Make the Most of the Wait: Pre-Move Tips for Senior Living

A senior man and a senior woman pack up a kitchen to prepare to move

If you know you want to move into a retirement community but are waiting for the right timing or floor plan, joining the waitlist is a risk-free way to get your foot in the door. The process of joining a waitlist varies by community.

At Friendship Village Tempe, we call our waitlist the “Ready List.” Prospective residents pay a small deposit that gives them access to a variety of perks and benefits right away. And should their circumstances or plans change, they’ll have the full amount refunded.

With that in mind, read on for three things you can do while you’re on the Ready List.    

1. Sample the Lifestyle

Making a move to a senior living community is a big decision, and the best way to know which community is right for you is to spend time there. Joining the waitlist allows you to get a good sense of the lifestyle to make a fully informed choice. You can visit regularly to take tours, try the activities and amenities, meet residents and chat with team members to fully understand the benefits.

Plus, members of Friendship Village’s Ready List have access to a variety of perks, including:

  • One complimentary meal per month
  • Access to the fitness center, swimming pool and hot tub
  • Group exercise classes
  • Entertainment and education programs
  • Priority notification about residence availability
  • Social events and more

2. Research the Benefits

Picture your senior living waitlist deposit as a risk-free investment in your future. Continuing Care Retirement Communities, also called Life Plan Communities, offer contracts that give residents independent living plus access to one or multiple higher levels of care.

But that’s not the only benefit. Type A Life Plan Communities like Friendship Village could offer immediate tax benefits as a prepaid medical expense.  While you wait to move in, reach out to your financial advisor to go over the details.

3. Start Planning for Your New Home

Once you’ve found the right floor plan, being on the waitlist greatly expedites your next steps.

Members on the ready list at Friendship Village are the first to know when new homes are available, and they have priority when touring residences and choosing where they want to live. Even if you’re not sure what exactly you want, getting your name on the list now gives you a better chance down the line when you decide on your preferred floor plan.

After you’ve selected your home, you can begin planning the decorations for your new space. Go furniture shopping, start envisioning your future space, and get excited for your move!

How to Get Started

Even if you’re in no rush to move to a community, joining a waitlist is a smart move. If you’re even slightly interested, there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by getting your name on the waitlist sooner rather than later.

At Friendship Village, we welcome all prospective residents to join our Ready List and enjoy the benefits of living in our senior living community. If you’re ready to learn more, use the contact us form to schedule a meeting.