Gatesworth Stories —
When to Move to Senior Living
7 Signs It May Be Time to Consider Senior Living
How does one know when it’s time to consider a move to a senior independent living community? The answer to that question is a personal one, though it’s certainly not a decision that should be left to the last minute.
The truth is that it’s best to begin considering such a life change well before you need to. Many experts suggest looking at senior living communities in your late 60s or early 70s. Generally, you should be looking well before the need arises.
If you begin exploring senior living communities while enjoying your current lifestyle, you will have more choices, more time to prepare, and very likely more satisfaction once you determine the timing is right for such a change.
Early Vs. Too Late
Again, many experts suggest that it’s never too soon to begin looking at communities. Independent senior living communities often have more requests for accommodations than they have space. The earlier you identify the community that is right for you, the more likely the community will have room for you when you are ready.
Starting the process early doesn’t mean you have to move before you’re ready. It just means you’ll have time to look and to consider the options. Do you want to remain in an area that’s familiar to you, or does another part of the country sound appealing? If you give yourself time to search, and even fantasize a little, you’ll be able to weigh the merits of life in the mountains or on the coast versus life in the Midwest, for example.
Risks of Waiting Too Long
Timing, as they say, is everything. We consider timing when we make plans for our education, our careers, and our families. And as we age, timing continues to play an important role in making important life decisions, including when to retire and when to downsize.
Many people assume they’ll simply know when it’s time to move, but waiting until a major health event or personal crisis can make the transition much more stressful. Planning ahead allows you to make decisions thoughtfully instead of under pressure.
Some of the most common risks of delaying a move include:
- Having fewer apartment choices because availability is more limited.
- Feeling rushed into making an important life decision.
- Managing a move while recovering from an illness or injury.
- Continuing to maintain a home that has become physically demanding.
- Missing opportunities to build friendships and become part of a community while you’re still active and independent.
- Creating added stress for family members who may suddenly need to help coordinate a move during an emergency.
Moving earlier often means you get to enjoy the lifestyle and amenities of a community like The Gatesworth for many more years.
Signs It May Be Time to Consider Senior Living
Every person’s situation is unique, and there is rarely one defining moment that signals it’s time to move. More often, it’s a combination of small changes that begin to affect everyday life.
Some common signs include:
- Home maintenance feels more like a burden than a pleasure.
- You find yourself using fewer rooms in your home.
- You would like more opportunities for dining, travel, fitness, or social activities.
- Driving has become more difficult or less enjoyable.
- You worry about what would happen if an emergency occurred while you were alone.
- Family members have started expressing concerns about your safety or well-being.
- You simply want the freedom that comes with maintenance-free living.
For many people, the decision isn’t driven by necessity. It’s motivated by the desire to simplify life and spend more time enjoying retirement.
The Impact of Living on Your Own
Living independently can be rewarding, but it can also become isolating over time. Everyday responsibilities such as housekeeping, cooking, yard work, home maintenance, and transportation don’t disappear simply because retirement begins. In fact, they often require more time and energy than many people expect.
Family members can also feel the effects. Adult children frequently find themselves with a high emotional and physical toll, worrying about parents who live alone. This is especially true if they live out of town or aren’t able to visit regularly. Questions about home maintenance, daily chores, emergency preparedness, transportation, or future healthcare needs can become ongoing concerns.
Choosing a senior living community before those concerns become urgent often benefits everyone involved. Residents gain greater freedom, opportunities to socialize, and access to enriching experiences, while families enjoy greater peace of mind knowing their loved one is part of a vibrant, supportive community.
Getting Acquainted
Most independent living communities, including The Gatesworth in St. Louis, Missouri, are happy to talk with prospective residents, even those who may not be ready to move for many years. Schedule some get-acquainted visits with the communities you think might be a good fit. Once you visit, discover the community’s amenities, services and support, and meet some current residents, chances are you’ll be able to tell whether it’s the right home for you.
Staff at The Gatesworth, one of the country’s premier senior independent living communities, are always happy to meet potential residents. Your first visit will offer plenty of opportunities to ask questions, discuss possible floor plans and availability, as well as your projected timeline. Should you decide that The Gatesworth is the right community for you, experts on staff will help you coordinate the move, even if it is scheduled well into the future.
Life at The Gatesworth
We invite you to take your time doing the research needed to choose an independent living community that suits you best. You’ll find that life at The Gatesworth offers a host of amenities and programs that make life interesting and satisfying, and easier. From exceptional dining and fitness programs to cultural events, educational opportunities, concierge services, and beautifully appointed apartment residences, life here is designed to help you make the most of every day.
We encourage you to give us a call, even if you’re not yet ready to make a change. We’d be happy to work with you as you begin to plan your future.
For more information or to schedule a visit, fill out the form on the Contact Us page or call us at 314-993-0111.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it’s the right time to move to senior living?
There is no perfect age or timeline. Many people begin exploring communities while they are still healthy and active so they can make a thoughtful decision without feeling rushed.
Is moving to senior living giving up my independence?
Not at all. Independent living communities are designed to make everyday life easier by removing the responsibilities of homeownership while giving residents more freedom to pursue hobbies, friendships, travel, and new experiences.
What if I’m not ready to move yet?
That’s perfectly okay. In fact, The Gatesworth encourages prospective residents to begin learning about the community well before they’re ready so they can explore floor plans, ask questions, and develop a plan that fits their own timeline.
Will my family be involved in the decision?
Many residents choose to involve their children or other family members throughout the process. Having open conversations early often makes everyone feel more comfortable and confident about the decision.
Is it better to move before I need additional support?
For many people, yes. Moving while you’re active allows you to settle into the community, establish friendships, and enjoy everything independent living has to offer before health concerns become a factor.
What should I do first if I’m beginning to think about senior living?
Start by visiting communities that interest you. Touring, meeting residents, asking questions, and learning about available services will help you determine which community feels like home and whether the timing is right for you.
