable by visualizing the benefits ahead and what problems you will overcome by making the leap to retirement community living.