Tips for Transitioning to Independent Living
It can sometimes be hard to imagine that you’ll ever have another living arrangement other than the one you have now. There can be comfort and security in familiarity. However, as you get older, you may realize that you require more support, socialization, and help than you used to. In that case, an Independent Living program can make sense.
As overwhelming as it can sometimes be to make the move into a senior living community, the following tips may make the process easier and less stressful:
Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Plan
Transitioning into a new living arrangement shouldn’t be a process you rush. There can be much to think about, such as your needs and where you want to live. Give yourself plenty of time to plan.
The more time you have, the less stressed you may be. You don’t have tight turnaround times for selling your house, touring potential new Independent Living communities, and downsizing your possessions. You can make these tough decisions at your leisure and on your own timeline.
Start Downsizing
While most highly-regarded senior living communities provide spacious apartments for their residents, that doesn’t mean they’ll be the same size as your current home. You may enjoy a far less stressful downsizing process if you prepare in advance, take your time, and be thorough.
This might involve organizing your possessions into four piles: keep, sell, donate or give away, and dispose of. Go room by room and be thorough with your organizing. It can also be worth considering what will bring comfort in a new apartment. If you need a helping hand with this process, ask friends and family if they would consider providing help. After all, many hands make light work.
Think About Where You Want to Live
Some people want to live in the same town or city they’ve lived in for several years. Their surroundings are familiar, and transitioning can often be far easier for many people. However, that’s not everyone’s experience.
Some people want to move to an idyllic retirement location, especially if it means they’re near their favorite hobbies like golfing and fishing. Keep this in mind when you start searching for an ideal Independent Living community. Consider what’s most important to you and which location will help you thrive in retirement.
Tour Multiple Communities
You might find the perfect Independent Living community on your first scheduled tour. Still, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting multiple. You may realize some have better or more desirable amenities and services than others.
When you start searching for a new community to call home, contact several and book tours. It also doesn’t hurt to prepare a list of questions so you can be as well-informed as possible before making your decision.
Ask for Help
You might have made the decision to move into an Independent Living community by yourself, but that doesn’t mean you have to make the move on your own. You can ask for help. You might call upon friends and family to help with downsizing and organizing your possessions. You might even enlist the services of a moving company to move and a realtor to sell your home. You can have a broader support network than you think.
Learn More About Asher Point Independent Living of Hoover Today
Transitioning into an Independent Living community can be overwhelming. We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a tour of Asher Point Independent Living of Hoover today. We can answer your questions, show you around, and help you make an informed decision about the next chapter of your life.
