Transitioning to Senior Living: Four Tips for a Smooth Move

If you’re transitioning to a senior living community, you are probably excited to start a new chapter of life. However, you might also feel nervous at the thought of leaving a longtime home. Know that it’s perfectly normal to feel the pangs of change, but it doesn’t mean you won’t be happy in your new community. Here are four steps you and your loved ones can take to ease the transition and adjust to your new home.

Get to know your new community

Most of us have our daily routines, so the thought of changing things up and moving somewhere new may feel stressful. One way to get answers to any questions about your new community is talking to staff. At Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, we invite prospective residents to spend time with our team before moving in, which begins when you visit to learn more about our community, take a tour, and speak to our leasing department about details. You can also ask our team to put you in touch with the community’s residents, which will help you start building relationships right away.

Get involved

Frequent social activities are one of the best amenities senior living communities have to offer, so be sure to take advantage of your community’s social calendar as soon as you move in. Communities like Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living often maintain community social calendars so you can pick activities or events you’d like to attend. Be sure to look into clubs, volunteer opportunities and other community groups that may be of interest, too.

Make yourself at home

When it comes to your home space, your personal belongings tell a story and reflect who you are. For that reason, Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living allows residents to bring their personal furnishings to ensure a comfortable stay. Feel free to adorn your walls with pictures of loved ones and display favorite art pieces and other keepsakes on shelves and furniture. Decorative pillows, throw blankets and rugs will make your living space feel more comfortable as well.

Stay in touch

Senior living communities don’t host activities and events solely for residents. Communities like Arbor View also host occasional gatherings for your entire family and outside guests who may be considering a move. Invite your loved ones to these events and our team members will help you keep in touch with them on a regular basis, whether via phone, email, Zoom calls or social media. Maintaining a bond with the people who provide you with a sense of familiarity will help you continue feeling like part of the family even in a new community.

At Arbor View Independent and Assisted Living, we’re committed to helping our residents live well and age well. This means that from the moment you enter the lobby, we want to ensure you not only feel comfortable but also feel at home. If you have questions about transitioning to senior living or would like to learn more about what our community offers to help ease your transition, call 303-268-4747 to speak with one of our team members.

Transitioning to a 55+ retirement community can be exciting and perhaps daunting. To ensure a well-planned and coordinated move to your new apartment, it’s important to plan for contingencies. Check out this list of best practices to help you navigate the moving process with ease.

Enlist a Senior Moving Company

Ask your realtor to recommend local businesses that specialize in later-life moves. You can also visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers’ website to find resources in your area. NASMM members specialize in helping older adults and their families navigate the process of organizing, downsizing, and relocating. They also offer services like house cleaning, auctions/estate sales, selecting a realtor, and preparing your home for prospective buyers. Utilizing a senior mover can help reduce stress and may save you money – a win-win!

Take Inventory of Your Home

Having a detailed plan can streamline the downsizing process. Start by taking inventory of your belongings and decide which items you can let go. Determine if selling or donating is the best option and create separate piles for each category; be mindful when shopping for new household items. Contact the sales team at your new senior living community and request a floor plan with measurements of your residence to help determine the layout and what pieces will fit.

Ask Family & Friends for Help

Whether you need assistance paring down and packing your belongings or finding the right senior move manager for your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends and family for help. Transitioning to a senior lifestyle community is a major life change for everyone, so it can be comforting for loved ones to take an active role in the process.

Timing is Everything

Timing can be a critical factor in planning a successful move to independent living. What if your house doesn’t sell right away? What if it sells too quickly? Take advantage of flexible leasing options and ask the sales team at your new community about any special programs they may offer residents who need additional time to sell their homes or downsize their belongings. Having a guarantee that the apartment you selected will be available when you are ready to move in can offer greater peace of mind and add an extra layer of confidence to your planning process.

Thinking about downsizing or selling your home? Call Arbor View Senior Living at 303-268-4747 to speak with a member of our experienced sales team who can help guide you through the process and ensure a successful move built around your timeline.

REQUEST A BROCHURE

By submitting this form I agree to receive news, event information and special offers.