BackA New Lifestyle - My Way
Article submitted by Karen Moore, H.F.A., N.H.A., of Sunrise Senior Living.
For more information, she can be reached by e-mail: karen.moore@sunriseseniorliving.com.
Many mature adults face the life-changing decision to move from a single family home or apartment to Independent Living in a retirement community. It is difficult to leave a home of many years. However, pre-planning can avoid a situation before housekeeping and home maintenance responsibilities begin to impact negatively on life and lifestyle.
Too frequently older adults wait until a medical emergency occurs to make a decision. Options then become limited. Nearly all rental and "buy in" retirement communities require medical approval prior to acceptance of a new resident.
If you are considering a transition for yourself, your parent(s), friend, or loved one there are excellent reasons for choosing a retirement community.
- Mature adults gain new friends and live longer when residing in congregate housing. In many cases, community living creates a "new" family consisting of fellow residents, staff members, and children and friends of residents. Caring and concern are developed through these friendships.
- Socialization becomes easier because residents have shared similar lifetime events. They have many interests in common and due to proximity, interact with one another more frequently.
- Planned recreation and resources encourage participation in activities resident never had time for or never imagined doing. Great fun!
- Nutrition is a key factor in medical decline for mature adults. Retirement communities provide fine Dining, nutritious meals served by courteous staff persons in luxurious surroundings. Cuisine is planned to whet appetites and create an atmosphere of anticipation.
- Once the weighing responsibilities of housekeeping, cooking, landscaping, and maintaining a household is gone there is a true sense of freedom.
- The availability of transportation without the worry of automobile maintenance, insurance, parking and safety is one of the most important benefits of the new retirement community.
- Maintaining physical fitness and establishing a healthy lifestyle becomes easier and fun when others share the same goals. Exercise and wellness programs enhance life and physical well-being.
Once you have processed the many reasons for making a lifestyle change and you have decided to move to a retirement community, the reality of moving strikes. I call this an emotional wave. You will experience both high and low tide.
Our lifetime is spent finding the perfect home and filling it with family heirlooms, furniture, collections and other memorabilia. Avoid thinking about disposing of these treasures! Instead consider what a memorable gift your belongings would be to a child, grandchild or to someone in need. Retirement communities offer a choice of floor plans with varying square foot options. Perhaps a larger one would accommodate more of your treasures. Consider calling a personal relocation agency to help you through the move and to assist you in furniture placement. Such expertise can ensure the transition is smooth.
Quotes from residents who have moved to a retirement community may guide you and support your decision.
"I feel like I am on a cruise, but this is my home."
"I am having the more fun that I have had in a lifetime."
"My husbands best idea was to move to a retirement community."
"I didn't loose my independence, I gained a family."
"I am too busy to even think about my old life."
"My kids tell me to pamper myself so I get a facial and hairstyle every week without leaving my new home. I love it here!"
I sincerely hope you enjoy the lifestyle you deserve!