Planning for a Successful Move to Senior Living
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By Dawn Klavon | Sponsored by Westminster at Lake Ridge
Maybe you’ve been thinking about moving to senior living for a while – it’s a very attractive idea. Consider whether a senior living community could be the perfect new home for you or your loved ones to enjoy an engaged lifestyle.
Often seniors look forward to a new season of life. It may look different for each person, but there are many perks to senior living such as exploring new adventures, taking up a new hobby or just relaxing and having fun.
Westminster at Lake Ridge,a life plan community in Lake Ridge, offers this and so much more. From wellness programs to lifelong learning opportunities and abundant amenities.
“Westminster at Lake Ridge provides opportunities to participate in a variety of groups,” said resident Ellie Gomolinski-Lally. “I’ve been in the painting and writing groups and I try to go to everything because it helps you to get to know everyone. I think the fact that we have a cultural arts manager to get activities and performances here is wonderful. I also play the piano with a trio here and it’s great to have that opportunity.”
In addition to the programs and amenities, moving to a senior living community also means that you are part of a new extended family. Westminster at Lake Ridge resident Eileen Haneckow said, “Moving to Westminster at Lake Ridge changed my life drastically because I came from being alone to being a part of a new family – it was the best thing I ever did for myself.”
Planning Your Move to Senior Living
So, you’ve made the decision, and are proceeding with your plans. Moving may seem like a daunting task but creating a plan and recruiting help and support from others will likely make the process easier than you may have thought.
“The most important advice I would give to someone starting to pack and prepare for their move is to start early,” said Gomolinski-Lally.“I had friends who came over and helped me box everything up. They were a big help! If I didn’t have someone helping me, I probably would’ve hired a move manager which I know many people go that route.”
Most older adults downsize before a move to senior living, so you’ll also want to take time beforehand to learn the tips and tricks that can guide you in successfully completing that project.
Ingleside offers a few helpful suggestions for a successful launch to your new home and enhanced lifestyle.
“I had a lot of downsizing to do so I went through everything and kept what was most important to me right now,” said Haneckow. “I found that since I have gone to a much smaller living accommodation, it’s very comfortable and feels like home.”
It Takes Time
One last tip is to remind yourself that it will take time to get used to your new home. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself second-guessing your decision. These emotions often surface when making a big life transition – but you know you made the right decision.
For information on Westminster at Lake Ridge, please call (703) 420-7105 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour. Here are additional blog posts:Downsizing Tips for a Move to Senior Living and 7 Benefits of Downsizing to Senior Living.
Dawn Klavon is a journalist, author, media director and recent transplant to NOVA. She thrives on juggling multiple projects, discovering local hot spots, consuming blue crab and conquering sudoku puzzles. Dawn can be reached at dklavon@princewilliamliving.com.
