Autumn is a time of golden sunshine, long shadows, crisp temperatures, and multi-colored leaves adorning trees and carpeting the ground.
The beautiful falling leaves remind us how much work autumn requires: raking, cleaning out gutters, winterizing the lawnmower, and the preparation for snow and ice removal. These are tasks that senior adults may find increasingly difficult or impossible to perform.
These and many other reasons can make autumn the perfect time to move to an independent living community.
Why Move to an Independent Living Community in Autumn?
AVOID THE SPRING MOVING RUSH
It’s no secret that most people move in the spring and early summer. Moving companies are in greater demand during that time, which means scheduling a moving company is more difficult and the cost of moving will be higher. Some independent living communities, such as those that are a part of Bethesda Health Group in St. Louis, can provide assistance.
BEAT WINTER WHEN YOU MOVE TO AN INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY
Winter brings many inconveniences and hazards for senior adults, including icy sidewalks and streets, cold temperatures, and shoveling snow. With inclement weather, winter also creates issues of isolation for older adults. Getting to doctor’s appointments, shopping, and running other errands become much more challenging. However, some independent living communities offer transportation services to make it easier for seniors to get to important destinations.
In addition, the chance of a debilitating fall for a senior adult during a move is more likely in winter. Autumn, with its milder temperatures, offers safer conditions to aid in a move to an independent living community.
The milder autumn weather also makes downsizing easier — whether it is having a beautiful day for a yard sale or cooler weather for family members who will be transporting cherished items given to them by a parent.
ENOUGH TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
In early autumn, winter holidays are still a few weeks away. There is time to settle into a new apartment within an independent living community, decorate your new space, and invite friends and relatives to visit during the holidays.
Independent living communities offer many group activities to celebrate autumn. Plus, not battling summer heat makes it easier for seniors to engage in more outdoor activities, make new friends, and get to know their new neighbors before harsh winter weather arrives.
MAKE HOME REPAIR AND SALE EASIER
During late summer, a senior adult’s home can undergo needed repairs and renovation to make the property ready to sell. External repairs require good weather, and repair costs may be lower towards the start of autumn.
Because fewer properties are for sale during the fall months, there is less competition for selling the home before moving to an independent living community. People who were unable to buy a home in the spring or summer may be more eager to buy in autumn, before the holiday season begins. Home listings with images of vivid fall foliage and décor can make the home look more attractive.
Find more tips for downsizing and moving into a senior living community on our blog, and schedule a tour at one of Bethesda’s independent living communities near you.
