There is no ‘right’ age or time to consider moving to a retirement community. Everyone is unique, and older adults have different wants and needs as they approach this new chapter. People often wait for a crisis, like a health scare or issue, before looking at retirement living. While this is a natural response, and Seasons Retirement Communities is ready to support prospective residents with this decision at any stage in life, they encourage individuals to consider retirement living before a specific situation arises.
When you or your loved one are well, you have the luxury of time on your side. You can visit various retirement residences and weigh your options. At Seasons, you are welcome to book a personalized tour to view the home and meet your new neighbours and service team members with whom you will interact daily.
Harvard Health says good connections and social support improve longevity, health, and happiness. Moving to Seasons means you or your loved one no longer need to worry about cooking meals, cleaning or chores, taking care of the house, or getting to the grocery store or doctor’s appointments – they take care of all that! Making this decision sooner means more time to enjoy. It also allows more quality time spent with your loved ones versus a task-oriented relationship, caring for all the little things life brings.
If you are still wondering whether it’s time to think about moving into a retirement residence, you might consider some of the aspects below:
Meal-Time Experience
Food plays a significant role in how our residents feel about living at Seasons. They know how essential it is for everyone who lives in their communities to enjoy the food prepared. Seasons hires skilled chefs who love food just as much as its residents. Their dining service teams understand what it takes to ensure healthy and well-balanced meals are served without compromising taste and presentation.
Seasons Brantford’s Leasing Manager Amanda Walker says, “I encourage adult children and their loved ones to stay for a meal. This gives them an excellent feel for the atmosphere and what life would be like living in the community and experiencing the food firsthand. They also become more comfortable meeting staff members and fellow residents who will make them feel welcome.”
Seasons Royal Oak Village Leasing Manager Tammy Dufour adds, “The dining room is the hub of our home, so when prospective residents visit for a meal, they can get a feel for it, meet other residents, engage with our team, and enjoy a meal with their loved one without all the preparation or any clean up!”
Program Offerings
Seasons offers many different activities laid out in a monthly calendar shaped by the preferences and desires of each home’s residents. Our Fun Managers are open and willing to incorporate favourite pastimes, respond to feedback, and encourage residents to lead their own workshops using their talents or hobbies. Seasons Clarington Leasing Manager Sonia Stubbings shares, “I always encourage prospective residents to join us for a program of interest to help them get a feel for the home. This allows me to connect them with other residents, whom I feel could become friends. And meet with our service team members who support them daily.”
Right-Sizing Tips
Downsizing is necessary when seriously considering a move into a retirement community. What fits inside a three-bedroom house cannot fit into a one or two-bedroom suite. “If they are overwhelmed with all of the ‘stuff’ that they have to get rid of, I suggest professional companies that can help with deciding what to bring and possibly where to get rid of items you no longer need or want. This process can be started at any time because there will inevitably come a time when they have to simplify your home,” offers Tammy.
Sonia adds, “It’s important to think about what type of senior living suite may suit you or your loved one long-term, how comfortable it will be, and how it can fit the most important furniture to feel at home.”
Seasons Amherstburg General Manager Tamasin Dineen also suggests, “Make a list of what is important to you in a community and how you see your next chapter unfolding. Then, note how each retirement home makes you feel when you go out looking.”
Validate Decision-Making
“Sometimes, there is a grieving process for many seniors when they move into a retirement community. They may feel they are losing their home, independence, and memories. As adult children or caregivers, we must honour their loss as something authentic,” says Tamasin.
She continues, “Change is challenging. It takes time to settle in and for it to feel like home. But as with anything we do, it will be worth it. You will make new friends and experience things you never would before moving to Seasons.”
“I always suggest that adult children or caregivers validate their parents’ concerns, feelings, and worries about the move. It’s all very natural, and talking through it together is better. This is a huge leap for some and can sometimes be very scary. Change isn’t easy for any of us,” shares Tammy.
Amanda adds, “Change is tough, and changing to the unknown and unfamiliar is even harder. The most important thing is getting a feel for the home when you walk in the door. Happy residents + happy staff = a fun-filled, loving community!”
As they consider a move to retirement living, some may focus on what they leave behind. Seasons encourages you to envision all you or your loved one will gain by moving to one of our homes in Alberta or Ontario. There is a sense of community among new connections and staff who genuinely care about your safety and well-being.
Conclusion
We know that deciding to live in a retirement community is a big step, and there are many choices; Seasons encourages you to explore them all. Should you decide Seasons is the right choice for you, they will do their utmost to ensure it is a community you’ll be proud to call home. If you are looking for senior housing and would like additional information about living at Seasons, please click the Locations tab on its website and contact a Leasing Manager to learn more. You can also review some of the most common prospective resident questions and answers.
“It’s always easy to think about what you are giving up when you move into senior living, but give yourself time to think about what you will gain when you move. Look at the move to senior living as a new adventure!” Tammy concludes.