What is your plan? People spend their lives planning. Weekends, holidays, vacations, tuition expenses, retirement income … but many people enter retirement living without a true plan.
What will you do when you can no longer navigate stairs? No longer drive? No longer keep up with the maintenance of your home and yard? It is heartbreaking to see people become prisoners of their homes. People grow afraid to navigate the steps, paranoid about allowing repairmen to make necessary improvements and repairs. It can be debilitating, not to mention lonely. Forty to 50 years ago, the typical neighborhood was wonderful, full of close-knit neighbors. But time has gone by, and things have changed. People work all day and are not around or are too busy to spend time together. That loneliness can also create a safety concern. Who will you call in an emergency? Even a Lifeline may not be the answer, and every situation does not warrant EMS – or the accompanying expense.
We encourage people to empower themselves. Make the transition to a retirement community while the decision is yours. If the idea of making a move is overwhelming now, how will you make it when you have experienced a health crisis? Do your research, visit your options and find the right fit.
Take the time to “right-size” your stuff, passing a few treasured items along to loved ones so you can see them appreciate your precious possessions. Make the move while you can enjoy life. Spend your retirement years doing what you love. Your “golden years” should be spent surrounded by friends, learning, volunteering, traveling, pursuing hobbies new and old – not overseeing household projects.
Again and again, we hear new residents tell us, “I wish I had made the move sooner.” If enjoying a robust lifestyle rich with new people and experiences, while having someone else take care of the cooking, cleaning, yardwork and maintenance, is appealing to you, contact the marketing department at (803) 796-0370 or www.laurel-crest.com.
Laurel Crest is a continuing care retirement community overlooking the Saluda River. Laurel Crest offers independent living in apartment and cottage homes as well as assisted living, memory care and nursing care in an intimate setting.
