Making the move to retirement living can be an overwhelming process. Here are five factors you should consider as a part of your retirement living checklist:

Timeframe

When do you foresee your move taking place?

In many cases, the timeframe of your move may not necessarily be dictated by a want, but a need. Have conversations with your loved ones and plan proactively. This will ensure that you can live comfortably in a community that allows you to age with purpose.

Budget

What does your budget look like?

Start by calculating the costs of your current living situation. Most retirement communities should include rent or home upkeep, utilities, taxes, groceries/meals, housekeeping, snow removal, and landscaping. To be sure that all your lifestyle needs will be met, touch base with a leasing consultant to verify what amenities are offered and how these will factor in to your monthly rent.

At Trico LivingWell, our Lifestyle Leasing Consultant will ensure that you can select the option that best meets your retirement living needs.

You can also check out our Affordability Calculator to see how the cost of living at Trico LivingWell compares to your current monthly living costs.

Social

How do you like to spend your time?

Socialization has a significant positive impact on our wellness. Benefits include improved mood, memory, and increased physical activity. Ask for a monthly recreation calendar from your potential retirement home to ensure the activities offered align with your interests.

At Trico LivingWell, we have a variety of programming that supports active living and lifelong learning, ranging from performing arts to gardening. We always appreciate new ideas and look to incorporate these into our weekly activity schedules.

Medical & Healthcare Needs

What are your care concerns?

It’s not always fun to talk about medical and healthcare needs, but it is important to understand the level of care required to find you the best possible home. Your doctor is a great resource in determining a retirement living community that will best cater to your care requirements. Furthermore, your doctor can provide you with the Physician Report necessary to address the right level of care for you.

Consider how a retirement community provides care – What healthcare services are provided in-house? Is there assistance with coordinating transportation for services in the community? What core values does the community live by?

With an emphasis on wellness, Trico LivingWell’s care philosophy is built on a social model of care services, and takes person-centred care one step further to the relationship level.

Decision Makers

Who is helping with your decision?

Family members and friends are often a part of the decision-making process. Have open conversations with your loved ones so they know your wishes and can help you find and receive an enhanced care experience.

Collaborating with doctors, friends, and family is a part of Trico LivingWell’s care philosophy. We recognize that for residents to be happy and fulfilled, we need to understand their past and present relationships with the individuals that may play a role in influencing their holistic wellness.

When it comes to retirement living, your health comes first. You deserve compassionate care from an accountable team that treats everyone with respect and dignity in a safe environment.

To learn more about retired living, you can contact us or book an appointment to meet with our team. We look forward to hearing from you.

By Drew Williams, Executive Director of Trico LivingWell