Are you an older adult looking to move into a retirement community? Moving into an independent living or assisted living community is a great option for mature adults who want to rent in retirement instead of downsize to a smaller house.
If you’ve been interested in senior living to make your golden years stress-free, then rest assured that there are solutions available to make your transition an easy one. Here are some things you can do to get ready to move into a senior living community!
Steps to Take Before Moving into an Active Adult Community
Before moving to an adult living community, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure a smooth transition and enjoyable living experience. There are a variety of care options, ranging from independent living communities to assisted living facilities, and your process may look different depending on your needs. However, if you’re an active senior, this is the process you would typically take.
1. Plan your finances.
Money gives you the freedom to look for your new home with confidence. Before you start your search, find out how much money you have to work with. Review your finances and create a budget to determine what you can afford in terms of monthly fees, entrance costs, and other expenses associated with living in a retirement community. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure your financial plan aligns with your retirement goals.
- Own a home? Having a real estate asset gives you a considerable advantage in affording independent senior living. You can either sell your home for a lump sum or lease it for monthly cash flow, this asset opens many doors for securing your spot in a vibrant community for active adults.
2. Research where you want to live.
The first step is to decide where you want to live. Do you want to be near other family members, or do you want to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Florida while enjoying other amenities like golf courses? There are a lot of options out there, and you can find the best one for you, with the right level of care, in your desired location.
Research various retirement communities in a desired area to find one that aligns with your preferences. It’s okay to be picky — after all, there are a lot of senior living options to choose from. Take the time to visit multiple retirement communities to get a feel for the environment, meet staff and residents, and see the facilities firsthand. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that the community meets your expectations.
Sample the community’s social activities and events to meet fellow residents and build connections. Getting involved in clubs, classes, and group outings can help you feel more at home and part of the community.
- Hot Tip: Healthcare matters! Evaluate the healthcare services offered by the retirement community and determine if they meet your current and future healthcare needs. Consider factors like access to medical care, assisted living services, memory care, and emergency response systems.
3. Sell or rent your home.
If you’re moving from a larger home, start decluttering and downsizing your belongings to fit into your new living space. Whether you plan to sell or rent your current home, you can work out these details with your real estate agent. If you plan to keep some items, you can take them with you into your new home or put them in a storage unit. For any belongings you no longer need, consider selling, donating, or giving them away.
- Hot Tip: Marketplace Homes Adult Living can lease your current home to generate consistent monthly cash flow to pay for the best senior living situation for you.
4. Secure your spot in an active adult community.
Now that you have a solution for your home and finances in order, you can apply to live in an active adult community. Depending on the level of care, this may be a house you downsize to in a 55+ community, or it may be a more involved assisted living facility. No matter what level of independence you need, your realtor can make sure you apply to the right home for your future.
5. Don’t forget legal considerations!
Ahh, the not-so-fun stuff, but reviewing all the legal matters ensures you have the smoothest transition. Review legal documents such as contracts, leases, and residency agreements carefully before signing. Consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in elder law to ensure your rights and interests are protected. Your real estate agent should also help you understand all the items on your home’s sale or leasing agreement before you agree to any big moves.
6. Take care of moving logistics.
Having your moving logistics in place will give you considerable peace of mind. Pack your belongings in advance, hire movers, transfer utilities (if necessary), and update your address with relevant parties. To stay organized, create a moving timeline and checklist.
- Hot Tip: When you choose lock and leave with Marketplace Homes Adult Living, you won’t have to worry about this at all! Our team can take care of all repairs, downsizing, cleaning, marketing, sale of your home, and more!
Moving into a Retirement Community
Whether you are looking for an active adult community for yourself or a loved one, working with a real estate brokerage that specializes in long-term care transitions makes the process easier. By taking these steps before moving to a retirement community, you can better prepare yourself for this significant life transition and make the most of your new living environment.