Big decisions require careful thought and consideration. Luckily, if you’re considering a move to a Life Plan Community like Santa Marta, this helpful move-in guide provides insight into what to expect and offers tips and suggestions for finding the best community for your lifestyle. We’ll look at the different types of communities (and their contracts), share key questions to ask on your tour, provide downsizing tips, and highlight things to consider when making the move.
What is a Life Plan Community?
Both the terms “Continuing Care Retirement Community” (CCRC) and “Life Plan Community” refer to senior living communities that offer an active, independent lifestyle along with a range of health services that allow you to age in place. The main difference lies in the type of contract and what it covers. Here are some common types of Life Plan Community contracts:
- Type A, or Life Care: Santa Marta offers a Life Care contract. With this type, residents pay a one-time entry fee plus monthly fees while in independent living. Should you ever need higher levels of care — assisted living, memory support, or skilled nursing — you’ll have guaranteed, unlimited access without an increase in your monthly fee (apart from inflation or ancillary expenses). While monthly fees are generally higher, a Type A contract provides protection against unpredictable long-term health care costs.
- Type B, Modified CCRC: This type includes an entry fee that covers a portion of future health care, but not an unlimited amount. Care is typically provided at a discounted rate for a limited number of days, with additional care billed at market rates or a modest discount.
- Type C, Fee-for-Service: Residents pay a one-time entry fee and ongoing monthly fees. While these fees are usually lower than those at comparable Type A or B communities, you’ll pay market rates for higher levels of care, if ever needed.
What is a “Continuum of Care”?
Life Plan Communities offer a continuum of care, which means access to multiple levels of support on one campus. Santa Marta provides a full continuum of on-site care, including:
- Independent Living: Pursue your interests and lead an active, maintenance-free lifestyle without the responsibilities of homeownership.
- Assisted Living: Receive personalized help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, dining, and medication management.
- Memory Support: Designed to enhance residents’ quality of life in a safe, supportive environment. Look for a high staff-to-resident ratio and ask whether suites are private or semi-private.
- Skilled Nursing: Around-the-clock care provided by licensed professionals under the supervision of a medical director.
- Short-Term Rehabilitation: For recovery after surgery, injury, or hospitalization, including skilled nursing care and physical, speech, and occupational therapy.
Questions to Ask As You Tour
Here’s what to ask about and look for when visiting a community. Consider taking a friend along to get their perspective.
- What’s the cost of living, including the monthly service fee and the annual rate increase percentage?
- What are the costs for long-term health care?
- Are move-in resources offered (such as help with planning, selling your home, moving in, etc.)
- How do the residents and staff interact with each other?
- How’s the dining? (Consider your choices and how tasty it is, plus details about the dining plan.)
- What’s the community’s reputation and financial condition?
- Are pets allowed?
- Do you have transportation and concierge services?
- What are their quality approvals, 5-star ratings, and industry awards/recognition?
Making the Senior Living Transition
Every move comes with many moving parts. To help you stay organized, here are some downsizing tips and a downsizing checklist.
- Get organized: When sorting through your belongings, keep only what brings you joy or serves a real purpose. Create a list for each room and sort items into three categories: Keep, give away, and decide later. (Note: Everything in this category should eventually move to one of the other two.)
- Be ruthless: Keep only what you use or what holds significant sentimental value.
- Pass it on: If friends or family have admired certain items, why not give them now? You’ll enjoy seeing them appreciated.
- Keep it homey: Hold on to possessions that make your space feel uniquely yours — art, heirlooms, and meaningful mementos.
- Simplify the kitchen: At a community like Santa Marta, you’ll enjoy chef-prepared meals, so keep only the essentials.
- Lighten your library: Keep your favorites and share the rest by donating or selling them.
- Refresh your linens: Discard any worn or mismatched items — a move is the perfect excuse for a fresh start.
- Clean out closets: If you haven’t worn something in a year, it’s time to let it go.
Moving Checklist
Once you’ve decided to move, here are key steps to take:
- Schedule utility disconnects.
- Gather valuables and important documents (jewelry, financial records, insurance policies, medical files, legal documents) and store them securely.
- Pack a suitcase for the first week, including medications.
- Ask a neighbor to collect any stray mail.
- Pack seldom-used belongings and valuables you’ll move yourself.
Remember to submit change-of-address notifications including:
Financial Institutions
- Credit reporting systems
- Banks
- Investment broker
- Insurance companies
- Lenders
Government
- Department of Revenue (IRS)
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Business license office (for small or home businesses)
- S. Post Office
Memberships
- Professional associations
- Publications, subscriptions
- Civic organizations
- House of worship
- Health club
- Social or country clubs
Service Providers
- Accountant
- Attorney
- Cleaning service
- Lawn care/landscaper
- Physicians
- Veterinarian
Now The Fun Begins
Once the boxes are unpacked and you’ve settled into the rhythm of community life, you’ll quickly understand why Santa Marta residents often say, “I wish I’d moved sooner.”
To learn more about why residents and their families love our boutique community with a big heart, contact one of our senior living counselors today.
