In the know.

Thoughts Developed During our Experience at “The Langford”

A person or couple should downsize and move to a retirement community while they are still healthy and able to make their own decisions. Moving is difficult after you are more than 75 years old and earlier if you are disabled or in poor health. You should not burden your children or relatives with the responsibility to handle the problems of moving you later, which likely will interrupt their business or family lives for many months or years.

It is normal to be happy and comfortable in a larger home, but do you really need it? The cost of living in a retirement home may sound expensive, but if you consider the cost of maintaining your home, including mortgage payments, real estate taxes, utility bills, home repairs, and yard maintenance; there is not that much difference. It’s time to quit saving for your children’s inheritance. Spend your savings on a fun, clean, comfortable living community for the remainder of your life.

Bring a positive attitude. Your new apartment may not be perfect and not as grand as your previous home, but you will soon become comfortable with the convenience and simplicity of your surroundings. And you will have more time to just relax and enjoy life.

The retirement community offers more security and safety for you than at home. Immediate access and help from staff and residents will give you the comfort to know someone is always there. And if you like to travel, you can feel better that the safety of your apartment and personal property is protected and you will not have to worry about break-ins or breakdowns at your home while you are gone.

You will be told that you should only take the things you need. But it is difficult to imagine the difference between what you needed before and what you need after resettling. Even if you love to cook, you will cook much less often and you should limit the amount of cookware, appliances, dishes, silverware, etc. But you should also take the things you love, like wall hangings, pictures, collectables, and seasonal decorations, and things that will make you feel like home.

Bring your clothes that you think are too large. You will grow into them. It will be difficult to maintain your weight, with regular healthy meals served daily. The new community probably will offer exercise equipment and classes, which will be helpful in maintaining your weight and health.

One of the most important advantages of community living is the social activities that are available. You can expect to actively engage daily with other residents during meals, games, and meetings. This type of activity has proven to stimulate your brain and increase your memory capabilities.

If you own several cars, you can probably cut down to one. Most communities have driving services that can provide additional transportation if needed. Leave your machine tools, shovels, saws, etc. Bring a small tool box with a hammer, pliers, and screwdrivers for minor repairs. A Maintenance crew is available to handle all other projects.

John & Sandy Matush

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