Some seniors believe they shouldn’t move to senior living, retirement community until they need care, but the best time to move into a continuing care retirement community may be earlier than you think. There are a number of benefits to moving into independent living while you’re still active.
First, What Is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?
Also known as a Life Plan Community or CCRC, a continuing care retirement community is a senior living residential option that offers independent living and levels of senior care, often on the same campus. Residents can transition to different levels of care with very little hassle.
Why Move Early?
Many older adults tackle the maintenance of a house or live alone much longer than they need to. The best time to move into a continuing care retirement community is when you’re ready for an enriching lifestyle with a smart plan for the future. Here are just a few of the reasons to move early:
Active Lifestyle
Communities are dedicated to their residents’ holistic health and wellness — not just health care. They provide varied fitness options so regular workouts don’t grow stale. Group classes are designed for a range of skill levels so you can try new things. Aquatic workouts are fun and low impact. And fully equipped fitness centers let you design your own routine on your own schedule if you’d prefer.
Opportunities to Grow
Communities are some of the best places to try new interests and hobbies, rediscover old passions, and pursue lifelong learning. Inventive activity directors and fellow residents organize clubs and activities, invite in-house speakers, and arrange cultural outings. You can participate as much or as little as you’d like.
Less Maintenance
Just because you can clean gutters or fix a clogged sink doesn’t mean that’s how you want to spend your time. When deciding when to move to independent living in Greenville, SC., consider how much time you want to spend on home maintenance and regular chores. With a housekeeping team, grounds keeping team, maintenance team, and dining team on campus to handle the chores, you can spend more time on activities that bring you joy. And in a community, your monthly fee is all-inclusive. You won’t have to pay extra for necessary repairs or services that might normally impact your budget.
Living Close to Friends
According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), roughly 25% of adults over age 65 are considered socially isolated.[1][2] Social isolation has been linked to a higher risk of dementia, stroke and heart disease. The rich social opportunities may move up the best time to move to a continuing care retirement community. You can forge new friendships or move close to longtime pals.
Control of the Future
Loved ones and family members may impact your decision to move to a Life Plan Community. You can all stress less about the future, knowing you have access to a full continuum of care should you ever need it. With a forward-thinking plan in place, there’s significantly less burden on children or other family members if new health challenges arise. And you won’t have to make big transitions in the middle of a crisis.
If you think now might be the best time to move to a continuing care retirement community, or you’d simply like to know more about independent living, we’d love to show you around Rolling Green Village. Our vibrant lifestyle and warmhearted team members help create a community you’ll love.