While the only constant in life may be change (Heraclitus), some transitions, especially as we age, can become more of a challenge to navigate.
If or when the time comes to choose independent or assisted retirement living, skilled professionals are there to offer advice and tips to help reduce any stress.
Moving from a private home into retirement living is often accompanied by a combination of anticipation and trepidation.
Leaving a long-time home and downsizing into less square footage means letting go of possessions and emotionally charged memorabilia, recycling clothing that may not have been worn for a long time, shredding documents that no longer need to be saved, cancelling service providers, and the dispersing of family mementoes.
After the move, the settling-in transitions happen. It can take a bit of time to establish new routines and habits, to share mealtimes with others, to make new friends and to decide which activities to engage in.
“We encourage our future residents to be pro-active instead of reactive,” explains Paula Hosking, Assistant Executive Director at Victoria’s not-for-profit Legion Manor.
“When prospective people or families reach out to us, we support them in making decisions about their future, and we encourage them not to wait too long in terms of making life changes that free them to have time to relax and do joyful things.”
“Sometimes people wait until they have an incident or accident, and are then stripped of their decision-making,” she adds.
Hosking encourages those who call her office to come and view the various living options in their facility, and to get their name on the wait list. She then starts the process of “what-to-do” to prepare for living in a smaller space and in a community (see sidebar).
She also refers those who request support to professional downsizer Anney Ardiel (Victoria), who, she says, is “compassionate and reliable.”
Mike Garisto, President of Columbus Charities Association, a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing to seniors across BC in eight properties, from the Lower Mainland to Prince Rupert, has some useful tips for residents applying to make a move into a smaller housing situation.
“Before we accept applications, we ask our prospective applicants to look at the building facilities, to sample a meal in the dining room, and to see their potential future suites,” he says, “to help them visualize their new home base. Women often take photos and measurements before they commit,” he adds.
“We also walk them through everything, from hydro (included), our basic cable package, wifi (free) in common areas, and the need for a cell phone or landline to access the entry buzzer system.”
“For some people, living in community is a big change,” adds Garisto. “But we find that once our new residents can relax about their food preferences and dining room choices, they are more comfortable. We also provide bus trips into the community and lots of in-house activities.”
At New Westminster’s not-for-profit independent-living site, Dunwood Place, Administrator Roschelle Wilson says that once an application has been made, future residents are shown the facilities.
“We help them visualize the process of downsizing by asking, for example, where their bed would go,” she says.
Residents are then highly encouraged to start letting go of possessions prior to moving in. This makes for an easier transition, enables workers to get into suites if there is a building issue, and not only makes housecleaning easier, but frees residents to enjoy the facilities, to meet people and to take part in activities.
“When people make the decision to move here, they continue to age in place,” adds Wilson. That’s because, while they have their own private living space, there is plenty of opportunity to socialize with others, enjoy activities, entertain their families on site, use the outdoor space, and know that if there is an emergency, they will immediately be supported by 24-7 staff.
Professionals who work with individuals and families that are getting ready to transition into retirement living all agree that it’s important to:
- visit potential facilities to start imagining a future home;
- get on a wait list sooner than later; and
- start downsizing and decluttering as soon as possible. Moving forward with fewer possessions frees up time to enjoy new experiences.
Swedish author Margareta Magnusson coined the term “Swedish Death Cleaning” in her 2017 New York Times bestseller, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter. The idea supports looking at your possessions and shifting your approach to them. What do you really need to carry your memories forward?
“Retirement living is being free to do joyful things.” reminds Paula Hosking, “and we do our best to support our residents in that.”
Sample Tip Sheet for Residents to prepare for their move.
o Your new address is: __________________
o Move in times for your movers are between (9:00 am and 11:00 am) and (1:00pm and 4:30 pm). Please let us know when your movers are coming so we can arrange to have our elevator set up for them.
o Please let us know if you are planning on having your meals the first day you are here (as applicable).
o You will need to set up your telephone for your suite through either Telus or Shaw. Please let us know when you have your new phone number. (If you have chosen to use Shaw for your telephone service, you will need to purchase a secondary telephone for our “interphone” system to work properly).
o You need to make sure your Renter’s Insurance is valid from the day you move in. We would like a copy of your policy for our records.
o Please submit your change of address to Canada Post so your mail is directed to your new home; be sure to let Canada Post know your suite number as well as your address.
o The (newspaper name) can be delivered to _. If you wish to subscribe you have to call (tel #) to set up your subscription. Your paper will be placed (location) on the main floor for you to pick up.
o Complimentary cable is provided by (facility); however, you will need to call (Shaw Cable) at (tel. number) to arrange a free converter to receive all the tiers of channels offered.
o Internet access for your computer is not included in your monthly rent. You need to set this up with a local internet provider.
Source: Thanks to Legion Manor, Victoria.
Specifics have been deleted or italicized, to reflect a generic check list.
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