When to Move to a Senior Living Community

Many seniors wonder about the perfect time for moving to a senior living community. Some believe they should only move when they need health care. Others want to enjoy the luxury accommodations for as long as possible. Some people pose the question to their children, “Should I move to a senior living community?” and find that their kids don’t want to make that decision for them if they don’t have to. With a big decision like this one, it helps to break down the proposition into categories and weigh your priorities.

Location: Do you want to live near family or return to a beloved hometown? You may start your search simply with “senior living communities near me,” or make your inquiry more specific, for instance “senior living communities in Overland Park, KS.” This search refinement will ensure you find quality communities in exactly the spot you want to retire.

Care Services: As you pare down your choices of communities, make sure you select one that offers the kind of health care services you may need in the future, whether that means assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation or skilled nursing.

Lifestyle: Most seniors want to maintain or even elevate the kind of day-to-day lifestyle they’re used to when they move to senior living. If there are certain amenities, such as an indoor pool, that would make your days better, find a community that offers them. If you are a deeply spiritual person, you might look for a religious-based community. Or if social life is your top priority, select a place with friendly residents you would love to see regularly.

Why Consider Moving to a Senior Living Community Earlier

Peace of Mind

You and your loved ones can worry less about the future when you’re moving to a senior living community that provides priority access to a full continuum of care. If you have a smart plan already in place, you don’t have to stress about what you would do if new health challenges arise. 

Less Maintenance

When deciding when to move to a senior living community, consider how much time you want to spend on home maintenance and regular chores, both inside and outside, in the future. With a groundskeeping team, a housekeeping team, a maintenance team, and a dining team to take care of routine upkeep, you can spend more time on activities that bring you joy. Take up a new hobby or revitalize an old passion. Travel to places you’ve always wanted to see, or simply enjoy more time with your family. 

Opportunities to Grow

If you’re thinking, “I can’t look into senior living communities near me yet because I still have so much I want to do and learn,” there’s good news. Communities are some of the best places to pursue lifelong learning and gain exposure to new interests and hobbies. Activity directors will arrange cultural outings, in-house speakers, fascinating clubs and committees … and you can participate as much as you’d like.

Active Lifestyle

With their dedication to the health of their senior residents, communities are often passionate about fitness and wellness. They provide easy and varied options for you to fit in regular workouts. Group classes are designed for a range of skill levels; aquatic workouts accommodate troubled knees; and fully equipped fitness centers let you design your own routine if you’d like. 

Proximity to Friends

One of the greatest threats to the health of today’s seniors is isolation. A diminishing social life can cause or exacerbate serious mental and physical health problems. As you consider when to move to a senior living community, think about the opportunity it presents to forge new and meaningful friendships.

Qualification for Life Care

If you move to senior living while you’re still young and healthy enough to enjoy independent living, you may qualify for a Life Care contract, which provides you priority access to higher levels of living if you ever need it — while your monthly fees remain predictable.

If you’re still wondering to yourself, “Should I move to a senior living community?” you’re very welcome to contact our team at Santa Marta. We would be happy to explain more about our lifestyle and the luxury services and amenities we provide for our residents.