When we think about moving, many emotions, questions, and thoughts arise. The thought of moving into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is no different. Some questions that you might have are: Is it the right time? Is it the right style of living? Am I making the right decision? All of these questions are important to think about before moving, and it’s important to take advantage of the resources available to make sure you have the information you need to make the best decisions for you!

Sometimes, it’s easy to put off moving into a retirement community. Many people think they might have to give up their freedom and independence. In truth, you are able to maintain your freedom and independence, with additional amenities, and services available if and when you need them. As you work your way through the questions you have, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Most of the people you will meet in your new home had the same questions and feelings as you did. And, most often, we hear “I wish I would have done this sooner!” or “Why did I wait so long?”

Daniel Sean Kaye who is the director of life enrichment for Rydal Park Continuing Care Retirement Community, recently published an article in The Presbyterian Outlook that provided some ideas for working on issues that may make your move a bit easier:

1. Give yourself time to adjust: Change like this isn’t always easy to absorb. It may take a little while before this new life fits like a glove.
2. Try to positively set the stage: Think of the move as embracing life’s next chapter or a brave new adventure.
3. Be proactive: Ask all the questions you have a make sure you understand and are comfortable with the answers. If you aren’t, keep asking.
4. Make the decisions to move intentional: No eenie-meenie-miney-moe on this one, you should make the choice that gives you most of what you want.
5. Maintain control of what matters: You still play the major role in your life. You just need to decide what is important for you to continue to be in charge of, and what you are willing to give to another to manage.
6. Age your way: There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to get older. Do you want to keep painting, read great works of literature, take classes? You can. Do you want to sit quietly outside or take long walks? It all depends upon what your body will let you do and how your will guides you.

Whatever you reason for moving, when the time is right, remember that this is a life change, and will take some adjusting. Change takes time and energy. Before you know it, those changes and adjustments will take place. You will adjust, you will meet people, and you will call your new surroundings home. In time, you will discover that a CCRC such as Meth-Wick Community provides just the answer and services you were looking for, and will allow you to live your life “as it should be.”

If you have questions about Meth-Wick, please contact our Sales Director, Julie Farmer, at lifestyles@methwick.org, or by calling (319) 365-9171

The Presbyterian Outlook Published Jan 6, 2014