Knowing the right time to start planning for senior living can be difficult. After 47 years of marriage and raising seven children, Village Park Alpharetta residents George and Clarissa Rice knew it was time to downsize. Based on Mr. and Mrs. Rice’s valuable insights garnered through their senior community search, our team of senior living consultants identified four best practices when planning for your new home.
Be Proactive
Mr. Rice says he and his wife developed a checklist before making a move. The pair put in a lot of time and research before choosing their community.
“I think it’s important to take some time and not rush; however, unless you do this before you actually need it, it’s not going to be under your control,” Mrs. Rice said.
Many people choose to wait until they need care and services to find a senior living community; however, planning ahead provides peace of mind, added control, and a smoother transition. Exploring communities before you need assisted living gives you time to identify what you are seeking in a senior living residence and thoroughly evaluate your options.
Determine Your Lifestyle
Before researching senior living communities, identify how you want your life to look and what matters to you. Do you prefer a laidback lifestyle free of cooking and cleaning, or do you value complete independence?
“Age is really not a matter of number anymore,” Mrs. Rice said. “It’s a matter of how well you’re navigating your life.”
Seeking communities that offer a variety of residential options may help you identify the home that best meets your desired level of independence and care when you need it. At Village Park, residents can move into our completely independent homes knowing that additional care services are available.
Research Your Options
Once you have determined your lifestyle, begin researching and touring a range of options to know if a senior living community is truly the right fit.
After doing some research, Mrs. Rice discovered key elements that were distinct deal breakers. The Rices knew they needed a beautiful home that fit their style and independent lifestyle. After Mr. and Mrs. Rice saw the floor plans for the bungalow at Village Park Alpharetta, they knew it was the one for them. It didn’t take long before they started calling it, “Our bungalow.”
Set and Communicate Your Goals
Setting goals and communicating a plan for the transition helps you to ease into the downsizing process and keep your timeline on target. There are many wonderful downsizing resources and move managers that can help you identify and move furniture that fits your new lifestyle while addressing the emotional aspects of moving as well. Proactive and proper planning gives you peace of mind and a great start to a new chapter.
At Village Park Senior Living, we understand that finding the perfect fit takes time. If you’d like to learn more about assisted living, independent living, memory care, or any of the many programs, amenities, and activities we offer, please contact Village Park Senior Living at any of our locations for more information. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for updates and to check back often for new blogs.