Some people choose a retirement home before they need to because it provides them with autonomy and more choice. It also means having control of your own future, as opposed to being placed in a home when the decision may no longer be yours to make.

Weigh up the pros and cons of moving to a retirement home. Becoming dependent is not the only reason: feelings of isolation and the question of security while you’re living in your own home can also provide the motivation for making this move.

Remember that there is an important distinction between low-level (hostel) care and high-level (nursing home) care, and some providers offer both levels. If you move into a low-level care facility, but at a later stage may need high-level care, find out beforehand if you’ll need to move. If the home provides both levels of care you may be able to stay on, which will save the time, inconvenience and stress of moving.

Make your decision in a calm and considered way so that you won’t have any regrets. Take the time to compare different homes in the area of your choice, along with the services offered and the costs involved.

Weigh up your financial position. Do you need to sell the family home to enter a retirement home? What sort of long-term financial investment is involved? Is there a creative financial solution available for funding your retirement without having to sell your house?

Try to anticipate your changing needs as you age, as this will save you time in planning and you may be able to avoid unwelcome surprises and high prices.

Try doing some Internet research, to compare services and costs across a wide range of retirement homes.

From: 10,001 Time Saving Ideas