Tips for Moving into a Retirement Community in Franklin, Indiana

2022 was a record year for retirement, with the younger end of the massive Baby Boomer generation nearing early retirement age and many choosing to leave the workforce entirely.

If you or someone you love is entering retirement, it’s important to ensure you can get the most out of this new chapter of life. This is the perfect time to embrace passions, forge meaningful friendships and connections, and narrow down the things that matter most. 

However, aging in place in your current home can cause more burdens than benefits. With home maintenance, chores and upkeep, finding the free time you deserve to focus on your independence can be challenging. 

Astral at Franklin, our retirement community in Franklin, Indiana, is here to help. When you decide to move to active senior living, you’ll enjoy your independence in a beautiful community without the burdens of home maintenance. Below, we’re sharing tips for moving to a senior living community.

Identify Your Needs, Goals and Lifestyle

As you take the first steps toward this next chapter, it’s important to reflect on everything you want to gain. For instance, consider any health needs; whether current or you want to be prepared for any that might develop in the future. 

Think about the areas you want to focus on regarding your passions and goals.

• Are there new hobbies or interests you want to explore? 
• Are there places you’d like to visit? 
• Are there interests you want to prioritize in your retirement, i.e., volunteering or philanthropy?

Research the amenities and social clubs that different retirement communities offer; you might find an activity group that pertains to your interests. The benefit of moving to a retirement community in Franklin, Indiana, is that it gives you the freedom to focus your time on your goals rather than on home maintenance and other responsibilities.

Focus on the Benefits

Senior living communities come with benefits and amenities. Now is the time to get excited and research these new opportunities. Remember, this is a chance to design a lifestyle where you’re in control, so why not make the most of it?

Ask your new community for a list of amenities, ranging from provided services to fun activities. For example, many communities offer:

• Transportation
• Home maintenance, including cleaning, laundry, and trash removal
• Medication management
• Assistance with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)
• Restaurant-style dining
• Fitness centers and wellness programs
• Comfortable and welcoming living areas
• Art centers

Plan Your Move

Moving can be a stressful process, but with planning and support, it doesn’t have to be. Coordinate your move with your new community as well as with movers, friends and family to avoid unnecessary stressors. (Tip: Choosing a moving date outside of the peak season [typically April to August] you can save money and offer more availability from moving companies.)

When it comes to downsizing, organize furniture, decor and clothes by the items you want to sell or donate. Donating is a great way to give back to the community, and selling items allows you to make a little bit of extra money to put toward any moving expenses. Consider these downsizing tips to make your big move easier.

Make Your New Living Space Safer

Safety is essential for maintaining your retirement lifestyle. Take a look at your new living space while planning where you want to arrange your belongings and make sure you’re able to create a functional, safe and comfortable environment. 

Consider investing in items to further promote safety in your new space, such as:

• Non-slip rug pads
• Portable LED lights for areas where you might need extra lighting

Get Active in Your Community!

Now comes the easy part: getting involved in your new community! Introduce yourself to your neighbors and discover what clubs or activity groups you might be interested in. Sign up for any excursions or social events that are coming up to get a feel for the local environment. Enhancing your retirement experience starts with taking advantage of everything your community has to offer. 

We invite you to discover living with purpose at Astral at Franklin by visiting our website. Learn how our retirement community in Franklin, Indiana, can enhance your lifestyle!