Canadians who call a retirement community home have received (or will soon receive) their prioritized COVID-19 vaccines. That welcome development has prompted seniors living in their own homes who are tired from an isolating winter fraught with pandemic restrictions to re-explore how retirement living can provide the safe, social and supportive retirement they desire.

So, how exactly can a retirement residence make the life of an older adult better right now?

• New friendships and acquittances with people of a similar age


• Physical and mental stimulation, thanks to leisure and fitness opportunities


• Increased fulfilment and purpose, thanks to hobby and charitable pursuits


• Less time and energy spent on cooking, cleaning and home maintenance


• Improved health and wellness due to balanced meal options, regular socialization and optional care services


• Complete peace of mind due to 24/7 on-site staff support

Here are three reasons not to hesitate if you believe retirement living can make your life—or that of a loved one—better right now:

Being proactive leads to more choice, control and independence

Moving can often feel overwhelming, even with helping hands and good organization; that’s why waiting to move to a retirement community until urgent circumstances arise, such as a fall, illness or hospitalization, isn’t ideal. As gerontological social worker Dr. Amy explains, when we react out of pressure and urgency, rather than proactively plan, we erode our choice, control and independence as we age. She recommends avoiding making a life transition when you or a loved one aren’t feeling well or don’t have time to evaluate your choices, and to instead start laying the groundwork now to achieve the health and happiness you want in your retirement years.

Give yourself time to explore your finances

Once you’ve found the retirement residence that will be the right fit for your needs and lifestyle, next up is procuring a quote so you can determine how best to finance the lifestyle. To determine affordability, you may consider speaking to a professional, such as a certified financial advisor, about your situation, including questions about your home’s worth, investment options, tax credits and much more. As financial educator Kelley Keehn suggests, it’s best to give yourself time to find a financial professional you trust and have these discussions proactively so that when you’re ready to make the move, you have complete confidence to go for it.

Now may be a lucrative time to sell in Canada

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), the pandemic has done little to cool Canada’s housing markets. Low inventory, ultra-low interest rates and pent-up demand has created a seller’s market where prices are at an all-time high, buyer competition is fierce, and seller’s have all the control. In fact, out of the 40 markets that CREA tracks, 36 of them show an increase in price.* So, if you’re looking to sell your home to finance retirement living, now may be a great time for you to list.

If you have already begun to explore Chartwell retirement residences in your area, consider reaching out to the Retirement Living Consultant you've been talking to about scheduling your move-in so you know you have a spot guaranteed at the retirement community that best suits your needs and preferences. Visit chartwell.com or call 1-855-461-0685 today to learn more.

*The following source provided a reference for this blog:
1. crea.ca (The Canadian Real Estate Association). “Quarterly Forecasts.” (Dec. 2020), online: https://www.crea.ca/housing-market-stats/quarterly-forecasts/