Home building and community creation are happening rapidly around the country. One such community type sweeping the country is 55+ active adult communities primarily geared towards elderly or older adults.
These housing communities market to this age group almost exclusively, with housing consisting of luxury homes, apartments, condos, etc. The idea for these 55+ active adult communities is to provide a sense of belonging and independence for older adults that places like assisted living centers cannot offer. Located primarily in southern, more climate-friendly states, 55+ communities have a set of rules they must follow from the federal government to qualify as such a community.
Below is what the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development outlines as qualifications for a 55+ community:
In order to qualify for the "55 or older" housing exemption, a facility or community must satisfy each of the following requirements:
- At least 80 percent of the units must have at least one occupant who is 55 years of age or older; and
- The facility or community must publish and adhere to policies and procedures that demonstrate the intent to operate as "55 or older" housing; and
- The facility or community must comply with HUD's regulatory requirements for age verification of residents.
If you have elderly parents or loved ones looking for a place to make new friends and partake in daily activities in their retirement years, then a 55+ community could be for them. Here are some tips you can use when helping a loved one make this kind of move.
How to Move Seniors and Older Adults to a 55+ Community
As our loved ones grow older, their housing needs may change. Moving elderly parents and loved ones to an active adult community or a 55+ community can provide them with a supportive and socially engaging environment. However, the process of moving older adults can be a challenging one. Here are some tips to help everyone navigate this transition more smoothly.
Plan Ahead for the Move
Moving elderly adults requires careful planning. Start by discussing the move with your loved ones to understand their preferences and concerns. When selecting a 55+ community, consider factors such as location, amenities, and social activities. Research and visit potential communities together to ensure they meet your loved one's needs and expectations.
Another major consideration is the nearby healthcare facilities, as these communities are not assisted living centers. Ensure that wherever your loved ones move to, there are adequate medical facilities and pharmacies nearby that can fulfill any needs they may have.
Be sure to look for a mover that can also help them make the move as simple as possible. 1-800-PACK-RAT does this by bringing the moving solution to you through portable moving and storage containers. We handle all of the logistics and driving so your elderly loved ones don't have to. Coupled with the ability to pack at your own pace for as long as you need, it is the easiest way for any older adult to make a move, rather than loading and driving a large moving truck all on their own.
Organize and Downsize for the Senior Relocation
Packing up a lifetime of memories can be overwhelming and will require a lot of time. Encourage your loved ones to declutter and downsize their belongings before transitioning to their new home. Help them sort through their possessions and decide what to keep, donate, or sell. This process can be emotional, so offer support and understanding throughout, but it will make the entire moving process more manageable if they have less stuff to pack and move.
If needed, 1-800-PACK-RAT can store however many portable storage containers you or your loved ones need for as long as you need to in any of our secure, nationwide warehouse facilities for any transitional storage needs you might have. Just pack the container at your own pace and let us know when you are ready to have it picked up. We will come out, get it, and store it - no driving back and forth to a traditional storage facility multiple times.
Hire Professional Moving Services to Make Senior Moving Easier
When moving elderly parents, consider hiring professional moving providers who specialize or have experience with senior moves. They have the expertise to handle seniors' unique moving requirements, including packing fragile items, coordinating logistics, handling all the driving and heavy labor, and providing moving and storage services they can count on.
Look for reputable companies like 1-800-PACK-RAT that offer flexible and secure moving and storage solutions with trusted third-party professional labor providers. If your loved ones have vehicles that require long-distance transport, 1-800-PACK-RAT also works with a third-party auto transportation service.
Create a Transition Plan to an Active Adult Community
Creating a transition plan can help ease the stress of the move for your loved ones. Once you have picked a moving services provider, create a schedule outlining key dates, such as when packing needs to start, when the moving day is or when their containers are supposed to arrive, when they should have everything packed for transportation, and their move-in day in their new 55+ community. Using a moving checklist can also help with coordinating all of the different aspects of a move.
Involve them in decision-making to give them a sense of control so they are not surprised by anything. Help them arrange any necessary services they will need, such as transferring utilities, updating addresses, and setting up healthcare appointments in the new community.
1-800-PACK-RAT makes this process easier as we move on your schedule. Unlike traditional moving companies that force you into exact pickup dates or tight deadlines to return rented equipment, 1-800-PACK-RAT allows you to pick your delivery date—that way, you know exactly when your container(s) will arrive. When you are packed and ready to move or store your stuff, call us, and we will pick it up. It is that simple.
Pack Their Belongings with Care
When packing for a senior move, prioritize essential items your loved ones will need immediately, such as any medication they may be taking, clothing, toiletries, and other must-have items, and pack those last in your container or moving solution. That way, they are packed last and unloaded first. If they have any fragile items or important family heirlooms to take with them, be sure they label boxes clearly with the word "fragile" on them.
Consider making an inventory list with a number system for the boxes so they know exactly what is in each box, or mark what is generally inside on the box itself. Also, if they are moving valuables, such as jewelry or important documents, have them move these items personally to avoid losing anything.
If using a moving and storage service like 1-800-PACK-RAT, our all-steel, weatherproof containers provide added protection for your loved one's belongings no matter where they are stored.
Have Your Older Loved Ones Seek Emotional Support
Moving can be emotionally challenging for seniors, especially if they are moving away from family or life-long friends and communities. Consider the emotional toll it will take on them and yourself as their advocate. Encourage your loved ones to express their feelings and provide a listening ear. Help them connect with social groups or support networks in their new active adult community.
Most communities have HOAs that welcome new homeowners with open arms and events to get them acclimated to their new neighbors and community.
Settle In and Explore the Community
While the new 55+ community will likely have resources and events to help your senior parents and loved ones transition to their new home, be sure to help them settle in as much as possible. Help them unpack, arrange furniture, and personalize their living space. Encourage them to explore the community's amenities, participate in activities, and make new friends. This will help them embrace their new lifestyle and feel a sense of belonging. Be sure to check in on them regularly until they are settled in - moving isn't easy, especially for our older population!
Moving elderly adults to a 55+ community is a significant life transition for them. Approach the process with empathy, patience, and understanding of their unique needs. With proper planning and support, you can help your loved ones create a fulfilling and enjoyable new chapter of their lives in a community tailor-made for them.
Let 1-800-PACK-RAT Make Elderly Moves to Active Adult Communities Simpler
1-800-PACK-RAT's motto is "moving and storage made simple," and we do that by bringing the moving and storage directly to you. Whether your senior loved ones are moving locally across town or long-distance across the country, we reduce much of the stress that comes naturally with moving by taking it entirely out of the equation.
No driving of their stuff is necessary on their part - we handle all of it, from pick up to delivery of their full container to removal of the empty container. Instead of packing everything into a box truck throughout one morning or afternoon, they can pack everything into a ground-level container for however long it takes to pack. And if storage is needed, we can keep the container at our nearby secure facility until they need it delivered back to them.
We know how much of a challenge moving can be for our older population, and we are here to provide for their every moving and storage need with the care and consideration we would give our own parents.
Call us today or go online for a free quote and see how we can make moving and storage simple for you and your older loved ones transitioning to a new home and community!