The people who live in Delmanor are amazing, intelligent, and full of personality. Having gone through the transition themselves, they have valuable information to share regarding the transition into retirement living.
Recently, Delmanor interviewed four women – Isabel, Kathy, Rosemarie, and Shirley – and their answers regarding the transition to retirement living offer some important insights for anyone thinking of making the move.
Agency, choice, and realism are the central themes that they all share.
Move on Your Own Terms
Deciding to move into a retirement community is a personal choice and one that comes with a lot of emotions. Each person is unique, and so the reasons and the pros and cons they must weigh are unique as well.
This is why Shirley thinks that the most important thing for prospective residents is not to wait too long to make the decision to move. She stresses the importance of making the decision when you are able, and not to leave it up to family.
For herself, her husband’s poor health meant that moving into a retirement home was the best choice for both of them. They moved when they were both able to make the decision and choose the living arrangement that worked best for both of them.
Both Isabel and Rosemarie moved for similar reasons; their husbands were in deteriorating health, and it was becoming too hard for them to look after their homes alone. Although the main reason was the same, for each of them, the decision came with different factors to consider. Isabel loved her yard and felt sad to leave it behind. Rosemarie and her husband had once had aspirations to retire in their winter home in Mexico.
Kathy’s move was spurred on by the COVID-19 pandemic. She had always had the plan to move into a retirement community, but when the pandemic started and she was living in a condo by herself, she felt isolated.
Choose a Location That is Right for You
Choosing a location and a residence that you feel comfortable in is essential to feeling at home. Everyone is unique, and so the factors that drive this decision will be just as nuanced. Just take a look at what each of the women said about why they chose to move into Delmanor.
For Isabel, location was everything. She lived down the street from the Elgin Mills location and she was very familiar with the area. She knew she could walk to all the restaurants and stores she always had, and she was still able to go to her church.
Kathy chose the Aurora Delmanor location because it was new and up to date. She liked the idea that she could buy from a plan and pick her own unit. She felt more comfortable moving into a new building than into one that was already established.
Rosemarie’s decision was made when she took a tour of a suite. When she stepped in and saw the sunlight and big open windows, it felt “right”.
For Shirley, the option to rent and not buy, and the amenities, were what made her decision.
Be Realistic About the Adjustment
Even when you do your research, choose freely to move into a retirement home, and pick the proper location, there will still be an adjustment period.
Each of the women discussed the importance of being realistic about the scope of this adjustment. Each person is going to adjust differently, and you have to be honest and patient with yourself about the time it will take.
For Isabel, the challenge was going from living with just her husband to suddenly living with a lot of people. Although she describes herself as a social person, she says that adjusting to this was not easy. It took a while for her to accept sharing her home with so many people.
For Rosemarie she loved all the activities that Delmanor offered, but when she first came, she was worried about joining in. She feared that she might not be welcomed by the staff or the residents. When she realized the activities were very easy to join and the residents were helpful and receptive, it was a great comfort to her.
The stories shared by Isabel, Kathy, Rosemarie, and Shirley remind us that the decision to move into a retirement community is deeply personal—and it’s okay to take the time to find what feels right. Their honest reflections show that with the right support, the transition can lead to a vibrant new chapter full of connection, comfort, and peace of mind.
At Delmanor Elgin Mills, we’re here to help you make that transition on your own terms. With Independent, Assisted, and Memory Care Living, personalized support, and a warm, welcoming community, you can truly feel at home. Come see it for yourself—join us for lunch and a tour. We’d love to show you around.
