How much should you include adult children in your decision to relocate?
There’s never a “right” time to switch careers, have a child or move, but change is an inevitable part of life. Aging is also an inevitable part of life though it doesn’t need to be met with fear. The more we embrace change, the easier it becomes. Retirement living doesn’t mean what it used to, and the decision to move to an active adult community should be exciting rather than dreaded. Having a support system helps make this transition smoother, but how much should we involve friends and family?
A Family Decision
Many proactive retirees opt for Life Plan Communities (also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRCs). Unburdening adult children and family members is a major factor that Life Plan Community residents cite as the reason for choosing retirement living. If the concern is alleviating stress on family members, it’s only fitting they should be included in the decision-making.
The choice to sell one’s home and “rightsize” to a retirement community can be overwhelming for adult children too. Sentimental attachments to homes rich with memories can be hard to leave. However, if one is able to have some say in the matter, the transition can be much easier for everyone. Adult children also want to rest assured knowing their parent is happy and well cared for.
Where to Begin
One big advantage of involving family members in your search for retirement living is the extra help with research and tours. Those looking to be closer to adult children will find comparison shopping easier with someone familiar with the area. Loneliness also is a significant concern for many older adults, and proximity to friends and family is part of the reason people choose to relocate.
The average retirement living shopper visits a community at least twice, sometimes more, and also tends to tour three or more communities. For some, it can take a few years to commit to a community, and that’s okay. It’s a big decision and shouldn’t be made lightly.
However, with the growing interest in Life Care, many communities have a waitlist. The waiting period can vary from community to community, but it’s wise to join a waitlist earlier than later so that you get the most from your investment.
Right Place at the Right Time
Something we consistently hear from those who have moved to an active adult retirement community is to do it while you’re still able to enjoy all the amenities. In addition to continued care (if or when you need it), retirement communities like Maplewood Park Place offer nearly as many fitness and cultural enrichment programs as a liberal arts college.
Group classes and activities are a great way to bond with neighbors and create connections with new friends. When family members visit, they also become part of the “neighborhood.” Having frequent visitors and getting assistance with the move-in process can help new owner residents with the social transition to community living.
At Maplewood Park Place, Your Family Is Our Family
We understand the decision to move is never easy, but we aim to make it as seamless for you as possible. Involving family members is a big part of how we do so. Regular communication is just one way we keep family included. When your family visits, we make sure they feel just as at home as you do.
One of the ways we make our friends and family feel welcomed is through our ambassador program. Our ambassadors are owner residents who help new members and their families acclimate to our community. Making new friends at Maplewood Park Place is a breeze.
Some of our family members have loved Maplewood Park Place so much that they become owner residents at some point in their lives. Legacy families are another way we foster a sense of community for generations to come.
Approaching the conversation of “rightsizing” with a parent or family member can be awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. Reactions can be surprising. One thing many of our owner residents agree on is that it’s better to be proactive than reactive. A negative association with retirement communities may exist because often people are forced to make the decision when their circumstances change. Family members who empower their loved ones to make the choice when they’re still able to take advantage of all the wonderful programming available at Maplewood Park Place will surely see them thrive in their new home.
If you or a loved one is considering making the move to a Life Care Community this year, we look forward to helping you. Call us today at 301-571-7441 to schedule your tour.
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