Decisions about where and how to live become more important as we, and our loved ones, age. Many families reach a point where they begin to wonder: Is it time to consider moving to a life-plan community?

At Snyder Village in Metamora, Illinois, we understand how emotional and complex this decision can be. Our Life Plan Community offers peace of mind, security, and the freedom to enjoy life with the confidence of having a full continuum of care available—when and if it’s ever needed.

But when is the right time to make the move? Here are some key signs and considerations that indicate it might be time to explore life in a community like Snyder Village.

1. Daily Tasks Are Becoming a Burden

If cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a home are becoming physically or mentally exhausting, it may be time to consider an easier lifestyle. Retirement communities like Snyder Village offer beautiful, maintenance-free cottages and apartments where residents enjoy their independence without the burdens of home upkeep.

2. Health Needs Are Changing

As medical needs increase, the ability to access additional care becomes essential. Residents have a safety net built right in. From Assisted Living for those needing help with daily activities, to our Health Center for skilled nursing care, and Memory Care for those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, we provide support tailored to each resident’s individual needs—without the need to move to a new community.

3. Concerns About Isolation or Safety

Loneliness can have serious impacts on both mental and physical health. If a senior is feeling isolated or unsafe at home—especially if falls or confusion have become concerns—community living can offer renewed social connections and the peace of mind that someone is always nearby. Friendships blossom over shared meals, activities, events, and wellness programs.

4. Family Caregivers Are Feeling Overwhelmed

When caregiving becomes too demanding for family members to handle alone, it’s time to explore other options. A wide array of services—particularly our Home Care program—offer support that can extend independent living safely for as long as possible. And when the time is right, a seamless transition into our community-based care options can bring relief and reassurance to both the senior and their family.

5. Planning Ahead Makes Sense

The best time to move into a life plan community is before a crisis occurs. Choosing Snyder Village early allows residents to enjoy the vibrant lifestyle of our Retirement Community, with the added benefit of knowing that future care needs will be met right here on campus. It’s not just a move—it’s a proactive plan for aging well.

More Than a Place to Live — Your Place to Call Home

We believe aging should be a journey filled with dignity, connection, and joy. Our campus in Metamora is home to caring staff and a community of individuals who support each other like family. Whether it’s a couple looking to downsize into retirement living, or a family needing compassionate memory care for a loved one, Snyder Village is here every step of the way.

If you’re starting to ask the question, “Is it time?”, we invite you to come visit Snyder Village. Take a tour, meet our team, and experience what makes our life-plan community a trusted choice for seniors and their families throughout Central Illinois.

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Life is full of transitions, and one of the biggest decisions many older adults face is when and where to downsize. While it can be a daunting task, it is also an opportunity to simplify, embrace a new lifestyle, and gain peace of mind for the future. For those looking for a vibrant, supportive community offering a full continuum of care, Snyder Village is the perfect choice.

The Benefits of Downsizing

Downsizing isn’t just about moving to a smaller space — it’s about embracing a new way of life that is less stressful and more fulfilling. The burden of home maintenance, yard work, and endless clutter can become overwhelming. Moving to a life-plan community like Snyder Village eliminates these worries, allowing residents to focus on enjoying their golden years.

Janice Knapp, a resident at Snyder Village, understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of downsizing. “I needed to start my ‘second life.’ I needed a change,” she shares. Like many, Janice faced the overwhelming task of sorting through years of possessions. “I didn’t know what to do with it all,” she admits. But with the support of family and Snyder Village’s welcoming environment, the transition became a positive experience.

A Smooth Transition to a New Lifestyle

One of the biggest concerns about downsizing is deciding what to do with a lifetime’s worth of belongings. Many find relief in letting go and embracing the simplicity of a fresh start. Janice reflects on her experience, saying, “It was a relief to get rid of the things at the auction.” Letting go of excess belongings can be liberating, providing a sense of freedom and a fresh perspective.

At Snyder Village, residents find not just a place to live but a true community. With independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, memory care, and therapy services all available on one campus, residents have the security of knowing their needs will be met both now and in the future.

A Community That Feels Like Home

More than just a housing option, Snyder Village offers a warm, close-knit environment where residents feel like family. “They take care of each other here and have so many activities. It’s like a family here,” says Janice. From social events and fitness classes to arts and crafts, there’s always something happening to keep residents engaged and connected.

Janice has no regrets about her decision. “I’m glad I made the move,” she says. “I really am.” Her story is just one example of how choosing a life-plan community can bring peace of mind, new friendships, and a fulfilling lifestyle.

If you or a loved one are considering downsizing, now is the perfect time to explore all that Snyder Village has to offer. Contact us today to schedule a tour and take the first step toward a stress-free, enriched way of living.

Snyder Village, in Metamora, Illinois, is a life plan community offering independent living in its cottages and apartments. Snyder Village also features assisted living, memory care, and a health center along with physical therapy on site. Its home care services support residents in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties. For more information about Snyder Village, call (309) 367-4300 or visit us online at www.snydervillage.com.

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Life Plan Community Defined

So, what is a Life Plan Community?  Simply put, it is an active, vibrant retirement community with options for future healthcare (if and when needed) located on the same campus.  To qualify as a Life Plan Community, a community must offer several levels of care and living options all on one campus.  For most communities, these include:

-Independent Living: For those who are healthy or relatively healthy and wish to remain independent
-Assisted Living:  For those who wish to live independently but may need help with a daily living task (bathing, dressing, etc.)
-Memory Care: For those who need a safe, secure, and homelike environment with specialized care for cognitive impairments
-Skilled Nursing Care:  For those who need round-the-clock assistance or daily medical attention

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) was the common name for this type of community for many years, but in 2014 a national task force was formed to examine the effectiveness of this title.  The new title of “Life Plan Community” was established in 2015 as a better fit to describe these communities which empower seniors to plan for their future and live a purposeful, active life.

Amenities & Features

Distinctly unique from stand-alone assisted living, memory care, or retirement facilities, a Life Plan Community boasts its own features and amenities.  Having the entire continuum of care on one campus is really what sets Life Plan Communities apart, and they often promote an active lifestyle through all the levels of care, resulting in a vibrant and active community.  Many Life Plan Communities feature picturesque surroundings on their large campuses with ample space to walk, bike, and enjoy the outdoors.  Couples find Life Plan Communities especially appealing since the varying levels of support on one campus allow them to remain close, even if one individual eventually requires a higher level of care.

Many supportive services are also available on the campus of a Life Plan Community, including nursing care, physician visits, therapy, and short- or long-term rehabilitation.  Additional amenities can include transportation, dining options, housekeeping, social opportunities, fitness classes and wellness programs.  A select number of Life Plan Communities, such as Snyder Village in Metamora, IL, include the added benefit of a 24-hour emergency response system, which provides assurance knowing help is nearby.  With home maintenance, lawn care, and snow shoveling taken care of by the community, residents have the freedom to live their lifestyle without being bogged down by the tasks of home upkeep.  Life Plan Communities are specially designed for those adults who desire a full life while enjoying hobbies, interests, wellness pursuits, and time with friends and family.

Taking the Next Step

For those wanting to learn more about these unique communities, scheduling an in-person tour is the best way to get a true sense of what living there would be like.  Julie Beltramea, Retirement Community Director at Snyder Village, enjoys taking prospective residents on tour, where they can see an apartment, cottage, dining room, library, and perhaps even a class or other activity in progress.  To schedule your own tour of Snyder Village Retirement Community, call Julie at (309) 367-4900.

In order to move into a Life Plan Community, individuals must first qualify through an application process.  The application will differ depending on which level of care an individual is seeking, and the process can be extensive.  This detailed application process assists the Community in ensuring there will be enough room for the resident to progress through the different levels of care if the need arises.

To take full advantage of the benefits of a Life Plan Community, individuals should aim for entering the community when healthy enough to enjoy the freedom and convenience of independent living first and then enjoy receiving support through all the stages of their senior years.  It’s never too early to start the planning process!

When thinking about senior living options, take into consideration all that a Life Plan Community has to offer.  There is a feeling of security that comes from being part of a trusted community, and knowing that a senior can transition to another level of care without having to relocate outside of a familiar community brings a sense of comfort and relief.  While Life Plan Communities boast many unique amenities and features, the peace of mind they provide is enough to make them an excellent choice among senior living options.

Snyder Village in Metamora is a Life Plan Community that offers independent living in its retirement cottages and apartments.  Beautiful assisted living accommodations, memory care programs, skilled nursing care, and physical therapy are also available on campus.  Its home care services support individuals in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties.  For more information, call (309) 367-4300 or visit www.snydervillage.com.

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Small Town Benefits

Less Traffic & Noise
Small towns offer ease of getting around.  Traffic jams are rarely a worry – unless a slow-moving tractor is on the road!  Less traffic allows you to reach stores and entertainment with an easy commute.  Fewer cars on the road also mean less noise.  Instead of hearing the hum of traffic, in a small town, you’ll enjoy the relaxing sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling.

Modern Amenities Nearby
Most small towns offer the modern amenities we’re all used to.  Internet and cable television are available and medical facilities and postal services are usually nearby.  You can pick up your necessities at the local pharmacy and grocery store and enjoy your favorite cup of coffee or ice cream treat at the family diner.  Paul and Mary Moore, residents of the Snyder Village retirement community in Metamora, IL, enjoy the convenience of having amenities nearby.  “Most of our errands (post office, library, pharmacy, doctor, dentist, and barber) can be done at the local town square, within walking distance from Snyder Village,” explains Mary.

Just because a town is smaller in size and stature doesn’t mean that it’s cut off from large city amenities.  For example, Metamora, IL, is less than 20 miles from the large Trauma 1 hospitals in Peoria, IL, and a short drive to restaurants and shopping found in Peoria.

More Space
Moving out of the city provides more space to enjoy.  Small towns are often surrounded by acres of natural beauty begging to be explored.  Driving out of town can lead to the picturesque scenery of barns, fields, or forests.  There are nearby opportunities to enjoy hobbies such as fishing, hunting, hiking, or visiting wineries, and there’s plenty of space to plant a garden or just enjoy being in nature.

With more room to spread out, there’s also more opportunity to safely walk or bike around town.  The spacious campus at Snyder Village is one aspect Paul and Mary enjoy most about the retirement community.  “We think Snyder Village is great,” says Paul. “It really fits our lifestyle.  It’s really opened up the lifestyle to us.  One thing we really love is that we can walk safely on the sidewalks, and on the roads, and the traffic is very slow and calm.  That’s a big plus for us.”

Vibrant Culture Scene
Just because a town has fewer people doesn’t mean that entertainment and cultural opportunities are also fewer.  In fact, many small towns are bursting with local pride and enjoy celebrating life together.  Festivals, carnivals, live music, farmers markets, and craft fairs often fill the weekends, and local boutique shops and unique restaurants line the main streets.  It seems that every resident becomes a fan of the local high school sports teams, which offers plenty of opportunities for sports entertainment.  A favorite summertime activity in Metamora, IL, is the free outdoor concerts at the bandstand in the charming town square.  Residents enjoy the lively music while feasting on the delicious pie that is available for purchase.

Sense of Community
There’s a certain intimacy within a small town that naturally leads to a strong sense of community.  More often than not, neighbors are eager to develop relationships with one another, and residents come to know local business owners and politicians as well.  A sense of neighborly love can be seen, not only during the good celebratory times but during times of hardship when residents band together to help one another.  Although a lack of privacy may bother some who are used to keeping to themselves, the caring neighbors of a small town can provide a strong support system when it’s needed most.

Affordability
Living in a big city often comes with a big price tag, where housing, food, and taxes are higher priced.  Real estate in smaller towns is usually cheaper and the overall cost of living is lower.  This equates to more opportunities to become a homeowner while living within your means.

Safety
More often than not, the crime rate of a small town is significantly lower than a larger city.  Violent crimes occur less frequently, which leads to a more carefree lifestyle.  A walk down the street can be enjoyed without the constant fear of being mugged or injured in some way.  The local police force or sheriff’s department is less burdened in a small town and can focus its attention on making sure the residents are safe.  And with caring neighbors keeping a watchful eye, neighborhood watches can further help reduce crime.

If you’re yearning to get away from the hustle and bustle of a city, moving to a small town for your retirement years may provide the relaxation and pace of life you’re craving.  Living in a small town is not for everyone, but is it for you?

Snyder Village in Metamora is a Life Plan Community that offers independent living in its retirement cottages and apartments.  Beautiful assisted living accommodations, memory care programs, skilled nursing care, and physical therapy are also available on campus.  Its home care services support individuals in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties.  For more information, call (309) 367-4300 or visit www.snydervillage.com.

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Many questions can be answered by visiting the campus, getting a tour, and speaking with staff.  Choosing a senior living community for your next stage of life is a big decision and shouldn’t be entered into with lingering questions or hesitations.  Most communities are eager to help, so don’t be afraid to inquire and get the answers you need.  Below are questions to ask in the quest for the perfect senior living community for you.

1. What is the living space like?

Senior living communities offer various living accommodations to choose from such as apartments, townhomes, duplexes, or even stand-alone homes.  Different layouts and sizes may be available.  For example, Snyder Village in Metamora offers independent living apartments, cottages/duplexes, assisted living apartments, and skilled nursing rooms.  Various floorplans are available so you can find the right space to meet your wants and needs.

Thinking beyond the size of the living space, also ask how much privacy you can expect, what personal items you can bring, if visitors are allowed, and if having pets is an option.  Community rules may differ, so it’s important to get clarification on details that may affect your quality of life.

2. What activities are available?

Isolation and depression can be a reality as you age, so many look to senior living communities to provide fun activities and socialization opportunities.  Ask what activities are available on campus and if transportation is available to activities outside the community.

3. Is the community safe?

Location is often a deciding factor when looking for a new home, and it’s no different when looking for a senior living community.  Is the community located in an urban or more rural setting?  Ask staff, and if possible other residents, if they feel safe on campus.  Have they had issues with crime?

Are there measures in place to ensure your safety on campus?  Do all living spaces have pull cords or some sort of emergency alert system?  Is staff available 24/7?

4. Is transportation available?

If you no longer drive, ask if transportation is offered.  Many communities offer shuttle service to activities and events or have predetermined days where transportation is offered for religious services or errands.  Ask whether it’s possible to request additional transportation as needed and if extra fees would apply.

5. What are the food options?

Everyone loves a good meal, and senior living communities have come to recognize the importance of appealing to a variety of palates.  Many offer a variety of food options, such as a-la-cart and made-to-order menu items, along with a set meal choice.  If eating healthy is important to you, ask if the dietary staff works regularly with a nutritionist to develop their menu.  Menus should be available to view when requested.

6. What levels of care are offered?

Some communities, such as an assisted living facility, offer a single level of care.  Others, however, offer several levels of care to meet changing needs.  A life plan community, like Snyder Village, offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing all on one campus.  Therapy, memory care, and home care are also available.  If you are interested in planning for your future needs, ask the community what levels of care are offered and how they will help you transition through the levels if/when its needed.

7. What training and qualifications do staff have?

If you will be requiring a higher level of care, you will want to make sure that staff is properly trained to give you the assistance you’ll need.  Ask questions about who will be caring and interacting with you regularly. Are there specific qualifications and training required for staff?  What medical providers are available? If specialized care will be needed, such as memory care, inquire further into the focused training staff may be required to complete.

8. How much will it cost?

Pricing can vary widely among senior living communities, so it’s helpful to get a clear breakdown of any expenses that will be involved.  Are units purchased or rented?  Is there an additional monthly service fee, and what does it cover?  Are there any additional fees not included (for activities, transportation, food, etc.)?

It never hurts to ask if there are any ongoing promotions, move-in specials, or financial assistance available.  For example, Snyder Village provides a “Stress-Free Moving Program” to those moving to the retirement community, which includes a $1,500 moving allowance.

Most senior living communities are happy to assist you in your search, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.  The answers you’ll receive will help guide you to the perfect home for you.

Snyder Village in Metamora is a Life Plan Community that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care programs, skilled nursing care, therapy, and home care. For more information, call (309) 367-4300 or visit www.snydervillage.com.

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Start Early
It is really never too early to start downsizing. The process will inevitably take longer than you expect, so allow yourself plenty of time. Start early before a health crisis or financial pressure forces you to downsize. A relaxed time frame that allows for plenty of breaks will help make the process less stressful.

Start Small

Instead of picturing your whole house needing to be sorted, break up the process into small steps – room by room or even drawer by drawer. It can be tempting to start by tackling a large space like the garage or basement, but these spaces usually have acquired the most over the years and can quickly cause you to become burnt out in the process. Instead, start with a small space like a laundry room or hall closet that has little emotional attachment and less of a time commitment.

Understand Your Needs

What is the space like that you’re moving to? Are you moving from a house with four bedrooms to a space with only two? Will you no longer have an office? Make sure you are only keeping items that will be needed in your new space. If you’ll only have one bathroom, you can toss or donate that extra shower curtain or those multiple towel sets. Only take with you what will actually be put to use in your new space.

Get Rid of Duplicates
If you’ve lived in your current home for a number of years, it’s easy to let items accumulate and to lose track of what you’re storing. As you go through your items, you may find that you’ve been holding onto duplicates of items all this time. Most people do not need four spatulas or all those extra bedding sets. Donate the duplicates to other households who can put them to good use.

Make Piles

While sorting through items, make a pile for those items you will use in your new home and another pile of items you can sell, throw away, or donate. It’s tempting to make an additional ‘maybe’ pile for items you are unsure about or feel emotionally attached to. But creating this pile is often just a way of delaying the decision you ultimately need to make. It may be difficult, but try to be decisive about each and every item. Decide if you will realistically need or use the item in your new home or if it would be better to pass it on to someone who will use and enjoy it.

Consider Passing Down Heirlooms Early
If you’ve been planning on gifting special items as part of your legacy, consider giving them to your family members now. This will not only help you get the items off your hands, but you’ll find joy in seeing your granddaughter using your china or gifting your son that antique furniture piece he’s always had his eye on.

Ask for Help When You Need It
For some, the downsizing process seems so daunting that they don’t feel equipped to begin the process. But often times family, friends, a church, or other community groups are willing to help. Many services are available to make the process easier as well. Professional organizers and estate liquidators can help you sift through the clutter and remove your unneeded items. There are also senior move specialists that cater to helping older adults move into smaller homes or senior living communities.

Individuals looking to move to the Snyder Village retirement community receive help through each step of the transition process. The “Stress-Free Moving Program” offered at Snyder Village offers access to real estate agents, downsizing services, and moving services. Snyder Village even offers an allowance to help ease the financial burden of downsizing and moving to make the transition stress-free. “Most residents who move to Snyder Village have lived in their home 40+ years so they are overwhelmed as to where to begin; we have the resources to guide them in the right direction,” states Julie Beltramea, Retirement Community Director.

Change can be hard for everyone, and for many, even the thought of downsizing seems overwhelming. But every journey starts with just a single step, so don’t be afraid to start small. You’ll soon be on your way to living a more simplified life, surrounded only by the items that you love. And that’s a very good place to be.

Snyder Village in Metamora is a Life Plan Community that offers independent living in its retirement cottages and apartments. Beautiful assisted living accommodations, memory care programs, skilled nursing care, and physical therapy are also available on campus. Its home care services support individuals in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties. For more information, call (309) 367-4300 or visit www.snydervillage.com.

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If you think that you might not need long-term care, statistics may prove you wrong. As may be expected, your odds of needing long-term care increase as you age. There is a 70 percent chance you will need some sort of care service if you live beyond the age of 65. Since women are more likely to outlive men and live alone later in life, there is a greater chance that a woman will need care from a paid provider or family member. About 80 percent of women over the age of 65 will need long-term care.

Your current health can also affect your chances of needing more care in the future. Diseases, accidents, and poor lifestyle choices like an unhealthy diet, addictions, or a sedentary lifestyle can lead to severe chronic conditions and may affect your ability to live an independent life in the future.

The best time to plan for long-term care is before you need it. Thinking about where you will live or how you will be taken care of is a life-changing decision that should not be left to chance or made in a time of great stress. Putting in some effort now to plan ahead for your future will bring you many benefits – such as relieving your children or family from making the decisions, protecting your retirement assets, and ensuring that this important decision remains yours to make. You are guaranteed more power over this significant decision if you make it early rather than waiting until it is forced in a moment of crisis or desperation.

There are several options to look at for long-term care. If you desire to stay in your own home, there are many service providers that will help you do just that. Today it is easy to find services to get groceries or meals delivered, provide transportation to appointments, or get help with personal care. Home Care providers, like Snyder Village Home Care, make it possible to stay in your own home longer as they help with meal preparation, housekeeping, medication reminders, transportation, and more.

Another option for long-term care is a retirement community, which offers independent living options while removing the worries of home maintenance. They provide an instant community of neighbors with fun activities and social opportunities and also bring peace of mind by having help nearby if it is needed. Assisted living communities are a great option if you need a little more help with personal care, like bathing or dressing. Skilled nursing facilities are yet another option. These facilities provide a 24-hour, high level of care for individuals with greater health needs.

A Life Plan Community is an excellent option for long-term care, as it provides several levels of care all on one campus. Snyder Village, a Life Plan Community in Metamora, IL, offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, memory care, therapy, and home care. Residents often move first to the retirement community to enjoy independent living in an apartment or cottage. There is peace of mind knowing that higher levels of care – such as assisted living and skilled nursing – are available right on campus if or when they are needed. Planning for long-term care becomes less complicated in a Life Plan Community, when all the care options are available and provided for you.

Whether you eventually need long-term care for several months or for several years, it is helpful to consider your options and begin planning your long-term care now. Your future and peace of mind depend on it!

Snyder Village in Metamora is a Life Plan Community that offers independent living in its retirement cottages and apartments. Beautiful assisted living accommodations, memory care programs, skilled nursing care, and physical therapy are also available on campus. Its home care services support individuals in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties. For more information, call (309) 367-4300 or visit www.snydervillage.com.

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Retirement can give you the freedom to focus on what you love to do.  Many retirees use the time to take up old hobbies that got pushed to the wayside during their working years.  Time can be spent once again doing activities like traveling, golfing, gardening, and quilting.  Or maybe you love to learn and want to use your newly acquired free time to learn a new skill or hobby.  It’s never too late to write that book you’ve always wanted to or learn a musical instrument you’ve always wished you had.

The more you realize how precious time is, the less you want to spend that precious time doing tasks like home maintenance and upkeep.  Moving to a Retirement Community like Snyder Village removes the burdens of home upkeep off your plate.  The Snyder Village Retirement Community offers independent living in its 40 apartments and 170 cottages.  The 40+ acre campus offers walking paths, scenic country views, and even two lakes primed for fishing.  Any needed repairs inside or outside of the home are taken care of for you, as well as the mowing and snow shoveling.  This maintenance-free living frees you up with time to spend doing the hobbies you enjoy, traveling to new or familiar spots, or being with the people you love.  

John Call, a resident in the Snyder Village Retirement Community, spends his free time doing a hobby he’s long enjoyed – gardening.  One of the courtyards of the Retirement Community is full of beautiful, blooming flowers and plants thanks to John’s tender care.  “I first came to Snyder Village because it already felt like home,” says John.  “I’m from Metamora and knew a lot of people in the area.  I had a cottage in the Retirement Community for 12 years and had a lot of plantings around it.  Now I live in an apartment and take care of the flowers in one of the courtyards.  I find gardening relaxing and you can always see the results of your work.  Everyone else living here enjoys the results too, so that’s satisfying.”

Along with new and old hobbies, many retirees use their time to focus on building relationships and being with those they love.  Spending time with friends, their spouse, and other family members (especially those grandkids!) becomes the priority.  These relationships can bring deep fulfillment and satisfaction.  Steve Carr, a resident in Snyder Village’s Retirement Community, is using his retirement to build relationship with those around him.  He serves as the Chaplain for the Snyder Village campus and loves to minister to the residents and employees.  “Jesus is my example…so service is what I do!” says Steve.  

Just like Steve, many retirees look to volunteering as another avenue to find joy in retirement.  Helping others brings purpose to your life – something that many retirees may feel is lacking after leaving the workforce.  You don’t have to look hard to find a range of volunteer opportunities available.  Helping to serve meals to those in need, coaching a sports team, or tutoring a child are volunteer roles that will bring you satisfaction while also making an impact in your local community.

Don’t waste your retirement years doing menial tasks like home maintenance or unsatisfying activities without purpose.  Make each day count by filling them with the people you love and the activities that bring you joy.  Using your retirement to learn a new skill, travel to a destination you’ve always wanted to visit, or serve people in your community will reward you with an inner joy and gratitude for the days you’ve been given and a retirement well spent.

Snyder Village in Metamora is a Life Plan Community that offers independent living in its retirement cottages and apartments.  Beautiful assisted living accommodations, memory care programs, skilled nursing care, and physical therapy are also available on campus.  Its home care services support individuals in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties.  

Learn about independent living in the Snyder Village Retirement Community by calling (309) 367-4900 or by clicking here.

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Do Your Homework
Before you even initiate a conversation with your parents about senior living settings, educate yourself on the options that are available.  It can help the conversation feel less overwhelming to your parents if you’ve done some of the legwork and can narrow down the choices to a few attractive senior living options for them.  As you learn more about the variety of options available, such as life plan communities, independent living retirement communities, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and home care services, you’ll begin to get an idea of the level of care your parents may need and what amenities would appeal to them.  Almost every senior living community has an online presence with a website and/or social media accounts where you can easily view photos and videos to get an idea of what the community environment is like.  Pay close attention to the physical location of the community also to see if a more urban or country setting would make your parents most comfortable.  

The more you learn about the senior living options available, the more credibility you will have in a conversation with your parents about the topic.  But remember, unless their safety is at risk, you are not making any decisions for your parents without their consent.  Instead, you are gathering information so that you can become a helpful resource for the decisions that will have to be made.

List Your Concerns
If you have concerns for your parents’ health and safety, write them down so you can be prepared to compassionately discuss them.  If you are worried that their home has become too much of a burden or are concerned that they might forget an important medication, prepare to explain this to your parents.  If your own situation might prevent you from meeting their needs as they age, such as living a far distance away or working a busy full-time schedule, present this concern to them as well.  By pointing out your own worries about their situation, you may help your parents see the need for making a move.

Initiate the Conversation
Ideally, you should bring up the topic of senior care before you’re forced to bring it up.  If a medical emergency or health crisis forces the topic, the conversation may make an already stressful situation even more difficult.  It’s best to start the process of researching and discussing senior living options when your parents are in relatively good health and can be an active part of the decision-making process.

Pick a time to talk when you and your parents won’t feel rushed.  After all of the research you’ve done, you may already feel comfortable in making a decision, but remember that your parents might not have thought about the topic in-depth and may need more time to process and make a decision.  

It may be helpful to begin the conversation with a question to show that you are trying to understand their current living experience.  Asking questions like “How is it living at home alone?,” “Do you feel safe?,” and “Do you worry about how to keep up with your home maintenance?” can help you gain understanding and can encourage your parents to begin reflecting on their current situation.  Asking open-ended questions is the best way to initiate conversation and allow your parents the space to share their feelings.

Listen with an Open Mind
Throughout the conversation, listen carefully with empathy to your parents’ concerns and don’t minimize their anxieties.  Change is hard for most of us, and the thought of making a move to a new place can produce much fear.  To negate the possibility of your parents feeling dishonored or getting defensive, assure them that you are not issuing orders or ultimatums but instead want to help provide them with information and guidance if needed.  Everyone wants to be able to choose where they live and what kind of care they receive, so unless your loved one is mentally unable, guarantee them that they will be involved in the decision-making process every step of the way.  

Present Positive Options
Listen with empathy and then begin showing them the positive amenities and benefits of the senior living options you have found.   Are they tired of snow shoveling and yard work?  Mention the maintenance-free living offered at retirement communities and assisted livings.  Are they worried about forgetting to take their medications?  Show them the help that’s offered from on-site medical teams.  Are they missing the social activities they used to enjoy?  Point out the many events available and the friendships that can form when living within a community.

If your loved one is willing, offer to tour a senior living community with them.  Seeing a community firsthand is the best way to get a feel for all that is offered.  Meeting with the staff can help facilitate the difficult conversation about moving and can provide credible information to your parents.  Much of the anxiety your parents may feel can be relieved by going on an in-person tour.

Plan to Have an Ongoing Conversation
Most seniors will not be able to come to a decision of this magnitude quickly.  Remember that a conversation about moving to senior living care will be a process.  You may have to have a series of talks, not a single conversation – and that’s okay.  

By beginning the conversation now, you can help your parents get one step closer to finding the perfect senior living community for them.  There’s no time like the present to start preparing for the future – and it might just be easier than you think.

Snyder Village in Metamora is a Life Plan Community that offers independent living in its retirement cottages and apartments.  Beautiful assisted living accommodations, memory care programs, skilled nursing care, and physical therapy are also available on campus.  Its home care services support individuals in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall Counties.  For more information, call (309) 367-4300 or visit www.snydervillage.com.

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