There is a strong reason why it is preferable to begin exploring senior living options before you actually need one. Retirement communities frequently reach capacity, and vacancies among available units may not occur for months, if ever. If you sign up for many waitlists, you increase the odds of being placed in one of your preferred communities. There may also be opportunities to meet residents of the group you are interested in joining. Joining a waitlist is a good first step since it encourages you to start thinking about when you want to move and when you want to downsize, which can help alleviate some of the strain of the move itself. Joining a waitlist for independent living in Long Beach, IN comes with a number of advantages that you should think about.
Joining a Community Waitlist
- Preventative and Preparatory – Joining a community waitlist is both preventative and preparatory, given that retirement communities can remain at capacity for months or even years. Apartments will be made available to individuals on the waiting list initially, with the general public having to wait considerably longer. If you are interested in independent living but do not start looking until you absolutely need to make a change, the odds of getting into the community or apartment style of your choice when you need to make the change are slimmer than if you start looking before you need to make the change.
- Setting Timeline – Setting a timeline for your move is possible after joining at least one waitlist. If you have located the perfect retirement community but are not ready to make a move for at least two years, you can still secure a home there and take your time with the transition to a smaller dwelling.
- Community Perks – Getting on a waitlist for an apartment is not always the only thing that happens. In addition, it can be a chance to check out the neighborhood and make sure it is the right fit. Waitlisted residents in some communities are sometimes given the opportunity to dine at the community’s restaurants and participate in resident-organized events. Residents on the waiting list may be given first dibs on available apartments, as well as other perks such as community newsletters and resident resources.
Joining More Than One Waitlist
Waitlists for your second and third preferences are something you should consider joining if you are not planning to move for months or even years. In the event that you unexpectedly need to relocate, this will give you greater flexibility in the future. But since you will be relocating to only one neighborhood, you should inquire about any cancellation costs that may apply.
Joining Before Being Ready
It is completely up to you if you want to join a waitlist ahead of time. Some retirement communities allow you to join their waitlists even if you do not plan to relocate for at least ten years! For others, if you sign up too early ahead of your move, you might be asked to fill a slot before you are ready. Some communities allow you to hold your place until a more convenient time comes along. Find out if there are any consequences for being “skipped over,” such as losing your place or points.
