Transition Tips

We’re here to help.

Making the transition from living at home to living in a retirement community can be overwhelming. Trying to navigate through all of the options, while understanding the terminology in itself can be exhausting. At The Oaks of Clearwater, we understand the overwhelming aspects of this potential transition, and we recognize that in addition to a physical move, there is an associated adjustment phase that comes with a lifestyle change as well. The best advice that we can give to individuals searching for retirement living, is to do research, and when you are ready to make a choice, make sure that the choice you are making is right for you.

At The Oaks, we pride ourselves on affording our residents the opportunity to have a smooth transition into our community. Our marketing team, and health care staff are here to accompany our residents every step of the way to ensure their adjustment period is as seamless as possible. Over the years, and through our experience, we have become very familiar with the process or transitioning to a retirement community. Listed below, we have provided a list of “Transition Tips” that may be of assistance to you as you research and consider the option of retirement living.

1. Remember, retirement living is enhancing not ending!

Moving to a retirement community is certainly not the beginning to an end. Making the choice to move to a retirement community means making the choice to enhance your life through socialization, activities, convenience and affordability. Retirement living is meant to be fun, and care-free. Surrounding yourself with the option to engage in social situations with individuals your age, while putting to rest the demands of household chores provides a peace of mind that is truly life enhancing. Without having to worry about so many of the things we often worry about now such as safety, cooking, cleaning, or meeting people, our minds are free to relax and enjoy our retirement years. Moving to a retirement community is the beginning to a whole new you!

2. Don't wait! Do your research and plan ahead.

So often individuals consider retirement living, and weigh out the benefits of the idea, yet land on the same objection that they are “not ready”. Letting go and accepting the idea of retirement living means committing to a productive, safe, carefree and healthy lifestyle. Individuals who “wait” to enter a retirement community for when they are “ready” often bypass several of the greatest amenities that await them. Several of the perks of retirement living are meant to be enjoyed while individuals are younger, active, and excited about the amenities and programming options. The Oaks of Clearwater wants you to join our family now, while you can take advantage of all of the amazing activities, and amenities we offer our residents. We want to assist you in building a personalized care model for yourself so that as you age with us, we adapt simultaneously with you to accommodate for your care needs, as they arise. This way we can assist you or your loved one in determining what potential options they may be entitled to regarding retirement living financially, socially and medically. This way we can help you ask the right questions to your medical consultants as they arise, and so we can help you immediately if the time ever arises where you are in need of care services.

3. Explore your options for potential benefits.

Retirement living can be potentially supplemented financially through several different retirement benefits. There are many retirement benefits that individuals are entitled to only when they are moving into, or reside in a retirement community. If you are a Veteran, or the spouse of a Veteran you may be entitled to VA benefits. If you have a long term care insurance policy, there may be a clause that assists with income supplementation when moving to a retirement community. If you or your loved ones suffer from disabilities, either physical or cognitive, ask your physician about benefits you may be entitled to. If you live on a fixed income, inquire with your local Medicaid office regarding potential opportunity for retirement living income supplementation. Contact The Oaks of Clearwater representatives to help assist you with some of the benefit options you may be eligible for at 727-445-4069.

4. Retirement Living can be affordable.

The price tag related to retirement living, at first glance, can sometimes produce a sticker shock reaction. At The Oaks of Clearwater, we offer an all-inclusive lifestyle extending beyond the concept of simply renting an apartment. Our Cost Calculator may be of assistance to you as you evaluate your finances in considering just how affordable senior living truly is.

5. Make sure you're asking the right questions.

The most important part of a search for senior living is making sure that you are choosing the right retirement community for you. The Oaks of Clearwater has come up with a list of questions that will help you in your search for finding out which retirement community is the one for you! In your search, be sure to ask questions such as…

  • Is your community all- inclusive or do you have levels of care?
  • What in included in the cost of your community?
  • How many meals per day are included in your cost?
  • What type of activities or social programming do you offer your residents?
  • What are the terms of the lease that I would be signing?
  • How often do your prices increase?
  • What are your community’s strengths and weaknesses?
  • What makes your community stand out from the rest?
  • What happens in the future if I need more care?

Being prepared to ask questions such as the ones listed above gives you an opportunity to start an educated conversation that will tell you a lot about a retirement community. As you do your research, you will quickly see which communities stand out to you, and which ones offer the care and services that align with what you are looking for. The more questions you ask, the better understanding you will have as to whether the community is right for you.

6. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself.

Many retirement communities will expect you to be willing to share personal information about yourself with them while you are doing your research. Some of the personal information retirement communities will ask you may revolve around your medical history, your current financial situation, what is important to you, and what you are looking for? Why do retirement communities ask you these personal questions? It is important for us to ask these questions so we are able to get to know you, and to determine how we can best assist you. It is in your best interest to be as honest as possible with the answers to these questions to ensure that the BEST possible customized care plan, and package is developed for you to fit your personalized needs.

7. Look into support options.

The process of searching for retirement living, and navigating through the transition calls for much needed support. Seek out support from individuals who understand the transition and who are knowledgeable about retirement living. The Oaks of Clearwater specializes in providing residents and their families support during this transition phase. Over the years we have developed a profound network of support services, medical professionals, community professionals, friends, and employees who are available to answer any questions that may come up about virtually anything during this process. Call today, and let us help you!