By Virginia McDaniel, MS
Pat Colonna, writer and a senior-housing resident, said, “Chronological age has little or nothing to do with making the decision to move to senior housing. It’s all about you.” She is absolutely right. Each individual needs to assess his/her own needs and resources before making a move. Preparing ahead is key to making the right move, at the right time, for the right reason.
Most people talk about “downsizing” once all the children leave home. When a couple become empty nesters is probably a good time to start learning about housing options available for persons 55 years and older. At one end of the housing spectrum are the upscale retirement communities that offer a very active lifestyle including lush golf courses, country clubs, and swimming pools. Each individual owns and maintains his/her home. The benefit is being around others of similar age and interest. Then there are retirement communities that offer services in addition to housing. The services make life a little easier as one gets older. The resident can still maintain an active lifestyle.
One retiree says, “I was sweeping acorns in my driveway for the 1,000th time and realized I don’t want to do this any more.” She happened to live close to a retirement community, and on the spur of the moment, she went to check out the community and get on the waiting list. Of course, there was more to her story. She had always planned to make her own decisions and not leave them to others or to become a burden for her children.
Another retiree told her story about becoming widowed and being alone really for the first time. That was reason enough for her to uproot from her community of many years, and move to a new state to be near her only daughter. In senior housing, individuals often find many warm, caring relationships to ease the pain of widowhood and to start a new social life. Moving close to grown children is one scenario retirement counselors hear about very often. When moving to be close to family, one needs to verify that the family member plans to stay put. One retiree reported that soon after moving to a retirement community, her son moved two hundred miles away due to a job promotion. She had acclimated well in the community and decided to remain.
You know it is time to move when home maintenance chores become a burden instead of a pleasure. You know it is time to move when driving is no longer safe. One may lose the ability to drive due to the slowing down of reflexes or due to vision problems. Many otherwise very healthy older adults move to retirement communities to have access to quality transportation because of loss of sight. Other health conditions may also make driving unsafe.
Another consideration is for a retiree to move when he/she is young enough to enjoy the social life available in senior housing settings. Many activities are planned throughout the day and evening at the retirement community and in the larger surrounding community. Residents go out to restaurants, plays, and other entertainment sites. Single individuals can feel very comfortable going with a group which is not always possible when living alone. On the other hand, there are those who prefer social isolation and they can expect their wishes to be left alone to be respected.
Moving to senior housing offers a convenient lifestyle. Well prepared, balanced meals are as close as the dining room. A resident with a good sense of humor said, “If I don’t have to cook it, or clean up afterwards, then the food is wonderful!” A retiree can enjoy having someone else to do the laundry, the housekeeping, and help plan a busy social calendar which could include having someone else drive them to Dallas to see the latest museum exhibit. There are even fewer checks to write. Convenience is an excellent reason for moving. But, for others, the necessity of having good meals available and transportation to doctor appointments is a must. Seniors may move to retirement living to relieve the son or daughter of worrying about mom and dad. All these are good reasons to make the move to senior housing where support services are available.
Lady of wisdom, Pat Colonna sums it up when she says, “Living at Good Samaritan-Denton Village is the most freedom I‘ve had in my life!”
For more information, Virginia McDaniel can be reached at 940-383-6347.
