For many older adults in North Carolina, the decision to move into retirement living can be difficult and overwhelmed with emotions. But, downsizing is a process that most of us will eventually have to go through at some point in our lives. If you are considering senior retirement living in Huntersville, NC, here are several tips we would like to share to help you make a smooth transition to retirement living.
Start the Conversation
Moving into a retirement community is a crucial lifestyle decision. Kickstart your journey by having an open and honest conversation with your loved ones. You will get to gain different perspectives on the move. This can help your loved ones to feel included and be a part of the whole process. Additionally, they are also able to provide useful insights that can help you make an informed decision.
Form a Team
A reliable support team is necessary to help provide the guidance and support you need to weather through the transition to retirement living. The support team should include family members, an estate planner, a financial advisor, as well as your very close friends who may have recently moved into a retirement community and have had some personal experiences to share.
Find an Ideal Time
Common signs that may be an indicator that you should consider retirement living can be when you start to notice a significant decline in your health. You start facing problem in managing your own daily living activities or find it difficult to keep up with basic medical needs. The longer you age in place on your own without immediate support or assistance, the worse your condition will get. At a retirement community, help is always available. You will receive assistance with toileting, bathing, feeding, grooming, dressing, and overall mobility as well as basic healthcare needs like medication management.
Do Some Research
Do not simply settle with the first retirement community that you come across in your neighborhood. Always perform some research on the Internet to find out if the retirement community does offer the level of care you need along with various senior living amenities that can help support your overall development. If you need transportation services, meal preparation assistance, and others, inquire about the services the retirement community offers. You may also ask close friends and relatives if any of them has had any experience with a particular retirement community that you are considering moving to.
Financial Advice
Reach out to a financial advisor or consultant who specializes in retirement planning. You can determine whether your current assets or income can help sustain the cost of senior living in the long run. You may also inquire about the many local or state financial assistance programs that can help offset the cost of assisted living to better manage your long-term care costs.
Schedule a Senior Living Tour
Many retirement communities welcome you to pay a visit to their property. You can take the time to explore the many facilities offered there and view the suites or apartment homes that they have.