The decision regarding when to move into a senior living community is a very personal one. There is no standard formula that determines the best timing. Generally speaking, however, seniors postpone the decision beyond the optimal time. They delay the decision because of a desire to remain living independently in their home for as long as possible. That is understandable. But, many of the seniors who live in our Cordia Communities tell us they wish they had made the move sooner. Their quality of life improved significantly when they moved from living alone into a community setting.

The best way to determine the best time to make the move is to provide honest answers to the following questions:

• Are you becoming isolated at home?
  
• Do you skip meals, or eat poorly?
  
• Have the routine chores of home maintenance become too difficult or tedious?
  
• Are you unable to manage your own personal care?
  
• Are you showing signs of forgetfulness that threaten your safety?
  
• Have you stopped getting together with friends or family?
  
• Have you given up hobbies, interests or pursuits that are meaningful?

If the answer to some questions is yes, then you are likely to benefit from a move into a community living environment. It is the right time to take advantage of the physical and social benefits of residing in a private apartment surrounded by the support of caring staff and neighbors. But, if the answer to all of the questions above is a clear no, the decision to move is solely a matter of individual choice. Does it make sense to move now, when you are able to embrace a new environment and meet new neighbors with high energy and vigor? Or, is it preferable to remain at home with friends and neighbors until a future date or a change in circumstance might make a move more desirable?