People often spend a lot of time thinking about the ideal home they want to move into as soon as they retire, whether that’s in the mountains, on the beach, or in an active adult community. But what people sometimes spend less time considering is that the average person will move multiple times during their retirement. Along with moving to their first retirement home, many people will continue to move and downsize as they no longer care to go through the chores of maintaining a home. For many retirees living in an active adult community a natural next destination is to a senior living community. Independent senior living communities share many similarities to active adult communities, including world class amenities like gyms and swimming pools, gourmet dining prepared by professional chefs, and a full slate of social and cultural activities, making them a natural next destination for many seniors currently living in active adult communities. The transition to a senior living community can be particularly helpful because as seniors age and their needs change, they may find that it’s best to move to a senior living community that can provide the specialized care and support they require. 

If you or a senior loved one are currently living in an active adult community and are thinking about making the move to a senior living community, make sure to consider these 10 tips for seniors who are moving from an active adult community to a senior living community.

Research Senior Living Communities

Just like when you found your active adult community in the first place, it’s always a positive to start by doing research and getting organized. Before making the move, it’s important to research senior living communities in your area. Consider the level of care you require, your budget, and the amenities you desire. Look for communities that provide personalized care plans, a range of recreational activities, and access to quality healthcare facilities.

Tour Multiple Senior Living Communities

Once you have a list of potential senior living communities, schedule tours to visit each one. Take the time to explore the facilities and talk to staff and residents. Ask questions about the care provided, the cost, and the community’s policies and procedures. The staff at your current active adult community may be a great resource in finding senior living communities, particularly if your active adult community operator also owns or is affiliated with any senior living communities.

Plan Your Move Early

Like with most things in life, there’s no substitute for starting early and getting organized when looking for a senior living community. Moving can be a stressful experience, so it’s important to plan early. Making decisions on your own timeline, before you’re forced to make decisions by something like a senior loved one having a fall or other medical emergency, can lead to better outcomes and more relaxed conversations for your whole family.Start by creating a timeline for the move and making a checklist of tasks that need to be completed. This will help you stay organized and ensure that everything is completed in a timely manner.

Create a Floor Plan

Before moving, create a floor plan of your new residence. This will help you determine what furniture and belongings you can bring with you and where they will fit in your new space. This will also make the move-in process much smoother.

Downsize Your Belongings

When moving to a senior living community, you’ll likely need to downsize your belongings as you’ll be moving into a smaller living space than a full home. Start by decluttering your home and getting rid of items you no longer need. Consider hiring a professional organizer or estate sale company to help you with the process. One tip that can be helpful is to really think about your new space, and really ask yourself if your old furniture makes sense in your new home.

Get Help from Family and Friends

Moving can be physically demanding, especially for seniors. Enlist the help of family and friends to assist with packing and moving. This will not only make the process easier, but it will also provide an opportunity to spend time with loved ones before the move. While many seniors feel like it may be imposing on their family and friends to ask for help, many seniors’ family and friends would feel much more comfortable knowing they’re helping their senior loved one move. 

Consider Hiring Professional Movers

If you are unable to enlist the help of family and friends, consider hiring professional movers. Look for a company that specializes in senior moves and provides services such as packing, moving, and unpacking. This will make the move much easier and less stressful.

Stay Active and Social

Moving to a senior living community can be an adjustment, but it’s important to stay active and social. Participate in activities and events offered by the community, such as exercise classes, game nights, and outings. This will not only keep you active, but it will also help you make new friends and build a sense of community.

Stay Involved in the Decision-Making Process

Moving to a senior living community can be a big decision, so it’s important to stay involved in the decision-making process. Attend community meetings and provide feedback on the care and services provided. This will help ensure that your needs are being met and that you are happy with your new living arrangements.

Stay Positive and Open-Minded

Finally, it’s important to stay positive and open-minded throughout the moving process. While it may be a difficult transition, it’s important to remember that you are moving to a community that can provide the care and support you need as you age. Embrace the change and look forward to the new experiences and opportunities that await you.

Moving from an active adult community to a senior living community can be a difficult but necessary transition. By researching and touring potential communities, downsizing your belongings, planning early, enlisting help, creating a floor plan, staying active and social, staying involved in the decision-making you can make sure that you have as easy an experience as possible moving from an active adult community to a senior living community.

To learn more about how Sunbound can help make paying for senior living and senior care more affordable for you or your senior loved one, send us an email at info@sunboundhomes.com or request more information on Sunbound. Sunbound is the best way to pay for senior living and senior care, and we’re on a mission to make senior living and senior care more affordable for everyone.