Preparing for a Move to a Retirement Community

By Thom Braun

For older adults considering a move to a retirement community, the thought of having to downsize from a current home may be overwhelming. However, it’s important to know that there is a wealth of information and resources available to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Work Closely with the Community’s Team
Retirement communities understand that change often comes with questions and have an entire team in place to provide assistance. Many offer an on-site move-in coordinator and referrals to a third-party senior relocation company to guide older adults and their families through every phase of the process.

Typically, a moving guide—specific to the community—is available from the marketing office. It addresses the most common concerns faced by prospective residents preparing to downsize and provides a detailed timeline of steps to accomplish in the time leading up to the move. Often, the guide includes telephone numbers (post office, utility companies, telephone service providers, etc.) that can be helpful to your move.

Ask the staff at the retirement community to provide a list of relocation companies they recommend. The specialists at the company will be familiar with the community’s floor plans and will understand which of them will best accommodate your desired furniture.

View the Process as an Opportunity for a
New Beginning
It’s the perfect time to start fresh. Although most senior living communities encourage residents to bring key furnishings from an existing home, many residents view the move as an opportunity to update their future residence or simplify their lifestyle.

From new furniture and trendy accessories to the freedom accompanying a move to a maintenance-free lifestyle, many older adults are excited about the options now available. At The Carlisle, for example, residents at the luxury resort-style community personalize their residence; some opting for interior design services or to have crown molding and wood flooring installed to add their own style.  Closet systems are also popular to expand storage.

Downsizing also provides an opportunity for older adults to arrange for the profitable disposal of unwanted items through auction, estate sale or consignment or the distribution of family heirlooms to adult children. An objective third party can be extremely helpful since there are often emotions and memories attached to the home and personal items.

Look Beyond Your Residence’s Square Footage
Remember that while one may be lessening the square footage of his or her individual residence, there is an entire community beyond his/her new home’s four walls. Since most communities have a library and fitness center, prospective residents may find there isn’t a need to maintain an extensive home library or exercise room.

The Carlisle’s private dining room is perfect for residents wishing to host intimate gatherings such as anniversary dinners and birthday celebrations. With a formal dining area located outside the residence as well as the catering services from the onsite restaurant, residents can enjoy entertaining without any of the hassle.  Residents’ families and friends also are invited to the community-wide events and special dinners, which affords Carlisle residents the opportunity to truly show off the beauty of their entire community and not just entertain guests in their residences.

“Any move can certainly cause one anxiety but remember to focus on all the benefits of your new home: peace of mind, new friendships and the unlimited opportunities for social, educational and cultural activities,” said The Carlisle’s Executive Director Bill Diamond. “Once you’ve gotten settled, you’ll inevitably say you wish you’d made the move sooner.”

Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and a complimentary full breakfast plus choice of lunch or dinner in the community’s gourmet-style restaurant. For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.