Are you considering moving to a Life Plan Community but are unsure if it’s the right decision for you? You’re not alone. Many people have the same concerns before making a change. Regional Director of Sales for Westminster Communities of Florida, Andrea Sieradzki, has more than 35 years of experience in the senior living industry and has had the privilege of meeting many prospective residents as they explore their options. Given her expertise, we approached her with a question: “What are the things residents wish they knew before moving to a Life Plan Community?” In response, she graciously shared these five invaluable insights.
1. You’ll sleep better at night
Opting for a Life Plan Community not only grants you peace of mind, but it also extends that assurance to your family and loved ones – and you’ll sleep better at night for it. It’s not a matter of if something is going to happen, it’s a matter of when, and being prepared and having a plan in place for when something happens allows you to take a deep breath and relax. Creating a plan for your future is probably the most important thing you can do, not just your family but for your mental health as well. You’ll be able to sleep well at night knowing you have access to a full continuum of care with priority access should your needs or your spouse’s needs change. Residents of Life Plan Communities have a personal, customized plan they can rely on, ensuring the security and well-being of their future.
2. I wish I had done this sooner
The most common thing I’ve heard throughout my career is, “I wish I had done this sooner,” and “The fear of the unknown held me back from making this type of a decision.” Life Plan Communities are not “old folk’s homes” anymore. They offer resort-style living with no worries about the cooking and cleaning, but more importantly, they offer the freedom for you to come and go as you please. Choosing a Life Plan Community gives you the opportunity to shut the door and go on that world cruise that you’ve always wanted to go on. You don’t have to worry about a pipe bursting or something happening while you’re gone – we take care of all of that. This is a gift you give yourself, and is a way for you to finally enjoy those things that you’ve put on the back-burner.
3. It’s more affordable than you think
A lot of people don’t realize how affordable it is! People say, “I didn’t explore this option because I felt like it was out of my financial reach.” When you consider the tax benefits that you receive when you choose a Life Plan Community, and the discounts you receive when you move through the levels of care, having the ability to just have one monthly fee makes it so much easier. Plus, with property insurance and property taxes going up at a rapid rate, this makes a Life Plan Community a very attractive option. A Life Plan Community is a safety net and the predictability of costs over the years allows you to protect your nest egg longer.
4. You’ll find a whole new beginning
I don’t think people realize what a supportive, caring network you’ll find at a Life Plan Community. The new beginnings, the feeling of second family, the knowledge that if anything were to happen with your spouse, you have a support network in place already. You have a whole group of people who care about you, not just fellow residents but also team members who are tenured, who have been here a while, who are really engaged and really love what they do.
5. You are ready!
I hear, “I’m not ready yet,” “I’m not old enough,” “I’m not sick enough,” and “I have this milestone I’m waiting for,” a lot. My biggest take on that is you are ready! You may have lived in your current home for decades. However, the house that once perfectly served you and your family may no longer be the best fit for you. You may find that you spend a lot of your valuable time cleaning, managing the yard work, working on repairs and paying for taxes and homeowner’s insurance. You can utilize those resources in a different way and truly give yourself the carefree lifestyle that you’ve always longed for. When you choose this type of lifestyle you not only gain all that free time back to pursue creative, intellectual, physical and social pursuits, but you gain a whole new perspective on a chapter in your life that will bring longevity and vitality to you. What are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present to start creating your new lifestyle and enjoying all of the wonderful opportunities at your fingertips instead of being isolated in your home.
Ready to find the perfect fit for your future? Find a Westminster community near you today!
