Am I’m ready to consider a move to a retirement community?
Determining the time frame of when you may want to consider moving to a retirement community is a very complicated decision process. Many people wait for a crisis to occur before considering such a move; while others plan ahead and move before something happens.
So when is the right time?
As we say in this business, it is always better to be 5 years to early than 5 minutes to late. Planning for your tomorrows today is some I am constantly sharing with my clients, No one is invincible and unfortunately, waiting for something to occur before you have a plan in place is not a smart move.
So why should you consider a retirement community now versus later?
Many (if not all) of the folks that I have helped move to a retirement community all told me prior to their move that they are not ready. It is a mantra that I hear in my sleep. “I love where we live and I don’t see any need to do anything right now.” “We’re just not ready.”
What is interesting that if you speak with these folks today, 99.9% of them will tell you that it was the best decision they ever made, they only wished they would have made it sooner. So, here are intelligent and successful people all saying the same thing… we wish we would have done it sooner.”
So when it the right time?
Unfortunately, there is not an easy answer. In my opinion, there are different time frames to consider. When do you want to start your research, when do you see yourself narrowing down your choices and when do you want to move? By doing your research early, you may find that the community you are considering has a long waiting list or is planning to expand. Getting your name on list is many cases is a positive first step.
If you have a long term plan to move, try to figure out what needs to occur between now and this fictitious date in the future to make you ready. Trust me, you are not going to wake up 5 years from now and all of sudden be ready to move. It does take planning, however procrastination is a form of denial, which creates its own problems.
A the root of the timing question is the misconception that retirement communities are nursing homes and by moving to a retirement community, you are losing your independence. Retirement communities offer a wide spectrum of services and amenities, including dining, social activities, fitness & wellness programs and residents are able to keep active and healthy longer.
We do meet people who, through their own stubbornness, elect to “stick it out” in their own homes. This then creates a tremendous burden on their family and friends. There is also a great deal of loneliness and isolation that occurs and well as a level of vulnerability to abuse from outsiders. Access to services is very limited, plus simple chores like driving to the grocery store or picking up your prescription medication becomes a major challenge. Maybe these won’t happen to you, but this needs to be factored into the equation. What is important to consider is your life, not only today, but tomorrow as well. Try to look into a crystal ball and image what your life will be like a year from now… five years from now. This may be difficult to for you to do, but it will help you plan ahead. Denial doesn’t make it any easier either. It is important that you are realistic and that you thoroughly think through this process.
An important factor to consider when determining if you are ‘ready or not” is that some retirement communities will have a medical acceptance criteria to be considered for residency. People who wait for a crisis to occur are frequently denied residency.
Today, retirement communities are more like luxury resorts than an old folk’s home. Moving does take physical and emotional energy so it is much better to move while you are healthy and active so you can enjoy all the amenities of the community.
Bottom line… don’t wait for something to occur. Plan for your tomorrows today!
Collier Senior Resources is working to address the needs of older adults and caregivers in our community. Our vision is a community that advocates for and empowers seniors and caregivers.
CSR is pleased to share that the Golden Gate Senior Center is now open at 4898 Coronado Parkway, Naples in the building that is the old Golden Gate library. The Center is open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm excluding holidays. Please call (239 252 4541) or stop by for a cup of coffee, to visit and learn about the services and programs available.
In addition to Collier Senior Resources (CSR)’s ‘Center Without Walls’ offering a variety of resources for seniors and caregivers. CSR has partnered with numerous local agencies and non-profits to bring a daily hot lunch program for seniors, weekly food pantry, employment assistance for low-income older adults and a multitude of other programs.
Physicians Regional Healthcare System is comprised of two premier hospitals, an affiliated multi-specialty physician group which offers advanced care in more than 45 specialties and subspecialties, and a medical staff of more than 300 exceptionally skilled physicians. Our fully integrated campuses include 24-hour emergency rooms, state-of-the-art surgery centers, full service diagnostic departments and medical office buildings hosting various physician offices. Physicians Regional is also one of the largest and most specialized research centers in Southwest Florida and we are continually developing new services, programs and treatments that keep our system at the very forefront of medicine.
Physicians Regional Healthcare System has made a commitment to accreditation and to positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes. We are positively proud to be one of only 244 U.S. hospitals and critical care access hospitals recognized by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures™ for two consecutive years, 2010 and 2011.
At Physicians Regional Healthcare System, we strive to deliver the best patient experience possible. We understand the importance of receiving safe, compassionate and high-quality care, and continually make every effort to improve the quality of life for our patients and the communities we serve. I hope you will find this website informative, and most importantly, helpful, in discovering the positively great health care available to you at Physicians Regional Healthcare System.
Leading Age Florida, was established in 1963 as a Florida not-for-profit corporation. We are the only statewide association representing the full continuum of care for seniors. We serve nearly 400 mission-driven communities trusted with providing quality care and services. We promote practices that support, enable and empower people to live fully as they age.
Leading Age Florida member communities share a common bond of providing high quality care and services to the elderly. Our members include:
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and Full Service Rental Retirement Communities
Retirement Housing and HUD Financed Housing for the Elderly
The NCH Healthcare System is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation serving Collier County and surrounding areas. NCH has evolved over the last fifty years, becoming one of the most progressive healthcare systems in the country, embracing new technology and evidence-based medicine. NCH offers a wide range of services, physicians and locations. More than just hospitals, the NCH Healthcare System is an alliance of over 630 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida.
Our physicians see patients about 3 million times a year. Patients visit our two hospitals for care about 25,000 times a year. We celebrate the birth of about 2,800 bouncing new babies annually. Our 24/7 ERs and several outpatient centers help patients 200,000 times a year.
Downtown Hospital
350 7th Street North
Naples FL 34102
(239) 624-5000
North Naples Hospital
11190 Health Park Blvd.
Naples FL 34110
(239) 552-7000
