How to Choose a Retirement Home
1. Proximity to Loved Ones
A retirement home will make daily tasks easier by providing you with support. Yet, being in proximity to loved ones is excellent for moral support and in case you need anything. The simple fact of having your loved ones nearby is reassuring for most seniors.
2. First Impressions
When visiting the retirement home for the first time, consider your first impressions as they are the key to feeling comfortable in your new environment.
- Are you greeted warmly upon entering?
- Does the home look clean?
- Does the staff look happy?
- Do the residents look at ease?
- Is the flow running smoothly?
- Do things feel rushed?
- Are there many activities to do?
- What is your gut telling you?
3. Living Space
When choosing a retirement home, you should not only consider the size of your personal living space, but also the size of the common areas.
Your personal living space should: fit your furniture, be conveniently located in the building, have built in safety gear and anything else you use on a daily basis.
The common areas should: not be too crowded, have easy access to bathrooms, have cleared pathways and have comfortable seating.
4. Pricing
The average monthly cost of living in a retirement home is $2975.
The monthly pricing of living in a retirement home depends on:
- Private or subsidized retirement home
- Meal plans included or not
- Type of services included
- Location
- Housekeeping included or not
- New or old building
- Renovated or not
- Independent or assisted living
(*comfort life)
5. Amenities: Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions and exclusions will play a significant role in your daily life at the retirement home. It’s important to determine your independent abilities, what you may need assistance with and what you want to do on your free time.
Amenities usually included:
- Pool and gym access
- Daily group activities in common area
- Security system and daily check ins
- Game rooms
- Library
- Electricity
Additional amenities to consider including:
- Meal plans
- Insurance
- Housekeeping
- Personal care assistance
- Pet fees
- Beauty services
- Wireless panic button
- Parking
- Storage
- Landline phone
- WiFi
- Cable
*May vary
Different Types of Retirement Homes
| Age | Average Monthly Cost | Level of Independence | Level of Medical Attention | Furnishings | Type of facility | Included
Amenities |
|
| Independent Living | 55+ | $2500 | Elevated | Low (optional) | Not included | Apartment with 2-beds or less | Basic care can be added on. Recreational facilities
usually included. |
| Assisted Living | Adults (mostly seniors) | $3200 | Moderate | Moderate | Some furniture may be included | 1-bed apartment | Basic care & activities included. |
| Nursing Home | Adults
(Mostly seniors) |
Over $5000 or subsidized | Low | Elevated | Furniture included | Bedroom only | Complete care & activities included. |
*May vary by province/state
Bonus Tip: Visit Multiple Retirement Homes
Finding the right retirement home is quite the challenge. Visit multiple retirement homes and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each to make your final decision. You want to feel good in your new home.
Selling Your Home
It’s hard to sell the home you’ve spent your entire life in. Saying goodbye to a place where you had so many memories is heart wrenching. To make sure you get your money’s worth, hire a trustworthy real estate agent. Here’s what to look for in a real estate agent:
- Knowledge about the market in the area.
- Fair commission rates.
- A reasonably timed contract.
- Good reviews or references.
Pro tip: see the home as an investment opportunity and not a loss. A new beginning awaits.
Decluttering Your Home
The retirement home you will be moving to will most likely be smaller than the space you have now. Decluttering can help ease your transition. Here are a few decluttering tips before moving to a retirement home.
- Gift what you can’t keep to friends and family: you’ll feel better knowing that the possessions that once brought you joy can now bring joy to someone you care for.
- Gather what you absolutely must keep and then sort out the rest.
- Pack large items first to give yourself a sense of progress.
- Digitize DVDs, CDs and photos to save
space. - Donate to a charitable organization and know that your possessions are going to a good cause.
- Hire a junk removal company to do the heavy lifting for you.
How to Make Downsizing Less Painful
Downsizing is an emotional time as it is a reminder of so many past events and memories. To make downsizing less painful, release your emotional attachment to your possessions by acknowledging that they have served you well in the past and accept that they can no longer come with you on this next step of your life. Also, remember that while your space may be smaller, it will be more convenient and more adapted to your current needs.
Planning the Move
Renting a Moving Truck vs Hiring Movers
| Renting a moving truck | Hiring movers |
| More control over possessions | Possession insurance available |
| Physical effort required | Higher budget required |
| More flexibility | Quicker move |
Moving Day Tips
- Ask for help from friends and family.
- Tell the retirement home when you’ll be moving in.
- If applicable, book the elevator.
- Place furniture and personal items similarly to how they were in the previous living space to avoid feeling disoriented.
- Prepare a bag with all the basic necessities (medication, first day essentials, change of clothes, snacks).
Changing Your Address When Moving to a Retirement Home
Changing your address when moving to a retirement home is especially important as it will ensure you don’t miss out on things like your benefit payments and your magazine subscriptions.
Government
- Voter registration
- Driver’s license
- Vehicle registration
- Hunting and fishing permit
- Government agencies and organizations
Health
- Pharmacy prescription transfer
- Health card
- Health insurance
- Hospital card
- Medical clinic
- Health specialist (physio, nutritionist)
Essentials
- Electricity, water and gas provider
- Internet, landline and cable provider
- Mobile phone provider
- Home and car insurance provider
- Bank
- Home security system
Miscellaneous
- Mail forwarding
- State/provincial retirement service
- Organizations for retirees
- Streaming services
- Rewards cards
- Library
- Accountant
MovingWaldo Is Here to Simplify Your Address Change!
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*Currently only available in Canada
Discovering the Neighborhood
One of the last things to do before moving into the retirement home is to discover the neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the amenities nearby.
Locate these amenities when discovering the neighborhood:
- Grocery stores (ask if they deliver)
- Parks and walking trails
- Hospitals and emergency clinics
- Pharmacies (ask if they deliver)
- Senior activities & and senior groups
- Public and private transit options (locate bus stops)
- Shopping centers
Conclusion
Moving to a retirement home can be stressful, but only if you’re disorganized. By following all the tips listed above, your move will go smoothly and you’ll be happy to be in your new place. Take it easy and don’t overthink things. Read testimonials from seniors living at the home and talk to them if possible. While this will be a huge change, remember that it is for the best and in the long run you’ll be happier to be where you are.
