Making the move from a larger home into a senior living apartment is no easy task. For most, the chore of downsizing is the most overwhelming component. However, there are many ways the senior must adapt to apartment living. Let's explore some of the practical and emotional ways older adults can transition from a large home to an apartment, to help make the move smoother and more positive:
Start Downsizing Early
Rid yourself of things here and there so that the task is less overwhelming come moving day. A top tip is to go room by room, categorizing piles to sell, gift, keep, or donate. Remember, just because these items may be valuable to you, they may not be valuable to others. Prepare to hear from your children or grandchildren that they are not interested in some of your treasures. While you loved serving guests on chinaware for special occasions, your grandchildren host parties using paper plates, therefore, they don't see chinaware as something they'll realistically use. Some people find it helps to preserve these memories by taking photos or perhaps keeping a portion of the collection. For example, you could keep a teacup and saucer from your China set to serve as a memento that is easily stored or displayed.
Choose the Apartment Floorplan
A critical factor in successfully adjusting is selecting the right apartment for you. When moving from a much larger home, many people feel they must have a two-bedroom apartment, but this is not always the case. You should really examine why you feel you need the second bedroom asking yourself, "what would it be used for?" Most senior living communities have a variety of amenities that replace the need for a two-bedroom apartment, saving you money in the long run. For example, there may be a guest suite, art studio, fitness center, library, or craft room that you can use instead. Also, consider what accessibility features are included like walk-in showers, wider doorways, or grab bars and ensure you will be successful as your needs may change over time.
Choose the Apartment Location
You'll want to consider the location of the unit with great scrutiny. Some prefer the ground floor if they have pets, while others appreciate the views only available to the top floor residents. If you do choose an upper unit, you'll need to consider the proximity to the elevator or stairs, as well as parking, as this will be a big part of your comings and goings. Some prefer to be near common areas and elevators, while others are happiest away from the heavier traffic flow.
Sunlight exposure may also play a role in your selection. Whether you prefer morning sun or evening sun could impact the type of plants you might keep on your balcony or when you might most appreciate spending time on your balcony given the timing of sunlight versus shade. Finally, you'll need to determine if the view will be an important part of your lifestyle. For some, the view can be a deal breaker, others may admit that they are not likely to use the balcony, making hte view a non-issue.
Plan the New Space Thoughfully
Before moving in, you may ask for an appointment with the sales representative to take measurements of the apartment, or in some cases, they might have a grid plan available to help you know what furniture will fit. Identify the most comforting items in your current home like your favorite chair or loveseat and prioritize those items first. You might also look for spaces to hang artwork and decor items that are especially meaningful to you. You might also look for ways to maximize storage in the closets, drawers, and built ins.
Create New Routines
This move doesn't necessarily mean ditching your favorite coffee shop, parks, or shopping centers. However, there will be some shifts as your routines are likely to change. For example, you might have enjoyed morning walks in your old neighborhood, walking a familiar path each day. Now, you may wish to walk the paths available in the community courtyard, use the sidewalks around the entire the building, or use the treadmill in the gym. Or, you might have enjoyed coffee each morning in your kitchen, but now you might like to join the group of residents who meet for coffee and conversation at the bistro.
Think through the things you do each day or each week and thoughtfully prepare for how these routines may shift after your move. Be sure to source the community to understand the various amenities, clubs, and programs that may be most interesting to you during this time of transition.
Interview Your Future Neighbors
This list may only scratch the surface on the many ways an older adult may need to adapt to apartment living. Perhaps one of the best tips of all is to spend time with other residents who have successfully made the transition, asking them what they have found to be helpful and learn what you should expect. Certainly, there will be elements of a large home that will be missed, but most say these things are quickly replaced with the peace-of-mind, fun, and engagement found in a maintenance free, senior living community full of new friends.
