How to involve your family in your retirement living plans
Talking to family about your decision to downsize and move to a retirement village can seem a little daunting, but involving them in the process can help you to feel supported as you embrace your next steps.
Here are some tips for getting your family involved in your new chapter.
Have a conversation
Organise a time to have a calm and relaxed chat with your close family members and take your time as you explore all the options.
What to discuss
In your chat, there are some important points to focus on to help your family get on board with your decision.
- It’s important that you and your family understand how you’re feeling, and what has motivated to you make your decision. Perhaps you’re struggling to maintain your family home which is making you feel stressed and tired. Or maybe you’re feeling lonely after losing a partner, or now that the children have all left home. Starting with openly sharing your feelings in a calm way can really help your family see things from your perspective.
- You may also like to talk about your health, and the enhanced peace of mind you may gain by moving to a village with staff and neighbours close by.
- Lastly, chat about your plans – when you’d like to move, what research you may have already done and what things you’d like help and support in doing. This is a great opportunity to show or talk about the downsizing or retirement living options you’ve been exploring.
Get support
You may also like to involve other key people in your decision making. Health professionals and financial advisors can help you and your family feel reassured that you’re making the right decision when it comes to your health and financial wellbeing.
Bring family to open days and tours
Inviting close family members to a retirement village tour or open day could also be a great way to get everyone on board and involved. This is the perfect opportunity for you and your family to ask all your questions, so you feel confident, comfortable and informed.
Involve your family in the downsizing process
Downsizing your family home is as much an emotional process as it is a physical one. Be sure to ask your family if they’d like to take part in helping you downsize your belongings. This way, they can choose to keep any items that have sentimental value to them, which in turn, helps free up your space.
For more information about decluttering and downsizing, read our blogs:
We’d love to welcome you and your family to a tour at Applewood, so you can see first-hand how our premium village can enhance your life in retirement. Call 03 8848 1111 to book in a tour today.