When the holidays are on the horizon, postponing a move to senior living might seem logical. Rather than wait, however, there are many reasons why a move to senior living ahead of the holidays is actually a great idea.
1. Get settled ahead of the holidays
Making a move to senior living before the holidays allows plenty of time to settle in, get acclimated, and decorate before the rush begins. As noted in the health.usnews.com article, “How to Make the Transition to an Assisted Living Community Easier,” it’s important for a smooth transition to make a new senior living apartment feel like home and will go a long way toward creating a sense of belonging in a new community. Once the move to senior living is complete, seniors have plenty of time to plan for visits, parties, and shopping, so they can really enjoy all the holidays have to offer.
2. Enjoy holiday fun and socialization
Senior living communities are a beehive of activities during the holidays, so a move beforehand means a senior can participate in everything going on. For example, among the possibilities are cooking, baking, tree decorating, singalongs, shopping trips, gift exchanges, and of course, special meals and treats to celebrate the holidays.
Even more important is the chance to meet new friends and minimize the potential for loneliness and isolation during the holidays, which can be devasting to health and well-being. According to the reviewjournal.com article, “A hidden health risk for older people, especially during the holidays,” the health risks associated with holiday loneliness include heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, dementia, and a weakened immune system. Instead, there are tons of ways to socialize and make the holidays a new beginning and one that’s fun, festive, and fulfilling.
3. Avoid winter weather complications
Winter can be especially difficult for seniors living at home but a move to senior living before winter sets in solves two problems.
First, unlike typical family homes, senior living communities are built for accessibility and safety throughout so a move to senior living means winter is no longer a threat. Seniors don’t have to go outside to get their mail, drive in the wet weather, get a ride to the hair salon or barbershop, struggle with slippery steps and stairs, or worry about wet icy walks and driveways. A move to senior living means old man winter can do his worst while seniors are safe and sound inside.
Second, a wintertime move to senior living can be a trying experience not only physically but financially. Moving during snow, sleet or rain is never a pleasant undertaking, and according to the libertymoving.com article, “The Best and Worst Months To Move: When Is a Good Time To Relocate?,” January and December are two of the worst months to move because of weather, limited daylight, and holiday season complications. Also notable is that the cold of winter can damage possessions in a moving truck and weather-related delays can end up costing more to move than planned.
4. Have more quality time
During the holidays it seems like there is just not enough time to keep house, do laundry, and get all those holiday-related tasks done too. A move to senior living before the holidays, however, will free up so much time that seniors may find themselves with time on their hands. In senior living, all the daily homeowner chores disappear and, as described in our blog, “What’s Included in the Cost of Senior Living,” the services and amenities make life easy and carefree so seniors have the opportunity to visit, entertain, shop, and spend time just relaxing and avoiding the usual holiday stressors.
5. Give back during the holidays
The holidays are a time of giving and for many seniors that means giving back by volunteering. Helping others have a wonderful holiday can be the greatest gift not only for the recipient but for the giver as well. According to our blog, “The Link Between Volunteering and Happiness in Seniors,” research shows that giving (without expecting anything in return) triggers the release of hormones that make us feel happy, but also benefit sleep, digestion, memory, learning, appetite, and more. Making a move to senior living before the holidays arrive allows seniors to join local organizations that need volunteers and truly enjoy the spirit of the season.
For a look at all that luxury senior living can be at The Lodge at Stephens Lake download our brochure and contact us to schedule a tour.