As you are exploring senior retirement communities in and around Orlando, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. So we asked a couple residents from our Village on the Green independent living community to share their experiences and offer insights into the decision-making process that led them to their new home.
What to Consider When Making the Move to a Senior Retirement Community
Moving to independent living is no small decision. There are a number of things to consider, and it can be difficult to know where to start. The first step is to identify what aspects of your lifestyle are most important to you and use that list to drive your research.
Take as much time as you need to make a decision
Janet and John Knudsen gave a lot of thought to changing residences. Three years worth, in fact. The couple made a point to attend informational lunches to learn more about independent living, but for the longest time they resisted making a decision. Five or six months would pass between conversations about making the move, and each time they would conclude they weren’t ready.
When their son and his family moved to another state, the Knudsens renewed their focus on making preparations for their future. But even then it wasn’t an easy call for them to make. “Because we were so active and in good health it was a tough decision,” Janet says.
After performing their due diligence, the Knudsens came to call the Village on the Green their new home. But they took the time to do their homework before signing on the dotted line.
Evaluate your health and plan for the future
Aging eventually catches up with us all, and that was not lost on Janet during the decision-making process. Instead of fearing it, she saw an opportunity to take charge of her life.
“It’s very empowering to know that you are in charge of aging and where you want to be,” Janet says, stressing the need to evaluate your health, even if you are relatively healthy. “You too will age and slow down and any health issues can magnify, so think of the future.”
Not only does Village on the Green offer independent living villas, but the community is also home to a brand-new Health Center with assisted living and memory care residences. It’s important to find a community that can provide the full continuum of care, because as Janet points out, your health can change. So it’s best to be prepared for whatever the future holds.
Think about who you want to surround yourself with
There are no strangers at Village on the Green, according to Stan Goldstein.
Stan and his wife moved to Village on the Green more than a decade ago. Thinking back to when they first moved into their independent living villa, Stan recalls how easily they were welcomed into the community.
“You are family and included from the get-go,” Stan recalls. “And that really gets to one of the highlights of our community, how great our neighbors are.”
Making the Move to Independent Living
If you’re stressed about the moving process, allow us to help put your mind at ease. It’s perfectly normal to experience anxiety about the move, especially when you’re downsizing from a larger home. But Village on the Green is here to help make it as smooth as possible.
Stan and his wife were connected to a business specializing in providing moving assistance to older adults. He recalls being advised on how to determine which furniture to bring with them. A representative from the company even came to their home to take measurements so she could help them figure out how to arrange the furniture in their new living space.
Janet and John remember lunches being provided for them and their movers. The villa was also very clean on move-in day, complete with a few welcoming touches in the form of flowers and notes. The community director even dropped in for a visit during move-in.
Why We’re Happy at Village on the Green
Village on the Green is a community in every sense of the word. We believe the joys of life are meant to be shared, and surrounding yourself with friends is good for the mind, body and spirit.
Just ask Janet, who says, “Our favorite part about the community is the friendliness of the residents.” Though she adds that the 80 beautiful acres of park-like setting aren’t bad, either.
Stan is partial to the amenities. Many of the activities he enjoyed before moving to the Village on the Green campus are now available right outside his front door.
If you’re considering making the move to senior living, Stan offers this advice: “Do it now, so you can enjoy it now. And remember that it is better to move in five years too early than one day too late.”
If you’re interested in learning more about living at Village on the Green, we’d love to chat! Please fill out the form below or give us a call at 407-682-0230.
