141. Ask Lori: When Should I Start Planning A Move to Senior Living?

What do I need to know about senior living and aging?Senior Living Expert Lori Williams receives many questions each day as part of her senior placement service – and with her 17+ years of experience, she has answers! Enjoy learning her wisdom as she answers common questions such as:-How soon should I start planning for aging and senior living?-How do I plan life transitions when I’m stressed and overwhelmed?-What age should I start getting my plans in order?-What if I have health issues? How will that change my plans?-Which type of senior living has the longest waiting times?-Does senior living require deposits?And more.As you begin to plan for older age, it’s important to be proactive and start as early as possible. It will be more difficult to learn about available resources if you wait until you’re ill or in an emergency. Learn about types of senior living available, resources for will planning, and topics like Medicare.You never know what life has in store, so it doesn’t hurt to put your name on a waitlist if you have your eyes on a beautiful senior apartment. The waits can be long, especially if you’d like a first-floor or 2-bedroom apartment. Residential care homes can be especially competitive because they only house 6-8 people.Lori also recognizes most people want to stay at home in their older age. To make your home function best for you long term, consider eliminating fall risks and installing grab bars to your bathroom. If you have health issues, do your research on available care and senior living in the area, stay informed, and make sure your affairs are in order.As always, a professional is always available to help with senior living. Best of all? It’s a free service.Topics discussed:-Senior living FAQs-Questions for senior placement services-Waitlist for senior living-Senior apartments-Assisted living-Residential careTakeaways from this episode:Don’t wait until you’re in crisis mode to research senior living. In general, the earlier you prepare for aging, and have discussions with your aging loved ones, the better.There are many good reasons to move to senior living, including rising home taxes and needing space for a wheelchair. Consider what allows you to live more worry free.If you have a health issue such as Parkinson’s, acquaint yourself with assistance in the area before it progresses.Residential care homes tend to have longer wait times because they’re smaller (housing about 6-8 people in a home).Consider putting your name on a waitlist. Not all places require a deposit for it, and you can always stay waitlisted if an apartment becomes available before you’re ready.Resources mentioned in this episode:How to senior proof a home on a budget, on a weekend:https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/2541015a/077-want-to-senior-proof-a-home-on-a-budget-on-a-weekend-follow-these-stepsSenior Housing 101:https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78876793/005-senior-housing-101Putting together a binder of essential documents:https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/7907ae1f/039-getting-organized-creating-a-binder-of-essential-documents-for-aging-parents