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Carillon Senior Living Blog

If not now, when should you move to a Life Plan Community?

I’m Not Ready Yet

 |  Senior Living

The vast majority of people who live in a Life Plan Community, also known as continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), report that they are happy with their decision. And yet, there are many who delay a move indefinitely because they feel they are not ready yet.

Of course, moving to a Life Plan Community like Carillon is an important and personal decision. It requires appropriate planning and should not be rushed. Yet, delaying the decision too long could mean missing the opportunity because of declining health. A common entry requirement among Life Plan Communities is the ability to live independently, so you risk being ineligible if you wait too long. Furthermore, even if your health remains good, delaying means missing out on many of the benefits and activities that such a community could provide for you in the first place.

At Carillon Senior Living, it’s easy to take advantage of the many lifestyle opportunities available to you. Amenities like fitness classes, many different hobbies and clubs, volunteer programs, wellness programs, community outreach events, and outings to Texas Tech events keep Carillon residents active and independent. Plus, it’s inspiring and energizing spending time with active, interesting neighbors who share your desire to make the most of retirement.

Here are a few of the most common underlying reasons for not being ready:

“I don’t want to leave my home.”

Leaving the house where you have lived for years, if not decades, is not easy. Your own house is a familiar environment, and the memories you have built there will forever be cherished. But these are not necessarily the best reasons to stay. Over time the idea of staying in your house often proves to be easier in theory than in practice for many older adults and their family members. Often, the house you bought decades ago does not have the safety features that you need as you age, unlike an independent living residence. This can also mean delaying a move to an assisted living facility or nursing home, a time when moving to an unfamiliar environment is even more challenging physically, emotionally and psychologically.

“I’m still independent.”

Because Life Plan Communities include assisted living and healthcare services onsite, there is a common misperception that they are long-term care facilities. However, the majority of residents in most Life Plan Communities live independently. In fact, many residents of Life Plan Communities lead independent and active lifestyles for many years before ever requiring long-term care services. Yet, they also recognize that things can change unexpectedly. They want a plan in place and do not want to be a burden to their children whenever that day comes. This is the benefit of a Life Plan Community like Carillon. With many different floor plans and residence types available, you’re able to stay independent and active on your own but have the assurance of health care services like assisted living, skilled nursing, or rehab if you should ever have a need for it.

“I do not want to deal with the hassles of moving.”

Moving and de-cluttering aren’t easy at any age, but it will only become more difficult as you get older. If this is the main reason for your delay, then it is better to make the move now rather than later. The process of de-cluttering can even be a special time to share with adult children or other family members as you dust off old family keepsakes together. Some retirement communities may even include moving and de-cluttering services as an added incentive to help make your move easier.

“I am not yet comfortable with the decision financially.”

There are many resources available to help you determine whether a Life Plan Community is a viable financial choice for you. Senior living cost calculators can help you run the numbers by taking into account factors such as entry fees, monthly fees, and the cost of healthcare services. Additionally, if you have a financial planner who is well-versed in Life Plan Community contracts, he or she should also be able to help. Finally, many Life Plan Communities utilize actuarial software that helps them determine if your assets and income are adequate to cover your projected lifetime cost, and they will usually share the results with you.

If you are considering a Life Plan Community but feel that you are not quite ready to make the move, then it could be helpful to think about what “not ready” means for you. Addressing the underlying reasons sooner rather than later helps assure that you keep your options open and could spur important conversations about what is ultimately best for your long-term situation.

If you’d like to speak with a representative about your retirement options or what a Life Plan community like Carillon could mean for you, we’re here for you. Contact us at (806) 281-6106 or fill out a form here.

 

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