When coaching older adults, one common question I am asked is “How do I know if downsizing from my current home and moving is right for me?” Then, this question always seems to follow, “How do I choose the right retirement living solution?” The answers to both these questions are crucial to help you maintain your health and happiness in your older years. But how do you strategically consider these big decisions?
The grass is always greener
If you are constantly looking for something, it is easy to quickly fall for the old saying ‘The grass is always greener on the other side.’ If this saying was a proverb, it would say something like this, “other people’s lives always seem better than your own.” This mindset causes a constant search for better grass, feeling that once we find that better grass, THEN we will finally be fulfilled and happy. However, rarely is happiness the result.
Tending to your current grass
Moving is a big decision, so before you jump to find a new retirement community, first consider your existing grass, which is your current home. Does it support aging in place? Are hallways, doors, and bathrooms accessible if you or your spouse ever need a wheelchair? Do you have friends, neighbors, or family close by that can support you as you age at home? Consider your well-being and risks for failing health or mental decline, that could derail any plans to age in place. If you decide that aging in place is right for you, be sure to read my article on tips on how to age at home successfully.
However, if you are like many older adults and decide that now is the time to downsize to a retirement community, assisted living, or a smaller home that is easier to maintain, there are a few things to consider to ensure you will be happy in your new home.
Location, Location, Location
For older adults, location should be your first consideration. Do you need to be close to family or friends? What things are important to you, such as near water or mountains, big or small town living, or a four-season climate? For many weather is often an important factor. Everyone knows that Florida is a preferred state for retirement because of its year-round warm weather, but other factors like no income tax and that over 19% of the state’s population are over the age of 65 also make it a popular choice. But according to a report in 2021 by Census.gov, there are other four-season states that rival Florida’s older adult population, which also have more than a 19% population rate of adults over age 65. These beautiful states are Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Montana.
Retirement Villages
Across the US many retirees flock to retirement villages seeking their perfect new grass only to realize afterward that it may not be as it seemed. Or to use the grass is always greener analogy, they realize that every piece of the lawn as beautiful as it may appear from a distance may reveal insects or weeds and may require extraordinary care to keep it pristine. This makes us stop and ask the question, do we move to green grass knowing it will not perfectly fulfill our every dream?
If you decide moving is right for you, the following steps will help you further narrow down your search in your quest for the perfect new home.
Steps to finding a new place to live:
1. Try before you buy
We test drive cars, couches, and computers, and similarly, it is important to test drive any senior living facility, assisted living, or retirement community before you sign on the dotted line. Most people schedule a tour and after spending only a few minutes there, they are certain the place will be perfect for them. However, it takes more than just a scheduled appointment to understand what living there full-time will actually be like. If possible, visit the ones that stand out to you a few more times so you can get a better feel for them.
During your visit, imagine yourself actually living there. How will your life be enhanced? How will it be limited? What will you enjoy? What will you miss that you cannot do at the facility? These answers will play an important role in narrowing down facility options and with just this one step you should be able to erase some communities off your list.
2. Find reviews
Just like a new neighbor asking for a referral for a contractor, dentist, or physician, don’t forget to evaluate the reviews or opinions from residents, their families, and any professionals that may frequent the facility. Reviews can also be found online and opinions can come from simple face-to-face conversations when any opportunity arises during your visits to the facility. When we are forced to make quick decisions, we usually don’t make the best decisions, so take your time to consider what others are saying about the community, especially the healthcare professionals who visit the facility. I have found hospice nurses to be one of the best sources of knowledge, opinions, and referrals for senior living options because they travel often to many of the facilities you are investigating, so tap into their knowledge.
Finding new grass
After you have done your research and narrowed your list down to a few communities, go back and visit each facility that is still on your list one more time. During your visit, think about all the information you learned from your research and your personal responses to the questions in this article. This should help you in your decision to help you find the right retirement living for you!
Remember, finding happiness in a retirement home, senior community, or assisted living that fits your lifestyle requires planning and effort. In this article, we have only discussed a few of the main points that will help you in your decision.