Questions to Ask Before You Move

Article Submitted by Don M. Gorsuch, Vice President of Lifestyle and Sales, MacKenzie Place. He can be reached at 970-207-1939 or 720-280-4670.

What an exciting time. You're planning for the future. Are you excited? Or just not ready yet? Moving to a senior community can be stressful, but it can also be fun. My recommendation, take time to get organized.

1. What are you planning to do with your life? This is not only a question for the young. Are you looking to volunteer, get a college degree, get married, or travel? Where your journey ends is in a large part determined by how you begin.

2. What does your family think? Are you asking for support? Everyone is aligned around your having a life. Try to discuss this change. If you can't, give them this article.

3. Remember the old adage about curb appeal? Do you like the look of the community? Is this a desirable neighborhood, on your children's commute, or similar to places you like at home? Do you see people - are they smiling? Are the grounds and the building appealing? There is only one first impression. If yours is not a good one, it may not improve over time.

4. Congratulations! You walked through the front door. Did someone greet you? What did you hear? Did you like the people you met? Did you meet all kinds of people - staff, residents, family members, the General Manager? Did you get to ask anyone questions? Don't ask if they like it here - most people say they like where they live because they are polite.

5. Whew! Before you drive off, write down your first impressions on location, interesting people I met, and the "Fun" factor. Do not forget this vital step.

6. It's test time. When you got home did you want to:
a. Close the door and lock it behind you,
b. Call your Daughter in Law and say "I'm moving in".
c. Start sketching out a first floor remodel, or,
d. Confirm dinner with the interesting couple you met on your visit today.

There are no easy answers. Only you know the real questions about your life. Having something fun to do today, someone to enjoy, and being engaged and interested in life is your right. Being bored is not an option.