Many older adults opt for downsizing when they retire, especially if they have a large home and their family members have moved out. When mortgage interest rates and moving costs are low, empty nesters may experience many advantages with this option. Downsizing your home for retirement can save you money, reduce housework and maintenance, and allow you to move closer to loved ones. However, it’s often only a short-term solution, since it doesn’t address the increasing health concerns that can arise as we get older.

Still, seniors and their adult children can find it difficult to know when it’s time for a senior living community that will offer skilled medical care and personal care or assisted living. That’s why it’s best to research your options and make senior living plans in advance, which eliminates the need to make a rushed (and potentially poor) decision later. If you’ve done this, all that’s left is to decide “when.”

Here are some of the most common signs you or your children can use to help you make this decision so you can enjoy a high quality of life in a full-service retirement community:

• Physical concerns. If you’ve downsized your home, you may have chosen a one-story replacement to avoid stair-related hazards. However, if you’re beginning to have more serious mobility concerns, such as difficulty sitting down, standing up, or walking around your home, this may be a sign that you need regular assistance with daily activities. Alternatively, if you experience sudden weight loss or other physical irregularities, you may need additional medical care.

• Household conditions. If you’re having difficulty keeping your home as orderly and clean as you used to, you may need the support of housekeeping services. Telltale indications of this include stacks of mail lying about, dishes piling up, sparse or spoiling groceries, obstacles creating tripping hazards, and pest infestations.

• Mood and personality changes. If you or your adult children notice that you tend to be in a low mood more often than usual or that your attitudes toward everyday occurrences or life events have changed, it could be a sign that you are in need of a more supportive living situation. Senior living communities offer not only personal care, but a vibrant community of neighbors and plenty of opportunities for socializing. Moving to such a community can ease feelings of isolation and help to surround you by caring people.

• Memory loss, confusion, or wandering. If you become routinely more agitated than usual, have difficulty completing tasks, or have trouble remembering where you are, you could be experiencing early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s. You may need more monitoring than your adult children can provide and/or a secure neighborhood to live a safe and vibrant life.

• Lifestyle changes. If you or your loved ones notice that you aren’t getting out and about as much as usual, seem withdrawn, or aren’t enjoying your usual hobbies and activities, this could be a sign of isolation, anxiety, or depression. Other potential red flags include significant changes to your eating, bathing, dressing, and physical activities. A high-quality senior living community will offer services that address all of your wellness needs, including medical support, social activities, healthy dining options, spiritual opportunities, and fitness programs.

If you or your family members notice any of these signs, it’s important to make an informed decision about whether you can enhance your quality of life by moving to a full-service senior living community such as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC).

If you make the move before you develop a serious physical or cognitive health problem, you can live a rich and active life with independent living options. Regardless of your current care needs, moving to the right CCRC can give you and your family the peace of knowing that you’ll always have the level of care you need when you need it.

Enjoy Peace of Mind With Life at Chapel Pointe

Chapel Pointe is a faith-based continuing care retirement community. We commit each day to serving and enhancing the quality of life for people aged 62+ in Central Pennsylvania. We’re honored that our greater community sees the servant-heart of our nonprofit organization and consistently selects Chapel Pointe as “The Best of Cumberland County.”

Nestled in eight beautifully landscaped acres in Carlisle, PA, our welcoming campus is filled with interesting places to explore and amenities that make life easy and enjoyable. Bird-watch from the gazebo, take a quiet moment in the chapel, curl up with a book in the library, join a friend for coffee in the sunroom, take the shuttle to town, or just pull up a comfortable chair for a chat.

Since the beginning, our team's mission has been to ensure that every resident is treated with love and the utmost respect. Experiencing our core values—trust, integrity, faith, service, and innovation—lived out every day at Chapel Pointe reassures seniors that they are making the right decision by welcoming us into their lives. Contact us to learn more about our community or support our mission by making a donation today!