Many older adults think about moving to a senior living community or have had talks with their family members about moving, but often have the feeling that they are ‘not ready.’ At Riley Crossing, we hear you. Just because you’re not ready now, doesn’t mean you can’t work on getting things in order when, or if you move. And even if you take care of the all the items listed below, it still doesn’t mean you have to make a move. It’s always best to be prepared.
If you’re considering transitioning into a senior living community, this free checklist is the first step of the process. That way, if you want to or have to make a move, you’ll have the important pieces all ready to go!
☐ Visit Your Doctor
Hopefully, you are getting your regular check-ups with your primary physician, but if not, make an appointment. Have the doctor review your medication list to make sure the list is up to date and appropriate. Let him or her know that you are considering a move to senior living. If you end up needing to move to an assisted living setting, your doctor will have to sign off on orders. This can happen more quickly (and more smoothly) if you have recently seen your doctor and have had these discussions in person.
☐ Research Your Senior Living Options
Research your senior living options. Think about where you want to live. In your home town? Close to your kids? Tour a few communities and ask to come for lunch, and/or for your favorite activity to get a feel for what your life would be like if you lived there. Remember it’s important to try the food! Talk to the other residents to get their perspective and what it was like for them to make the move and settle into their new home.
☐ Research Your Expenses
Research what your monthly and annual expenses are and get a good handle on what your monthly income and current assets are worth. When you start looking around at senior living communities, you might experience some sticker shock. But, when you take stock of all that is included (and what you are currently paying for groceries, utilities, home & yard maintenance, taxes, home security, a life alert system, etc.) you will start to see the value. We have an article all about how to budget for senior living that you may find helpful while doing your research.
☐ Check Waiting Lists
Depending on where you want to be, what type of apartment you want, and what service level you need (independant living, assisted living, memory care or enhanced care) you may encounter a waiting list. When you do your research and shop around, ask about waiting lists and get on a few of them. There’s no guarantee something will be available for you when you are ready, but this gives you a little more priority and increases your odds of getting the apartment you want when you want or need it.
☐ Get Paperwork in Order
When you move to a senior living community and it comes time to sign a lease, you will likely need to identify a Power of Attorney and Health Care representative, and you may need to provide copies of the forms. Make sure you have quick access to your notarized Power of Attorney form and your Health Care Directive.
That’s it! You may have noticed there is no ‘to-do’ item for the house. Even though getting the house ready is a reason many people feel they’re not ready for a move, a lot of times, when people make a transition, it’s not because they’ve finished downsizing and their house is in perfect condition to sell. When you decide you’re ready, you’ll figure out quickly what to do with your house and your stuff. There are realtors and move managers who specialize in working with seniors who can make your move and the sale of your home a breeze! We can even help you connect with them. We also offer free downsizing seminars – check our calendar to see if there are any upcoming sessions.
Printable Checklist:
☐ Visit Your Doctor
☐ Research Your Senior Living Options
☐ Research Your Expenses
☐ Check Waiting Lists
☐ Get Paperwork In Order
For more information on Riley Crossing or an Ebenezer Community near you, call us at 952-934-7777. Want to learn more about options at Riley Crossing? Take a tour and see our community for yourself.
Schedule a Tour