I recently heard an interesting story on Charlotte’s NPR station about the influx of retirees moving to North Carolina and the resulting demand for more senior living and care options. The report highlighted several continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities, being built or expanded in the greater Charlotte area, including Aldersgate, which operates a community garden I wrote about previously.
Beyond the details about CCRC developments, one personal story from the NPR piece stood out.
“The last house I’m gonna have”
The reporter interviewed Sara Klemmer, who lives in Charlotte’s lively historic Plaza Midwood neighborhood. Widowed 11 years ago, Ms. Klemmer has lived in the same home for 31 years. She loves her neighborhood and remains active, but she no longer wants the burden of home maintenance or the uncertainty of future care needs. She has put her house on the market and plans to move to Aldersgate at the end of the year.
What stayed with me was Ms. Klemmer’s candid reflection: “I expected to be taken out of here [her Plaza Midwood home] in a box, but now I’m gonna be taken out of there [Aldersgate] in a box.” The story continued:
“For Sara Klemmer, the decision to leave the neighborhood she loves makes sense financially and logically, but still, she says it’s been emotionally ‘wrenching.’ And the notion of joining a continuing care community is a psychological adjustment, too.
‘This is the last house I’m gonna have, the last apartment,’ Klemmer said. ‘You come face to face with your mortality.’”
I hear this sentiment often from people considering a move to a CCRC. At the core of these reflections is the idea: I know this move makes sense, but it feels final, and that finality is hard to accept.
>> Related: Overcoming the Mental Obstacles & Emotional Barriers of Downsizing
The four reasons seniors delay a CCRC move
Four common themes frequently explain why seniors hesitate to move to a CCRC—many of which surfaced in Ms. Klemmer’s remarks.
-
“I’m still active and independent.”
Many people mistakenly equate CCRCs with nursing homes. In reality, large numbers of residents remain independent and active for many years before requiring assisted living or long-term care. While some residents use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, most move to a CCRC precisely because they value having a full continuum of care available if needs change. Planning ahead can prevent placing the responsibility of care entirely on loved ones if health declines occur unexpectedly.
>> Related: Are Preconceptions About Senior Living Communities Holding You Back?
-
“I don’t want to leave my home.”
Leaving a long-loved home is emotionally difficult, and many seniors plan to age in place. Yet staying at home often proves harder than expected for both the older adult and family members. In many cases, delaying a move means eventually transitioning directly to assisted living or a nursing facility at a time when adapting to a new environment is even more challenging.
-
“Moving is too much of a headache.”
Moving and decluttering are difficult at any age, but they only get harder over time. For this reason, moving to a CCRC sooner rather than later can be advantageous. To ease the transition, some CCRCs offer moving assistance and decluttering services to incoming residents.
-
“I’m worried that I can’t afford to move to a CCRC this early.”
Cost is a valid concern. CCRCs can be expensive, and affordability deserves careful analysis. Many communities use actuarial tools to estimate whether a prospective resident’s assets and income will cover lifetime costs. Financial planners experienced with CCRC contracts can help, and there are calculators available that factor in entry fees, monthly fees, and projected health care costs to help you evaluate whether a CCRC is financially feasible.
>> Related: You’re Ready for a CCRC…But Your Adult Kids Aren’t on Board
The case for a CCRC move
All four reasons for delaying a CCRC move are understandable. If you truly don’t feel ready, it may not be the right time to move, and that’s okay. But if you are undecided, there are a few considerations that might help.
- Choosing to age in place may seem easier short-term, but a health setback could make it physically challenging and more expensive. In-home care averages several thousand dollars per month for limited hours of care, and full-time care can quickly multiply those costs.
- Remaining at home can also place a heavy burden on adult children, especially if they live far away, have young families, or cannot easily take time off work. Caregiving responsibilities can be stressful and difficult to manage alongside other obligations.
- Eventually, someone will need to sort, pack, and manage the sale of your home. That task is often left to adult children or other loved ones and can be emotionally and physically taxing.
>> Related: Trash or Treasure: Why Seniors Should Declutter Their Homes…Today
Making the right choice for you
Ms. Klemmer’s feelings are common. Moving out of a cherished home into a CCRC is a major life change, and some apprehension is natural. Yet after speaking with hundreds of CCRC residents, I’ve found most are very glad they made the move. While many describe an initial adjustment period, the long-term benefits—convenience, services, social opportunities, and on-site continuum of care—often outweigh the short-term challenges of downsizing and relocating.
In our recent consumer survey, the top reason for postponing a move was “I don’t feel that I’m old enough yet,” even among respondents in their 80s. That response reflects the discomfort many feel when confronting mortality and the idea of a “final” residence.
Still, many residents say they are happier having moved earlier rather than waiting for an undefined future moment when they might feel “ready.” Moving sooner gives time to form friendships, build a support network, and gain peace of mind knowing care is available if needed. That social foundation and security can make the transition far more positive, helping you face future uncertainties with greater confidence.