INDUSTRY INSIGHT
CONTINUING CARE
SPONSORED CONTENT
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO
CONSIDER A RETIREMENT
COMMUNITY?
W
ith nearly two million individuals in the state of
Pennsylvania over the age of 65, the question on the minds
of many is, “When is the best time to consider a retirement
community?” Unfortunately, there is not a prescribed age or precise
answer to this question.
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is designed to
meet all of an individual’s needs as he/she ages. CCRCs provide
accommodations for independent living, personal care and nursing
care. Many individuals prefer a hassle-free lifestyle in retirement
and choose to move into a CCRC so they have more time to enjoy a
busy, active schedule and spend less time on lawn maintenance and
household chores.
Moving to a CCRC is a big decision and involves organization and
planning. Waiting too long, however, may mean missing out on the
many benefits that independent living at a CCRC provides.
The most common theme heard among residents at Asbury
Heights in Mt. Lebanon is “I wish I hadn’t waited so long.” Here are
some of the reasons why those considering a CCRC are postponing
their decision:
I like my independence, and I don’t want to give it up. At a CCRC,
your independence is encouraged. Your lifestyle doesn’t change.
The only thing that changes is your address. At a CCRC, you will
Barb King:
“I love Asbury Heights. The people are very, very friendly.
And, there are so many excellent opportunities to go to classes
or to stimulate your mind with a music program or a book
review. There is always something to do at Asbury.”
Through Living Well at Asbury,
you live life at your best.
Learn more by arranging a tour today, 1-888-424-8404,
or visiting us online at www.asburyheights.org.
Independent Living | Personal Care
Nursing & Rehabilitation
Memory Support
20 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Bethel Park
continue coming and going as you please but without the worries of
household maintenance. Many individuals have the misconception
that a CCRC is a nursing home. Most independent living residents
enjoy an active lifestyle for years before they may require personal
care or nursing care.
I don’t know where to begin to downsize, and moving is a lot of
work. Downsizing can be stressful, but the stress can be minimized
in a variety of ways. Many CCRCs work with a moving specialist who
is an expert organizer available to assist you. In addition, downsizing
is a great opportunity to identify special items and mementos that
you can share with loved ones and pass along. Other items may have
monetary value that requires the skill of an appraiser. Discovering
their value is exciting and makes for great family storytelling and
provides extra cash if you choose to sell them.
Financially speaking, I’d rather leave the money for my children.
Although we can share what others in similar situations have
decided is best for them, it is always advisable to seek expert advice
from a financial planner or elder law attorney. And the best gift to
your children is giving them peace of mind knowing that you have
planned for your future needs.
I’m going to stay in my home until I need help. There’s no
doubt that it’s hard to leave the home you’ve lived in for many
years. However, staying in your home until you can no longer live
independently makes a move that much more difficult. Waiting until
your health needs are greater can make a move more challenging
both physically and emotionally.
The right time
JOIN US!
to make a move
Downsizing
Your Home, Not Your Lifestyle
to a CCRC varies
August
4,
2016
– 6:30 p.m.
from individual to
Asbury
Heights
- Social Room
individual and requires
700
Bower
Hill
Road
careful thought and
consideration. At
Asbury Heights, our team of experts will help guide you and provide
resources that minimize the stress of moving and get you engaged
with your new neighbors and various activities in no time. Visit our
campus, meet our residents and staff, and learn firsthand what makes
Asbury special and why so many call it home by calling 412.571.5133
or visit us online at www.asburyheights.org.
This Industry Insight was written by John Komisary.
John is Director of Sales and Marketing at Asbury Heights
and has extensive experience working with older adults in
continuing care retirement communities in Pittsburgh.