Considering All Sides: Seniors and Downsizing
By Charles K. Harris
Moving is stressful for anyone. This can be especially so for seniors transitioning from their private home into a senior living community.
Senior advocate and owner/president of Care Connect Direct, Christina Drumm-Boyd, explained. “Embracing change is very difficult, and most seniors that are considering moving into an independent living environment have already had a change in health status and/or experienced the loss of a spouse or life partner.”
Boyd, whose firm specializes in providing comprehensive planning, legal assistance and other services for senior citizens and their families nationwide, said difficulty for seniors is not strictly about adjusting to new circumstances.
“This decision marks embracing the fact that one is aging and may be in need of a more supportive environment, demonstrating a loss of control,” said Boyd.
For self-sufficient seniors, independent senior living communities provide a secure, supportive environment without sacrificing privacy and autonomy.
“Independent living is a great option for seniors who are seeking freedom and [practical assistance],” said Alverita Peeples, Executive Director of Trevi Vibrant Senior Living in Charlotte.
Independent senior living facilities offer apartment-style units which allow for privacy while still offering easy access to practical help and socializing at one’s own pace and schedule. Common amenities include housekeeping, shopping and transportation to appointments.
Another especially valuable component of independent senior living communities is access to social opportunities.
“Many seniors find themselves isolated after the loss of a spouse [or] after experiencing health challenges,” Boyd said. “[A] senior community provides a tremendous opportunity to regain a sense of community and purpose.”
To help new residents ease into Trevi’s community, each new arrival is paired with an “ambassador” (an experienced resident) to help minimize anxiety or isolation, Peeples said. Most independent senior facilities also offer a wealth of activities keeping residents active physically and mentally, key contributors to maintaining vitality.
“Trevi offers restaurant-style dining, outdoor courtyards and pickleball, a billiards [and] card room, wellness and social programs, chapel and library,” said Peeples.
Also, extra attention given to senior-specific safety precautions such as handicap accessibility, elevators, emergency pull cords and 24-hour concierge service, offers additional peace of mind not available in a private home.
Yet, despite the advantages, many seniors still experience great apprehension about making such a move. “Seniors often assume that all communities are ‘nursing homes’ or warehousing facilities for the aged,” Boyd said.
Another common fear is that any “quality” facilities will be prohibitively expensive.
“Many seniors assume that moving into a rental environment will be more expensive than staying in their own home,” said Boyd. “This is not always the case, as property taxes, maintenance and the costly risk of remaining in a [potentially unsafe] environment … can be much more expensive than the combined costs associated with [independent living communities.] “
Many communities also offer transportation, allowing residents to relinquish personal vehicles, eliminating the costs of car ownership.
“The biggest fear some seniors have is the act of downsizing and learning to live with less,” said Peeples. Parting with possessions can reinforce fears of losing independence.
Other common fears include adjusting to new surroundings, moving away from friends and neighbors and a fear of boredom. Boyd recommends loved ones validate and assuage these fears when dealing with a reluctant senior, without sacrificing honesty.
“Approach the process with patience and empathy,” says Boyd, “However, always temper the options with the fact that safety and health must take precedence.”
Even when a senior is agreeable or initiating the move themselves, careful planning is critical.
First, have an “open and honest” discussion about current and future financial and healthcare needs, Boyd said. “This [allows] you to plan in advance and avoid medical, emotional and financial crises.” With a clear understanding of specific needs and a budget, a deeper search can begin.
“We invite [prospective residents] to come spend one or two nights in our guest apartment to experience life at Trevi,” Peeples said, adding that an immersive experience goes far in revealing compatibility.
Boyd encourages asking current residents, their loved ones and employees as these individuals can often be the “best source” of unfiltered feedback. Other support options include contacting state licensing agencies, local senior citizen organizations or geriatric social workers.
Although independent housing might not cost as much as some fear, the prices can still be steep for many seniors. The U.S. Census Bureau reported in 2022 that more than 17 million senior citizens (65 and older) were economically “insecure,” with income significantly below poverty level. Unsurprisingly, these rates are considerably higher among Black seniors.
Identifying additional financing sources can be critical to finding a budget-friendly community that isn’t short on quality. Because funding requirements and rules of eligibility vary greatly and often use complex medical or legal terminology, professional support can also be helpful.
Senior advisors and organizations such as Boyd’s can reduce the legwork and headache in selecting a facility that offers both quality of life and financial compatibility. Despite the potential risks of misplacement, the overall effect of successful transition into independent senior living communities can provide security, contentment and