6 Tips for Transitioning from Homeownership to Life Plan Community Living

The transition to senior living can feel overwhelming and emotional. We know how challenging it can feel to leave the family home with the memories you have there.

As you make this change to move into a Life Plan Community (also known as a continuing care retirement community or CCRC), it’s important to keep a positive mindset as much as possible. Remember why you’re making this decision and try to embrace what’s ahead of you: a support system, wellness resources and a plan for the future, ensuring you can maintain independence while having the support you need if you ever need it. 

To help you through the challenging moments and to have as smooth a transition as possible, we’ve put together the following preparation tips. 

Embrace the Transition to Senior Living

Transitioning to a Life Plan Community brings up many different emotions, both challenging and positive. It can feel difficult to leave a longtime home that has a lot of memories, but remember that those memories live on in you and within the photos and other sentimental items you’re bringing with you in this next stage of your journey. 

We know how challenging this time can be, so it’s important to remember your “whys.” You may have doubts throughout the transition process, but keep your reasons why you’re making this decision at the forefront of your mind as you go through this transition. 

Remember what’s ahead of you: easy access to new neighbors and friends, more social opportunities, more time to pursue your passions, greater support for your well-being and a plan for your future. Keep in mind that moving to a Life Plan Community represents a proactive lifestyle choice — not a compromise. 

Socialization and Connection in Life Plan Communities

Finding a new social circle can feel daunting, yet exciting. One of the top fears people have when they transition to senior living is if they’ll make new friends and what it will be like to meet new people. 

The reality is that there are many opportunities to make and nurture new connections in a community. It can be as simple as sitting at a new table in the dining venue during a meal or attending a class that you’re interested in. 

Hezla, a resident at Piedmont Gardens, a HumanGood community in Oakland, California, says: “I take most of the classes, including tai chi, yoga and strength training. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people, relax and feel good about yourself.” 

Life Plan Communities develop robust social event calendars each month so that residents can easily see what’s going on that month and make plans for what they want to attend. You can simply show up to the event without worrying about putting plans together. And if you’re not feeling up to it, the events are always optional. Your social calendar is completely in your hands.

Janet, a resident at Plymouth Village, a HumanGood community in Redlands, California, says: “I thoroughly enjoy the social life in my community. I have so many friends here. There is also a wonderful sense of security and comfort that I feel here.” 

How to Financially Prepare for the Transition to a Life Plan Community

When living at home all of your bills are separated. But in a Life Plan Community, many of your bills are consolidated into one monthly fee, giving you more cost predictability. You’ll also be saying goodbye to home maintenance expenses, such as lawn care, snow removal, repairs and more, because the community handles them.

Life Plan Communities can provide long-term economic security. Some nonprofit communities, including HumanGood communities, have a benevolence fund, so you don’t have to worry about leaving your home in the community if you outlive your financial resources through no fault of your own. A benevolence fund enables you to continue living in the community you’ve called home.

The transition to senior living requires a proactive approach to your finances and budgeting. Here’s how to financially prepare for the transition:

• Develop your goals. Make a detailed plan for what you envision for your future, including if you’ll continue working, places you’ve always wanted to travel to, things you’ve wanted to do and where you want to live. 

• Assess your finances. This can be uncomfortable, but knowing your income, assets, debts and expenses is critical to finding out how you can achieve the things you’ve outlined in your goals. 

• Build a budget. To save as much as you can, it’s essential to build a realistic budget. It can be tempting to live off of a shoestring budget so you can save as much as possible, but that can impact your quality of life. Remember that many of the costs that are separated now,  such as utilities, maintenance, repairs, fitness classes, meals and entertainment, will be a part of your fee at a Life Plan Community later.

• Speak to a financial advisor. Whenever you’re making decisions about your finances and future, it’s essential to discuss your decisions with your financial advisor. They may also be able to help you create a financial plan that supports your goals.

6 Tips for Transitioning to Senior Living

The transition process can feel overwhelming at first, but we’re here to help the transition process go as smoothly as possible with these step-by-step tips.

1. Establish your support system.

One of the keys to a smooth and successful transition to senior living is to have a support system of friends and family members who are there for assistance and companionship and can provide support when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Regularly checking in with your support system and inviting them to visit you in your new home can provide them with a glimpse into your life and help you feel more comfortable.

2. Get excited about the community.

Take time to learn more about the amenities and events the community offers. As it gets closer to your move-in date, ask if you can see a calendar of upcoming social events and classes. Pick events you want to attend in your first few weeks, and make a commitment to try something new. Doing this can help you feel like you have a place in the community and give you a sense of purpose. Additionally, ask your community if they have programs or resources to help with the transition process, such as a meeting with the resident welcoming committee.

Practicing gratitude can also go a long way toward helping you feel joy and gratitude. Ruby, a resident at The Terraces of Boise, a HumanGood community, recommends: “That first year of community living, every morning when you wake up, think of one good thing about being at [your community]. Gratitude will become a habit.” 

3. Stay healthy.

Maintain a healthy diet and stay active as you prepare to move to keep your energy levels up — think proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains for a healthy and energizing day. Once you move to the community, you’ll have easy access to nutritious meals that give you more time to focus on making your new place feel like home. Plus, with exercise classes, a fitness center and walking groups, it’s easy to stay healthy by pursuing your fitness goals in the community.

4. Get to know your new neighbors.

Meeting new people can feel daunting at first, but everyone goes through these feelings at some point in their lives — especially when moving to a new place. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to your new neighbors, introduce yourself to new people during meals and attend events that align with your interests.

5. Give yourself time and grace.

Any kind of change can be difficult. Give yourself time and grace to adjust to the community and your new home. Remember that nearly everyone in your community has had the same experience with adjusting to the new space, and they can be a great source of encouragement as you get settled. Go easy on yourself if you prefer to get settled before attending a lot of events — listen to what you need.

6. Stay engaged with things you enjoy.

Do you love to garden? Read books? Play games? Stay engaged with the hobbies that bring you joy and pursue what you love when you move to your new community. There will be plenty of social events available for you to participate in. You don’t need to do everything, and you don’t have to leave the hobbies you love to do behind. Staying involved with the things you’ve always loved to do can help you maintain a sense of familiarity, fulfillment and independence.

What Does Community Living Look Like?

There’s no right or wrong way to experience community living — just the way that fulfills you and inspires you. But it can still be hard to envision what community living looks like and what people do for fun on their own and in the community. 

No matter who you are or what your vision for your life is, there’s a place for you and the support you need to live your best life in a Life Plan Community. Find out more in our free resource, Just Who Lives in “Those Places?"