When Will I Be Ready? Considering the Move to Senior Living

When mom and dad reach their later 70s to 80s they may not be ready to leave their home or make changes to their lifestyle.

Aging is a process that affects both the physical being and emotional state of mind.

Ask a senior living sales expert like Todd Kemerly, vice president of sales with Vi at the Glen in Glenview, understands the dynamics of older adults considering a move to a senior living community.

What Does Ready Look Like?

“When we meet older adults who say they are not ready, we ask them what that means and what does ready look like?” says Kemerly. Many senior homeowners are reluctant to sell their home and move to a retirement community because they lost the opportunity to sell at the peak—before the real estate downturn.

According to Kemerly, “A year ago people were in a state of shock. Now, if they set the price realistically their home will sell.” Vi, as well as other area retirement communities, offers a wide variety of services to help people sell their home, downsize and move to the community.

“There comes a time when the balance between memories of the house gets outweighed by the maintenance and burden of the continual upkeep,” says Kemerly. “A retirement community frees seniors of that burden and the opportunity to enjoy life.”

Economic Reality

For many seniors, a retirement community is not an option, either by choice or economics. Fortunately, there are new alternatives for older adults who choose to age in place in their home. In addition to home care agencies and services through organizations like the North Shore Senior Center, a new organization called North Shore Village (NSV) is serving seniors through a “virtual retirement community.”

“Most people want to stay independent and connected to their community as they age,” says Barbara Dershin, a NSV founding member. The organization is making this possible in Evanston and Wilmette through dedicated volunteers who drive seniors to appointments and connect them to support services as well as trusted home repair contractors.

“Some people want to receive a check-up call every day,” says Dershin. “We have people who do that and much more, including making arrangements for home health care and meals.” She says the organization has 183 members, ranging from ages 60 to early 90s, and nearly 60 volunteers.

“All a member needs to do is make one phone call and we do the rest,” says Dershin. “As you age, your status changes and the world gets smaller. Our goal is for NSV to open up new horizons.”

  Who We Are       NFP Support       Magazine       Programs       Donate    

X