The transition from your apartment or home to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is easier, more affordable, and grants greater peace of mind when you move sooner rather than later. Read on to learn more about the benefits of moving to a CCRC earlier in your senior living journey, before you need higher levels of care.
Choosing the Right Time for Senior Living
A CCRC is a perfect solution for seniors who live in their own homes but like the idea of having health care services available when they need them. In addition to enjoying many amenities and conveniences, residents of CCRCs can easily transition from living independently to receiving assisted living services to receiving skilled nursing care 24 hours a day in the on-site health care center.
At a CCRC, seniors as young as 55 can enjoy all the benefits of socialization, maintenance-free living, on-site cultural activities, dining, amenities, and access to a full continuum of care should they ever need it.
Many seniors choose to move to a CCRC sooner rather than later to fully enjoy the advantages listed above. Others want to make decisions about their next chapter while their mental acuity is high and they can still take part in guiding their own future.
5 Reasons To Move to a CCRC Sooner Rather Than Later
If you think you’re too young to live in a CCRC, think again. Here are some of the benefits an older adult can reap from moving sooner rather than later:
1. The benefits of Life Care.
To make the most of a CCRC like Canterbury Woods at Gates Circle, you should plan on moving to the community while you’re still independent. This will ultimately help you save money on care and guarantee you a spot in the community even if your health needs change.
By moving in at the independent living level, you can take full advantage of our Life Care contract. If you choose to move once you need a higher level of care, both you and your nest egg will be at the mercy of market rates for any long-term care required.
2. Fun events and activities.
Living in a CCRC means convenient access to various activities, amenities and services.
Many of these perks are offered on site. In addition to intergenerational programs, volunteer service projects, continuing education classes, and more, CCRCs offer many opportunities for residents to stay involved in the community. Taking advantage of these events and activities when you’re young is one of the benefits of moving.
3. Health and wellness programming.
CCRCs aim to help residents live independently for as long as possible while offering a continuum of care services if and when necessary.
To provide comprehensive health and wellness programs, a community may include a fitness center, trainers, low-impact aerobics classes, aquatic centers, and diet meal plans, just to name a few. In addition to these amenities, more CCRCs are focusing on a “whole-person” concept, which includes emotional, spiritual, mental and social wellness, with programs to enrich each aspect of a person’s well-being.
4. New friendships and social circles.
Another fantastic perk of moving to a CCRC is making new friendships with the residents.
Those who wait too long to make their CCRC move may miss out on the opportunity to form these meaningful relationships. It’s especially beneficial if health care issues arise in the future. If you wait too long, you can miss out on this network of close, supportive friends.
5. A smoother transition.
In general, younger seniors, more mobile seniors, and those who are in good health can better handle the transition to a CCRC. Moving becomes increasingly difficult as we age, both physically and mentally. When a move is made by an older and frailer individual, relocation stress syndrome (RSS) – characterized by anxiety, confusion and loneliness – is more likely to affect them. The truth is that the sooner you move, the less you’ll have to worry about ailments and failing health. Age and infirmity make it more difficult to research, explore and tour senior living communities, so get these phases in and know your options before you need them!
Contemporary Retirement Living Near Elmwood Village.
At Gates Circle, our goal is simple: provide seniors with the best possible living experience during this time of transition. We’re a Life Care Community offering independent living and a full continuum of care. This includes assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation.
Learn more about our continuum of care today. Start living your best life NOW!
