You’ve probably made several big moves in your life: From a bedroom in your childhood home to a college dorm. From a dorm to an apartment. From an apartment to a house. And now you’re ready for one more move—to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). There’s a lot you need to do before making this change, so we created this CCRC checklist so you don’t miss a step.
#1. Visit the Campus
The first step in our CCRC checklist is visiting the facilities. Take a tour to explore your future home, get a feel for campus, see the amenities in action, and even try out the dining hall. While you’re there, make sure to ask about these CCRC requirements:
- What levels of care are available?
- What are the costs associated with those levels of care?
- What floor plans are available?
- What are the dining options?
- What amenities do you offer?
- Are there social opportunities on and off campus?
- Are there rules about guests and overnight stays?
- Are pets allowed?
- Is housekeeping included?
- Is transportation provided for off-campus activities?
Meeting with a staff member is the best way to get to know us. In addition to a tour, you can ask questions about what life at Woodcrest Villa is like and get guidance on the next steps in the process. Remember to research the CCRC facility online and in-person. Don’t be afraid to tour multiple so you can compare their features and make an informed decision. We also offer a virtual tour with our interactive campus map, letting you get a feel for campus right from your couch.
#2. Apply and Get Approved
Now that you’ve picked the CCRC you want to pursue, it’s time to apply. This process looks different for everyone. At Woodcrest Villa, once you’ve met with our sales team and talked through some options, you can begin the application.
When you’re ready to fill it out, follow this CCRC admission checklist to make sure you have all the necessary information to complete the form. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Desired living space
- Desired date of residency
- Family history
- Personal details
- Health and insurance information
- Financial statements, including sources of income, assets, and liabilities
Every community’s application is different, so always ask upfront if there is a fee, if it’s per person, and if it’s refundable.
Once your application is approved, then you’ll move to the waitlist. Time spent on the waitlist varies, averaging around two to three years. Many factors influence this, like when you’re ready to make the move and the availability of models you’re interested in. When the time comes, you’ll officially sign your contract.
#3. Prepare Your Finances
With the CCRC admission checklist out of the way, you should start getting your finances in order. We require you to appoint a durable power of attorney before you move in. Make sure you also start thinking about your end of life details like estate planning and updating your will.
This isn’t a fun piece to talk about, but it’s important that everything is in order so you can enjoy your time at Woodcrest. (And trust us, there’s lots to enjoy!)
Ensure you fully understand the fee structure at your CCRC and how that changes as your care needs evolve. Also review the contract so you understand each section. Our team is always here to help if you have any questions.
#4. Update Medical Records
As your move-in date approaches, make an appointment with your primary care physician. During your general check-up, inform your doctor that you’re moving. Provide any paperwork they need to fill out, and don’t forget to gather updated medical records for yourself.
If you’re moving a little farther away, you may need to find a new primary care physician. Your current doctor should be able to refer someone in the area. In addition, get your medications in order so you have everything you need when you make the move. Don’t forget to change your pharmacy to the one on campus for ultimate convenience.
Lastly, you should evaluate your current health and think about future changes. One of the major CCRC requirements is ensuring your new home can handle your current or future medical needs, along with your spouse’s. Discuss your medical concerns with the CCRC team. Make sure everyone is on the same page so you can access their services when you need them.
#5. Declutter and Downsize
Now it’s time to prepare for the move and the new life you’re about to start! With so much fun ahead, it may be hard to know what you’ll need. It’s important to consider the size of your new place and what your community provides. Also double check what you’re not allowed to bring.
These downsizing tips will help you declutter with ease. First, don’t wait until the last minute to start. Give yourself time to sort through everything and make a list of must-have furniture, decor, and personal items. As you’re deciding what to keep, be realistic. You don’t want to go through the effort of moving items (or paying professionals to do it) if you never actually use them.
If it feels overwhelming at first, that’s ok. Go room by room to make it more manageable. Along the way, you may find sentimental items that are hard to part with. Consider snapping a photo rather than bringing it with you. That way, you can still enjoy the memory without it taking up space.
#6. Make the Move
The day is finally here! It’s time to move into your CCRC. This can be an exhausting feat, so don’t hesitate to hire movers to make the process go smoother. Contact them in advance to determine if they’re available on your move-in date and can handle any specialty items you have. Pack the essentials first and label all of your boxes.
Once you’re officially in your new home, you need to do the following:
- Cancel your current utilities and transfer them to your new address
- Forward your mail to your new address (and update any subscriptions)
- Update online records
- Inform your friends and family of this change
#7. Personalize Your New Space
This step of our ultimate CCRC checklist is the most fun—decorating! Before you move in, you’ll meet with our Move-In Coordinator to personalize the space to fit your vision. You will pick out standard selections and any additional upgrades you want. Be sure to ask your Sales Counselor or Move-In Coordinator what choices are available in your new home. And don’t worry! We’ll handle all the remodeling, so everything is ready for you on your first day.
Decorate the walls to your heart’s desire so you will love your new place as much as your old one. Before long, you’ll be inviting people over and showing them your new home.
#8. Stay Social
Now that you’re surrounded by a whole new community, you have to be intentional about staying connected with friends and family. Invite them to campus for fun events and plan adventures for you all to enjoy together.
Thankfully, you’ll never feel alone. You will be able to make new friends right away with all of our clubs and groups on campus. The culture at Woodcrest Villa is all about living life your way. Get involved or keep to yourself. Spend the weekends away or feel right at home on our beautiful campus. But no matter your passions, you’ll find people to share them with.
In your first week, take time to meet your neighbors and the CCRC staff. Explore campus for yourself and check out the fitness center, nature trails, dining options, and more. Building community on campus is easy, as long as you put yourself out there.
#9. Prepare for New Routines
The last step of our CCRC checklist is to mentally and physically prepare for new routines. Change is difficult at any age. With your new life on campus, eating, cleaning, and socializing will change—hopefully for the better.
But even so, transitions are hard and sometimes emotional. Embrace whatever you’re feeling, whether you’re scared of what’s to come or sad to leave your old home. At Woodcrest, you can rely on your old and new network of peers for support during this time.
Get Started on Your CCRC Checklist
Ready for step one on the CCRC checklist? Reach out to us today to schedule a tour. We can’t wait to show you around your new home.