Is it Time Yet?

While there isn’t one right time to move into an independent living community, there is one thing that most people can agree upon: It’s best to make the transition while you’re young enough and active enough to enjoy the comfort and freedom that you’ll experience.  Moving to a community earlier, rather than later, gives your family peace of mind, knowing that you’ll be safe and secure during your retirement years.

Great Expectations

What can you expect when you move into an independent living community? Everything you currently are used to doing and a whole lot more.  Visit friends and family, go shopping, host get-togethers and dine out when you like.  Relax in the comfortable and new surroundings free from cooking, snow shoveling, and maintaining the lawn and the costly upkeep and repairs of a home.  In fact, with all the free time you’ll have you just might be able to read that new book you’ve heard so much about!

Decisions, Decisions

A good way to start your decision making process is by scheduling tours at facilities you are interested in.  It’s a great way to find out what a place looks and feels like, both inside and out.  If you can, talk to some of the other residents at the facility to find out what their experiences have been like since moving in. 

Another helpful tip is to make a list of questions prior to your arrival so you don’t forget to ask something important.  The more information you have, the easier it will be for you to evaluate your options. 

It’s also a good idea to take someone along with you on your tour.  A spouse, friend, or family member can be a second set of eyes and ears and may see things you missed or ask a question you did not think about.  When making a decision, be sure to compare financial information about all of your options, taking not of any extra costs or up-front fees that are not included in the price structure. 

This article was submitted by UPMC. UPMC Senior Communities offer independent, assisted living and skilled nursing. For more information about UPMC visit www.UPMCSeniorCommunities.com