Ask any senior living community resident what they learned once they moved into a retirement community that offered them the continuum of care. Chances are good they’ll share a similar sentiment: Move when you want to, but don’t wait until you have to.
They say this from experience.
Once people make the move to senior living, they naturally have a few epiphanies about the benefits of moving to retirement communities. Perhaps the biggest realization is that it’s better to move while you can enjoy the community, instead of having a health crisis that demands you move.
Perhaps you’re weighing all the benefits of moving to a senior living community, and you’re not sure you’re ready now. Here are seven benefits to help you make your decision and get moving, shared by current residents of Sierra Winds — people who once were where you are right now.
1. Your Future Care is Planned For Today
This is the number one benefit of choosing a community, like Sierra Winds, that offers the option of a Life Care contract. You know that when you move in as an independent living resident, you’ll have higher levels of care available to you if you ever need it. You know you’ll receive that care on-site at Sierra Winds, you know who will provide that care to you, and exactly how much it will cost you.
2. Chores Are No More
It’s estimated that Americans spend 60 hours every month on chores like cleaning, cooking, laundry and yard work. That’s 720 hours a year — you’ve got better things to do with your time.
A senior living community like Sierra Winds takes care of those responsibilities. They’re among a long list of resident services provided as part of your monthly service fee.
3. You Do What You Want, At Your Pace
As a resident of a senior independent living community, no one tells you what to do. Your meals and mealtimes are decided by you. You can join resident-driven clubs and committees, start your own — or decide not to join at all. You can be as busy or as relaxed as you like through our monthly activities.
4. You’re Choosing to Live Where You Can Truly Age in Place
You might think you’ll age in place in your own home. But what happens if your health changes, you need help with everyday tasks, or you can’t cook, drive or care for yourself or your spouse? You can certainly hire an in-home aide to help with these things. But the cost of this type of care can be exorbitant, depending on where you live.
At Sierra Winds, we have a continuum of care on campus if you need it. And to help you stay as independent as possible for as long as possible, our Resident Services offers you care in your apartment. Whether you need help with bathing or getting dressed or need medication reminders, our qualified health care team members will come to your residence to give you the support you need.
The benefit of moving to a senior living community is you make one move, which makes any future moves obsolete.If you ever need care, you stay on the same senior living campus, still close to your spouse, neighbors and friends, in a community where you can continue to enjoy each day just as you wish. (See benefit #3 for a refresher.)
5. Your Downsizing is Done (If You Even Need to Downsize)
If you’re like most older adults, downsizing and moving sounds overwhelming. But you do want to downsize your house and its upkeep and upsize your lifestyle.
Most senior living communities, including Sierra Winds, offer floor plans in many sizes to suit many different tastes. Sierra Winds’ largest apartment is a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,415-square-foot apartment with ample closets, two balconies and a small storage space just off the balcony.
6. You’ll Be in Control of the Decision
Legendary basketball coach John Wooden once said, “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” In other words, take the time you need to make a decision — once it’s made, take control and make your move. Don’t wait too long, or the decision could be made for you. And you don’t want to leave your future health care options up to family members who have to make decisions for you in a moment of crisis.
7. You Have a Team of People Ready to Assist You
At Sierra Winds, we understand moving to a senior living community is a big decision. We’re here to help. When you contact us, one of our helpful residency counselors will be available to answer your questions, address your concerns, and schedule your personal tour of our retirement community.
Get started with one conversation. Once you become a resident, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to enjoy all the benefits of Sierra Winds.
It’s great to know that most senior living communities offer different floor plans. My mother is living alone now, and she told me that she wants to move to a smaller place. I think that a senior living community would offer her a lot of benefits and social interactions.
I was impressed by the comprehensive and engaging presentation on the benefits of senior living communities. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise.