When is the best time to move to a retirement community?

If the idea of moving to a retirement community is appealing, you may be left with one big question: When should I move?

Communities like Emporia Presbyterian Manor are known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRCs. They allow people to keep living independently and if their needs change, they can get assistance and health care services without having to relocate to another community.

So, when is the best time to move?

Because everyone ages at a different rate, it’s hard to find a one-fits-all answer. But once you understand the benefits of continuing care retirement communities, it may sound like a good idea to move sooner than later.

Benefits of continuing care retirement communities

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Involvement:

One of the main benefits of living in a CCRC is easy access to many services, amenities, and activities. These perks could include fine dining, fitness centers, educational program like Emporia Presbyterian Manor’s “Just Ask” series, fun excursions, volunteer opportunities and more. Residents who move in earlier get to spend more time at the community and can fully benefit from these "extra-curricular" activities.

Wellness:

Continuing care communities want residents to stay healthy and live independently as long as possible. They often offer programs that include access to qualified fitness professionals, strength exercise programs and yoga classes for mobility and flexibility. They also offer special diet meal plans ensuring you get nutritious meals every day.

Wellness also means more than physical health, emphasizing a “whole person” concept that includes emotional, intellectual, and spiritual experiences. Emporia Presbyterian Manor offers religious services regularly, from bible study to prayer meetings. It also offers opportunities for live entertainment and games.

Relationships:

Social engagement is also part of wellness. Residents often say that one of the best things about their community is their friendships with other residents. Those who wait too long to make the move may not have the time to develop meaningful relationships. Friends allow us to stay active longer and help us with emotional support during times of grief or stress.

Easier Transition:

Moving gets more difficult with time. If you’re in good health and able-bodied you can better handle the transition, often even embracing this new chapter in life. Those who have serious health challenges have a tougher time making the transition. They may even suffer from relocation stress syndrome (RSS), which can lead to other health problems.

Peace of mind…sooner:

‍A move to a continuing care retirement community can ease the stress of planning for the future. Residents who move into independent living can continue enjoy life while knowing their future needs are covered - whether that’s a move to assisted living when they need a little support, short-term rehab, or long-term care.

So, when is the best time to move? There’s no right or wrong answer, but if you’ve already decided that living in a community is right for you, there’s no reason to wait. It may be best to make the move while you’re young and healthy enough to enjoy the benefits.

If you’re unsure about what you need, our team members at Emporia Presbyterian Manor are here to guide you towards the right decision. Contact Andraya Taber at 620-343-2613 or ataber@pmma.org with your questions or schedule a tour online.

The above article was partially written by Brad Breeding of myLifeSite and is legally licensed for use.

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