Last week I took three lovely ladies to visit an independent living facility for seniors, The Grand Court of Kansas City. This is a wonderful, warm and friendly home environment, with excellent food, roomy apartments, a dedicated staff and welcoming neighbors. Winter is near and I know these women do not want to spend several months stuck in their homes. They know—it’s time to give up the house and move. 
Still, they stay put. They feel that just the thought of starting the process of planning a move is too overwhelming: cleaning out the house, getting rid of ‘stuff’, deciding what to move to the new place…they don’t feel they can do it alone. Yet they are reluctant to even look into the services of others who can help them plan a smooth transition.
Yet every senior that I have worked with who has moved has told me “I wish I would have done this sooner”. Inevitably, after settling in, they are happier to be more social and around other active seniors; they are so glad all the home maintenance is over for good; they love not having to worry about preparing meals; and they feel so much more secure in their new home. They go out often, they meet many new friends, they feel more ‘alive’ ! They feel so much more free and relaxed. It’s like a whole new life for them.
Moving to a new home is a stressful situation for anyone, at any age. But when it’s time to make that move, having control over the decision is so much better than being forced to make a move. When you decide to put the wheels in motion to give up the house and transition to a maintenance free lifestyle, you are empowered and in control of your future.
As a senior, if it’s time to start looking at other housing options…start the process now. It may take several months to research options, find a community that fits you, figure out financing, and start making plans. Remember, there are people that will help you with your commitment and help you make it happen! But make that decision on your own…take control of your future before someone, or something, does it for you.
If you are a senior considering a move, or have a senior family member who needs to make transition plans, contact me. As an SRES, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, this is one of my speciality areas. We can meet for a casual conversation and I'll provide you with the information you need as you consider the next steps.
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