We always stress the importance of planning ahead, especially when it comes to your future and senior living. And the cold, gloomy days of winter provide the perfect opportunity for planning and organizing. In this blog, we’re sharing a few tips to help people who are starting to plan for their next chapter in a senior living community. 

Set A Timeline that Works for You

Planning for a move to senior living is a journey, not a race. It’s important to set a timeline that works for you. This process often takes years–don’t feel like you need to do everything all at once!–and can include steps like:

• Visiting multiple communities
• Joining a waitlist (many have 5-7 year timeframes!)
• Gradually downsizing and organizing belongings

Remember, taking small steps now can lead to a smooth transition when the time comes. Also, conducting research, planning visits, and downsizing are all easier to do while you’re physically and mentally fit. Unfortunately, we never know when an accident or illness might affect our health, so doing as much as we can proactively and having a plan in place will help tremendously if something deters your health in the future. 

Don’t Neglect Essential Documents

Keeping important documents organized is an essential step as you start to consider your aging journey options. Paperwork tends to pile up over the years, and it’s best not to have to frantically search for a document when it’s really needed. While spending some extra time indoors during these cold months, take advantage of the opportunity to:

• Gather and organize essential paperwork like medical records, legal documents, and financial statements into labeled folders or binders.
• Use this process as an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with children or other family members about your plans and wishes.
• Ask a tech-savvy family member to help digitize your documents for easy access and added security.

Getting organized now not only makes the moving process smoother but also ensures that your loved ones have the information they need when it matters most.

Create A Plan that Excites You

Planning for a move can be emotional, especially when it involves leaving a longtime home. By planning ahead, you give yourself more time to research and find the best fit for your wants and needs. Remember: senior living isn’t about downgrading your lifestyle, it’s about enhancing it! Here’s a glimpse at what awaits:

• New friendships
• Peace of mind
• Exciting activities

As we pointed out in our first tip, the waitlist period for some senior living communities can be as much as seven years! To ensure that you secure a spot in your community of choice, planning and preparing is essential.

We’re Here to Help

We want to make the transition to senior living as smooth as possible. That’s why, before you’re even a resident, you’re treated as part of our community and have our full support and guidance. We have numerous resources available for those who are looking into senior living, or you can give our senior living specialists a call at 616-643-2730.