By Rhonda Halterman, LivWell Seniors
Choosing a retirement community can be confusing. While most offer similar services, they are all unique in some way. Before you make this life-changing decision, discuss it with your loved ones and answer the following questions:
- How important is location? Is the community near my doctor, my church? Will my friends and family still visit me?
- Or, do I want to move closer to my children or other family members?
- What can I afford? Am I likely to outlive my money? Will my family help me if I do?
- What about all my things? Will it be difficult to part with my possessions and, if so, how am I going to deal with that? Who will help me sort and move?
- What lifestyle is important to me? Do I want small and cozy or large with a lot of amenities? Do I want frequent outside activities and social opportunities?
- Can I have a pet?
- Do I need transportation or will I continue to drive or have family members drive me?
- Finally, think long-term — what if my health declines? Do I have all my financial affairs in order, such as power of attorney or guardianship? Is my will and other financial paperwork updated?
Once you have a good sense of what you need, want, and can afford, you will be able to make a more informed decision on this next phase of your life. It will save you time and stress to work with a professional in senior housing.
“The GIFT of friendship… a willingness to listen, a pair of helping hands, a whisper from the heart. That someone CARES and understands.”
LivWell Seniors serves as a local agency providing community based resources that are 100 percent FREE to seniors and their families as they are funded by the senior care providers that utilize their service and network of connections. For further information, contact us at 563-265-1553 or visit our website at www.livwellseniors.com.