It’s hard to believe we’re already in the dog days of summer, a time when many of us begin thinking about cooler weather just around the corner. With planning for cold weather in mind, we are seeing an increasing number of individuals and couples from outside the QCA considering retirement living here to be near their adult children or siblings who live in the area. Their interest is often triggered by a health event that highlights their vulnerabilities and raises important questions about their future.
Throughout my career, I’ve helped countless families navigate aging-related decisions and explore options that best fit their needs. Interestingly, it wasn’t until I began experiencing knee issues of my own that my husband and I had a serious conversation about where we wanted to live as we age.
If you’re beginning to think about what the future might look like, exploring your options early can make the process much less overwhelming. Learn more about choosing a retirement community and what to consider as you plan ahead.
For years, we assumed we would eventually move closer to my family of origin. As the youngest of six children, I imagined I would be helping my siblings as they grew older. Yet when we truly evaluated our future, our decision centered on something different…our children. We realized we want to be near them when the time comes, not only because they might one day be able to help us, but because we want to remain an active part of their lives in the years leading up to that point.
Why is this important? Last week, I received a call from a woman in Des Moines whose daughter lives here in the Quad Cities. She also has children in Texas and Florida, yet neither location appealed to her. Her goal was to be close to her daughter, have access to excellent healthcare, and live in a community where she could remain independent and continue driving.
She and her husband, who has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, were managing quite well…until she experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA) that resulted in a three-day hospital stay. Those three days changed everything. Suddenly, she found herself researching senior living options near her daughter and considering a move she had never seriously contemplated before.
Stories like hers are becoming increasingly common across the U.S. In fact, according to AARP’s 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey, while 75 percent of adults age 50 and older hope to remain in their current homes as they age, nearly half believe a move is likely in their future due to changing health needs, housing concerns, or lifestyle considerations. Sometimes it takes a health scare or unexpected event to turn a future possibility into a present reality.
Years ago, when I worked as a care advocate, I often told clients that they would know when it was time to make a change. One Monday morning, a client called after a particularly difficult weekend. Both she and her husband (whom she provided cared for) had landed in the emergency room for unrelated health issues. As she looked across the room and saw her husband on one gurney and herself on another, she finally understood what “you’ll know when the time comes” really meant.
The truth is, that moment looks different for everyone.
As one of the youngest Baby Boomers, I’ve noticed a shift in the next generation. Adult children today are having proactive conversations with their parents about aging, future care needs, and the impact those decisions may have on the entire family. They are encouraging planning before a crisis occurs.
The reality is that it’s much easier to establish yourself in a new community when your knees, hips, and mind are still working well. Making a move before it’s absolutely necessary allows you to build relationships, establish routines, become familiar with your surroundings, and enjoy life on your own terms.
At Ridgecrest Village, we often meet people who wish they had started the conversation sooner. The best time to plan for the future is while you still have the ability to make choices thoughtfully and intentionally. Whether you’re considering a move now or simply beginning to explore your options, being closer to the people who matter most may provide more than convenience and may offer peace of mind for the entire family.
Source: AARP 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey.
Julie Arndt is a licensed social worker and the Director of Marketing at Ridgecrest Village. She has over 35 years of experience in geriatrics and senior advocacy. She can be reached at jarndt@ridgecrestvillage.org.