When your parents are ready to move into a retirement home, the transition marks a major milestone in their lives. Emotionally and physically, your parents need your support. Help them make the transition as smooth as possible with these six tips.
Assist With the Move
Often, moving into a retirement community helps your parents save money. The move, however, probably requires them to downsize their current home. When your parents start to think about downsizing, work with them to reduce moving related stress. Use storage solutions from SmartStop self storage to organize the move. You might also consider hiring a moving specialist with experience helping seniors transition to retirement communities.
As your parents prepare to pack their belongings, don’t force them to throw away memories. Instead, help them wisely choose the furniture and mementos they want to take with them. Encourage them to give treasures to family members who will appreciate the items. Your parents can also cushion their savings account when they sell valuables. By starting the sorting and packing process as soon as possible, you eliminate moving stress.
Choose a Community That’s a Good Fit for Your Parents
Reasons for moving into a retirement community vary. Maybe your parents want to save money, move closer to family or downsize their home. Whatever the variety of reasons behind the move may be, help your parents find a community that fits their lifestyle. Several questions help your parents determine if the community is a good fit for them.
- Do other residents enjoy similar activities or share basic values?
- Is the community located near current family, friends and business associates?
- Does the overall atmosphere promote youthful vigor rather than growing old?
Locate Wellness Activities
Your parents want to stay active. Amenities in and around the community meet your parents social, physical, mental and emotional needs. Possible activities include book or travel clubs, civic groups, religious organizations, employment and volunteer opportunities. Hobbies, concerts, cultural events and physical activities like a fitness center, walking trails, yoga, tai chi and swimming also keeps your parents involved and active the community and in life.
Provide Adequate Medical Care
If your parents choose a community that’s not located near their current medical providers, you can help them find a new doctor, physical therapist, dentist and pharmacy. Along with medical care, investigate local public transportation options. When your parents don’t feel like driving or are unable to drive to medical appointments, transportation options help them stay healthy.
Prepare Their Budget
Finances do play a part in your parents’ decision to move to a retirement community. If your parents are willing to talk with you about their finances, help them prepare a budget. In addition to paying for their new home, they also need to fund food, insurance, utilities, travel and other necessities like a storage unit.
Additionally, senior living community provider Front Porch cautions retirees. In the homeowner’s association contract, the fine print indicates if certain activities or building access costs more money. A financial advisor can provide assistance in ensuring your parents are financially comfortable during their retirement years.
Accentuate the Positive
The idea of moving into a retirement community can be depressing. Emphasize the helpful aspects of the move and stay positive. In addition to saving money, your parents can live near like minded people, participate in fun activities and enjoy their retirement years.
Instead of growing old, your parents will grow young when they successfully move into a retirement community. You can help them make the transition easier with six helpful steps.
