When is the time right to move to a senior living community?

The time to move is when you are still healthy enough to shop for your own community and make the decisions on your own, according to Mary Kay Bochenek, director of marketing for The Moorings of Arlington Heights, a "life plan" senior community.

"Many people think that they will receive a 'sign' of some kind, but they probably won't," she said. "We urge people to do their research early and even put their name on a priority reservation list because as the baby boomers begin moving into senior living, space is going to be at a premium and if their funds are limited, it could be a real challenge.

"Most people expect that they will enter a senior community when they can enjoy independent living, using the amenities, becoming involved in the community and making lasting friendships," Bochenek continued. "But if they wait until they have lots of health and mobility issues, they won't have as many options. Your options diminish as your needs increase."

Phyllis Kramer, sales and marketing director for Villa St. Benedict in Lisle, agreed. "It isn't easy for people to think about entering the next stage of life, but you want to make your plans before a chronic health issue is diagnosed and suddenly where you move becomes someone else's choice, not yours.

"Age is just a number and everyone ages differently, but you want to come up with a plan before your house becomes too much for you or one of you is diagnosed with a health issue or your agenda is no longer busy and you are feeling isolated," Kramer continued.

"Those on the early end of the baby boom should be thinking about their next steps now. Senior communities are generally available to those 62 and older and really, the concept is very similar to the 55-plus communities except that they offer more health and transportation services and additional social opportunities," she added.

Bochenek recommends that people start thinking about it after they have retired and once they feel they are done with aggressive traveling. When someone moves before health problems multiply, it can be a seamless move which will enhance their personal interactions and make their lives easier by handling outdoor maintenance, offering transportation and providing nutritious meals during which they can socialize with new friends.

And moving into a senior community does not have to mean leaving your former life behind, Kramer said. You can still work (if you wish), travel (without worrying about who is watching your home), volunteer in the community and even travel to second homes at the lake or in Florida whenever you choose.

Doing your preliminary research doesn't only involve touring communities. First, you need to assess your situation in terms of finances (it is never too early to start saving for retirement), health and support systems (spouse, children, neighbors, friends and even nieces and nephews). You also need to understand your Medicare benefits, including the fact that long-term care is not a service paid for by Medicare.

"People need to understand that when they get older, especially if they are single or widowed, they are only one fall or illness away from having their house of cards tumble. Having a plan in place really empowers you at that point. You are making your own decision for the future, not leaving it to someone else to decide," Bochenek stressed.

Once you know your situation, Bochenek recommends researching communities online to see what you like and what you can afford. Then, just as you did when you were visiting colleges with your children, choose a couple communities that look best for your situation and make appointments to visit. Bochenek recommends bringing along a friend so that two people are listening to the information.

"You also need to have an open, honest conversation with your children or other loved ones about what you can realistically do. If children don't have a lot of contact with the parents, they may be surprised by what they can no longer do. This would also be a good time to make sure that your powers of attorney and trust or will are up to date," she stated.

Most senior living communities like Villa St. Benedict and The Moorings offer various levels of care as a resident's needs change and there are doctors, physical therapists and other professionals readily available when a need arises. Facilities like fitness centers, swimming pools (in some cases) and even community gardens are available and group activities like yoga, chair tai chi, day trips, overnight trips and even art classes are offered to keep residents active and engaged.

"Most new residents say that they should have moved here three to five years earlier, once they move in and realize how much easier life is

and how busy and happy they now are because new friends are so accessible," Kramer said.

"I really believe that everyone is entitled to a lifestyle they deserve. They should be flourishing and enjoying every tier of their life," she added.

But before they can actually move to an easier and more social situation, most people need to sell a home. That is often a prerequisite to making that next financial commitment.

Lora Mahnke of Century 21 New Heritage in Huntley works with many seniors who want to sell their homes in order to get away from onerous yard work and stairs, in particular. Mobility has become an issue for them.

"Oftentimes it is the adult children who step in and tell their parents that it is time to move," Mahnke said. "So it is a very emotional time for them, especially when I need to gently tell them that if they want to sell their home for a good price, they need to update the place where they raised their family and made so many memories."

"The Millennials who will probably be thinking about buying their home don't have a lot of free time, so about 70 percent aren't willing to buy a house and do a lot of work on it. In order for them to consider buying, the kitchen, in particular, needs to be updated," she stated.

If there is carpet in the kitchen, it needs to be removed and replaced with hardwood, Pergo or even ceramic tile. All of the appliances need to match - all white, all black or all stainless. If the cabinets are old and worn, consider having them re-faced with something fresh and more contemporary. And if the countertops are a laminate, replace them with granite or a granite-look material, Mahnke counseled.

You should also open the windows and air out the home (especially if it belonged to a smoker) and then consider removing fabric window treatments, repainting all the walls and replacing all the carpet.

If you have an old multicolored bathroom, replace it if possible, or at least cover the tub and walls with an acrylic system and make sure that the toilet and sink are white or neutral, she added.