Seniors at a crossroads: Knowing when it’s time to move into an independent or assisted living community

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — “The greatest fear in life is not death, but unsolicited change.” These words, penned by an unknown but obviously very wise author, summarize the plight of many seniors who find themselves at a common crossroads.

Primrose resident interacts with friendly staff, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Primrose Retirement Communities, St. George News

Do we stay in our home, despite the fact that it may be getting difficult for us to maintain or that we may be declining in health and in need of assistance? Or do we relocate to a retirement community where we can receive assistance with our health-related issues and let someone else take care of the maintenance?

On the surface, the answer seems simple. Give yourself a break! Improve your health and enjoy a carefree retirement, right? Who could possibly say “no” to that? If these were the only factors at play, the decision would be a slam-dunk, but they’re not.

Many seniors who have reached this crossroads in their lives are afraid to make a move – even though they know it’s the best thing for them to do – because they’re experiencing a fear of the unknown. They have spent decades in the same home, raising families and storing up irreplaceable memories. They cannot bear the thought of leaving them behind and starting over again in a new place surrounded by new people.

It’s an understandable fear but one that can be conquered. People spend their entire lives taking “next steps” – school, marriage, career – but often with trusted advisers paving the way and helping them know what to expect at each junction. At Primrose of Washington, nurse assistant McKenzie Smith serves as a key coordinator for new residents moving in and transitioning to the retirement community lifestyle.

“A lot of seniors don’t know what to expect as they consider this change, but many find once they start asking questions and learning about their options, the anxiety lessens and just like before, the way seems paved,” Smith said. “Getting through the negative feelings of helplessness is the biggest barrier to what is, more often than not, a much more enjoyable lifestyle for them.”

Life at Primrose, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Primrose Retirement Communities, St. George News

It’s often said that knowledge is power. With this in mind, it may be helpful to begin the relocation process by doing some simple, no-pressure research on the options available to you in your area. You can utilize the internet to help. Your local library or chamber of commerce should also have senior housing information available.

Another helpful exercise to bring things into perspective is to grab a piece of paper. Divide it into two separate lists by drawing a line down the middle. On one side, write down all of the benefits of moving, and on the other side, list the objections you have to moving. Put the sheet away for a few days, then retrieve it and read your answers. This will give you a fresh look and may help you to see the path you need to take a bit more clearly.

“The thing that helped me decide that I could make a change and move was the people,” said Marion Summerhays, who moved into Primrose of Washington a few weeks ago. “I had to see the staff and other residents and know that I could be comfortable and feel safe. If I didn’t meet the staff, I don’t know that I would have been able to do it.”

Taking these steps will help to instill confidence. The more you know, the less you will fear. Remember to share your feelings with a friend or loved one. You don’t have to go through this process alone.

Develop a short-list of communities, then go visit them. Get to know the staff and residents by staying for lunch or a special community event. Ask questions based off the research you’ve done and the list you’ve created.

Once you have accomplished these things, determining the path you should take at your crossroads should be a much easier task. If you have additional questions, we would be honored to assist. Just visit PrimroseRetirement.com for more information.

• S P O N S O R E D   C O N T E N T • 

Resources

  • Primrose Retirement Communities | Address: 5190 S. Washington Fields Road, Washington City | Telephone: 435-256-8236 | Website.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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