When is the Right Time to Make Choices About Retirement Living?
Assisted living communities are the fastest growing and most favored long-term care option for seniors in the U.S., but knowing when to begin considering retirement living options can be difficult, as well as emotional.
When should I start thinking about my retirement living needs? What is the magic age? Like most big life decisions, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach or perfect time to determine what is best for you or a loved one. Kayla Shaf and Kyle Yates, Retirement Living Advisors at Legacy Retirement Communities, advise folks to start their research and look into options before they actually need to.
During different seasons of life, changes can occur unexpectedly. Being proactive allows you the ability to make choices based on your likes, wants, and needs versus being forced into something because it is the only option at the moment.
STEP 1
Simply start the conversation. Even if you believe you are five-to-ten years down the road from retirement living needs, start talking about it, ask questions, and do some research. Being proactive is the best place to start. It might not always be comfortable but it is advantageous to stay ahead of the game. We go through life making plans and preparing for the next chapter – college, marriage, careers, starting a family, moving to a new house – but the retirement chapter tends to be the one people avoid preparing for, which is understandable. Having these conversations are not easy; however, they are important and extremely beneficial.
STEP 2
Consider the various dynamics in your specific family. Is one partner in favor of researching retirement options and the other partner is not? Do you not have a partner? Are there medical issues that need to be addressed? If so, how is your current situation supporting your health needs? What services or activities are important to you? Write down your wants and needs and don’t be afraid to share with others.
STEP 3
Many say this is the most difficult step. Pick up the phone, call Legacy, and ask for a Retirement Living Advisor. Many folks have the misconceived idea that if they start asking questions they will suddenly be forced to move and make a change. That couldn’t be further from the truth. It is a process. Think of it like buying your first home. It’s a big decision and commitment and kind of scary. Most of us didn’t buy the first house we looked at. Instead, we toured numerous homes in various neighborhoods, did some research, narrowed down our options, and took more tours. It took time and we needed to feel comfortable with our final choice. The Legacy advisors strongly recommend that, just like buying a home, you don’t try to figure out retirement living all at once.
Retirement Living Advisors are experienced and skilled at meeting people where they are at. Their primary goal is to be a resource and provide education. You may not even know what questions to ask and that’s okay. Advisors will walk you through every step. Do we hope you pick a Legacy community? Of course, but if it’s not the right fit for you, we aren’t going to force it. We are honestly here to serve our community of Lincoln with whatever is best.
STEP 4
Schedule a tour and get a feel for the culture. Retirement communities have strong cultures and it is important to find the culture that best fits you. Make sure you engage with residents and staff as you go around visiting places. Retirement communities are not apartments. They are truly a living style. It is important to have the right fit for your needs and wants, but also to have a personal connection.
STEP5
Take into account the financial aspect. The financial piece can be overwhelming. Legacy has wonderful Executive Directors who are happy to sit down and discuss the financial side of things, including breaking down long-term care policies.
Often the fear of the unknown, along with the stigmas and stereotypes of what senior living is, are at the root of most objections and concerns. Retirement communities, like Legacy, are places to live, to be engaged, to meet new friends, and to have fun. They are not places where you sit in your rocker and watch the news all day. Folks who are proactive and do their research find this out and realize, “Wow! This is not a nursing home.” Instead, they feel rejuvenated with unique opportunities to live the lifestyle they truly value.
If you have questions, contact Kyle Yates at Legacy, 402.436.3000, or go to our website, legacyretirement.com for more information and a non-pressure approach.