Planning for senior living can be an exciting time, you are considering making a change that can offer you more freedom, enhanced wellness, new independence, and for sure, lots and lots of new friends. That’s why you don’t waste a second—because the earlier you start, the better your chances of securing the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.
Don’t Wait to Start Planning for Senior Living
Financial advantages of early planning for retirement
If you start retirement planning early, and have a good understanding of what’s involved with paying for and moving to senior living, you’ll have more options when the time comes. And the more options you have, the easier it will be to develop a sound financial plan that works for you.
1. Funding a move to senior living.
Prices can be intimidating. Start by examining your financial tools and doing your homework about what other options for funding senior living are available to you. For example, it can be a good idea to meet early with your financial adviser and look over your assets, the equity of your home, insurance policies you may have, and so on. You may find you have more choices than you thought, such as long-term care insurance, a life settlement, or selling your home.
Getting an early start on a financial plan can remove some of the stress of planning for senior living and give you the confidence you need to proceed.
Related: Money Matters: 3 Tips for Paying for a Move to a Senior Living Community
Consider the actual move.
You’ll want to do some homework on moving assistance, whether you have chosen to make a move to senior living in your local area, or it will be a cross-country move. Starting early gives you the time to compare movers, determine if there are seasonal discounts, and find out how much help is included in their price. Not only will having this information reduce the overall stress involved, but it will also help propel your plans forward, so you don’t have any unexpected delays when it’s time to make the actual move to senior living.
Next, consider the type of senior living you have selected.
For example, if you choose a senior living life plan community, you have the peace of mind that should your needs change, you can transition to a higher level of care right there, without having to move to another community. Not only does that offer you peace of mind, but it also gives you predictable health care costs. So not only do you have the advantage of choosing among senior living apartments now, you know that exceptional accommodations also will be available in higher care levels if needed.
Related: Key Questions to Guide Your Senior Living Search
2. Today’s independent living apartments are exceptional. Here’s how to be sure you get the floor plan you prefer.
One of the main motivations for planning for senior living is thinking about how you will make your new residence feel like home. Most independent living apartments combine a touch of elegance with well-planned conveniences, from high-end finishes and smartly designed interiors to important safety features and abundant storage. Simply put, independent living apartments are in demand, and like anything that’s popular, they tend to go fast.
So, while you are immersed in retirement planning, be sure to have an idea of what you are looking for before you take a tour of a community—that way, when you see the floor plan that best matches your style, you can decide sooner rather than later.
Then get ready to enjoy your new home!
3. Location, location, location.
It’s true, location really is important any time you’re considering a move. Especially when it’s a move to senior living. First, you want to decide if you are interested in moving to a different climate, or maybe to an area where you can play a lot of golf or pickleball. Perhaps your children and grandchildren live in another state, and you’d like to look there. It might take some time to decide what is most important to you, so again, early planning is key.
Once you know where you want to be, location still matters—the location of your new residence. Depending upon the community, choices could include upstairs, ground level, overlooking a natural area, facing the direction of the morning sun, and so on. Make your choice as early as you can so you can secure the location of your choice.
Ideal senior living is within your grasp!
The earlier you start, the better the outcome. At Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®, we are here to help you select the perfect lifestyle to meet your needs and help you enjoy a life of comfort, joy, and peace. We’d love to tell you more. Download our free Funding Guide or contact us to learn more and to schedule your personalized tour.
