Merrill and Judy Skolnik were overwhelmed by the thought of moving until they enlisted the help of a moving coordinator.

The Skolniks began looking at continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), and after a lengthy search, they selected Roland Park Place in Baltimore, Md. The two native Baltimoreans have a long history in the area and were relieved to find a place in the city and close to their children.

After raising their four children, Judy launched a career as an advisor at Towson University. An electrical engineer, Merrill earned his degree from Johns Hopkins University and worked for nearly 40 years for the U.S. government. When he retired, he was the Superintendent of the Radar Division of the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., and a widely renowned author and expert in radar technology.

After living in the same home for decades, the Skolniks were overwhelmed by the thought of moving. Even after finding the right retirement community, they had no idea of where or how to start the transition.

The staff at Roland Park Place suggested that the Skolniks enlist the help of Senior Transitions, Inc., a moving coordinating company owned and operated by Charna Kinneberg, RN, MBA. Senior Transitions assists seniors and their families with every aspect of the moving process from planning and downsizing to packing and unpacking.

“We are not a one-size-fits-all company. Each client is unique,” Charna explained. “Our services are tailored to relieve the stress of moving, and our first goal is to determine the exact needs of the client.”

When Charna started helping the Skolniks, relocating began to seem manageable. “She just took the whole burden off; she was in charge,” recalled Judy. “Thank goodness for Charna.”

Instead of worrying about home maintenance or feeling isolated, the Skolniks now enjoy a wide range of activities with new friends and
neighbors.

Charna helped Judy and Merrill make key decisions about what to take with them and what to leave behind. “She’s very decisive,” Judy recalled of Charna. “She knows what should be done and just does it.” She also enlisted help to do the packing and unpacking, so the couple did not have to worry about the physical tasks of the move.

“They were just wonderful,” Judy said of Senior Transitions. “They pack you up, and they bring you here, and they unpack you. They even make up your bed, and you’re ready to begin your new life.”

In addition to being efficient and professional, Charna and her staff also formed a personal relationship with the Skolniks. It was almost a year after they moved that Judy recalled seeing some of Senior Transitions’ staff members in the lobby of Roland Park Place. “A new resident was moving in upstairs with Charna’s help. I recognized the movers, and, to my surprise, they greeted me by name. They remembered everything about us. I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Since moving, the Skolniks have enjoyed a much-improved lifestyle. Merrill stopped driving and Judy only drives during the day, so the couple rarely ventured out in the evenings while living in their house. Now, they take the community bus to the opera, theater, concerts and dinners. “There’s something to do here all the time,” Judy said. “I try to take advantage of everything, and it’s been very stimulating.”

Finding a community close to home and the professionals to help them make the move has helped the Skolniks transition to their ideal retirement. From living an isolated life in their increasingly burdensome house to enjoying activities and events with new friends and neighbors, the Skolniks have certainly made a move in the right direction.

Janet has always been close to her aunt, and when Gloria asked her to serve as power of attorney, she was happy to do it. Since that time, Gloria has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

When the family decided that it was time for Gloria to move from her large apartment to a community that offered independent and assisted living, Janet knew she needed help. “The people at the community highly recommended Felco Packing & Moving,” recalled Janet.

From day one, Jeff Feldman and his staff have made Gloria’s many moves as seamless as possible. “That first move was the biggest move I’ve ever made in my life,” explained Janet. “She had as much furniture as a house in that big apartment, but Mr. Feldman was always accommodating.”

While the professionals handled all the heavy lifting, Janet was able to help her aunt prepare for the transition. “They packed up anything and everything that I asked and moved it out. There wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do,” she said. After moving all the furniture out, Felco also helped the family set up the new apartment, relocate furniture to several different family members, and donate unwanted items.

As Gloria’s condition has worsened, Janet has called on Felco two additional times for packing and moving assistance. The first was when her aunt moved to a new assisted living community closer to her sister. Here, she initially had two adjoining rooms, so she had plenty of space to spread out. Recently, Janet decided that her aunt would be more comfortable in a single room.

During both moves, Janet has been relieved to have the help of Felco. “Just to know that when you call, they are ready and able to help whatever day and time you need them is amazing,” she said.

Janet continues to be a dedicated caregiver for her beloved aunt Gloria, who is safe and well cared for in her new community. While Janet admits that caregiving has its challenges, she now knows that having the right professionals on your team can help turn awesome tasks into remarkable success stories.

“When my father decided it was time for a move, I was pretty stressed about how I was going to get him moved,” recalled June Jacobs, Mr. DeBois’ daughter.

June and her family quickly settled on North Oaks, a nearby independent living community, as her father’s new home. The community suggested she contact a moving coordinator to help with the details of the large move. “I called Senior Transitions, and that was the best call I ever made,” June said. Senior Transitions, Inc. is a moving coordination company owned by Charna Kinneberg, RN, MBA.

Following their initial phone consultation, Charna started working on a floor plan for Mr. DeBois’ new home. She brought her computer to the family home, measured the furniture and quickly ascertained what would fit in the new apartment. June said, “By the time she was done, we knew exactly what furniture we were taking. That was a major help.”

When moving day arrived, Senior Transition’s expertise again proved invaluable. Charna and her staff packed the entire house in just a few days and then enlisted a top-quality mover to handle the complex move. “Throughout the process, every time I would panic, she would assure me that everything would be all right, and she was right,” explained June.

On the day of the move, Mr. DeBois went out to lunch with his caregiver and returned to an apartment that was ready to live in: complete with pictures on the wall, clothes in the closet, food in the fridge, and linens on the bed. After the move was finished, Charna arranged to have people remove the remaining junk and trash from the home.

“I really can’t recommend Charna’s services enough,” June concluded. “She took so much off my plate and made the whole process just amazing. I call her and her staff angels.”

A mere six weeks after deciding he was ready to move, Mr. DeBois was settled into his new home at North Oaks. Today, he is enjoying all that community living has to offer.

With the help of a care manager, Howie and Billie Palmer made a seamless move from their assisted living community in upstate New York to their daughter’s
house in Maryland.

Betsy and her husband invited her parents to come and live with them in their home in Maryland. To her surprise, her father not only accepted their offer but also was ready to move the following day.

“When I asked when he wanted to move, he said tomorrow, and I knew I needed to go back and make arrangements immediately,” Betsy recalled. With no experience with elder care and no idea where to start, she quickly became overwhelmed planning for her parents’ impending move.

When one of her acquaintances recommended that she contact Jill Rosner from Rosner Healthcare Navigation for help, Betsy quickly made the call. “Jill came over and met with my parents, and she clearly knew her way around the medical field,” Betsy said. “She recommended the home care agency we are still using, made suggestions on doctors, and helped troubleshoot any problems we had along the way.”

Since the Palmers have settled into their daughter’s home, Jill has continued to help the family work through various challenges. She visits monthly to perform an assessment and review their care plans.

In addition to her monthly visits, Jill is always available for emergency consultations. “She is there whenever anything comes up,” Betsy explained. “She also always stops by whenever I am out of town to make sure everything is going well. That really provides peace of mind for me.”

As the primary caregiver for her parents, Betsy is extremely grateful to have the assistance and expertise of Rosner Healthcare Navigation at her disposal. She concluded, “Jill’s always there if I need her; all I have to do is pick up the phone.”

A whirlwind schedule packed with activities, such as traveling to nearby historical attractions or a professional sporting event. Working out in a fully-equipped health center or participating in a video game tournament. Some days, not getting to bed until well after midnight.

This isn’t college – it’s today’s retirement community.

Despite this new paradigm in retirement living, the decision to move into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is still one of the biggest challenges older Americans face, often with a great deal of reluctance. Obviously, it can be difficult to let go of a home where they have raised families and accumulated a lifetime’s worth of possessions, and equally difficult to face the fact that they may someday need assistance with the daily tasks of living. Unless the decision is essentially made by circumstance, such as a health crisis or death of a spouse, some still tend to believe that CCRCs are for “other people.”

But that’s changing. Many — in particular Boomers — now cite a desire to plan ahead, or simply the need to downsize and escape the maintenance associated with a house or yard.

Once that decision is made, selecting the right community can be equally challenging. “The idea of searching for and selecting the right community may deter people who could otherwise benefit from one,” says Cathy Ritter, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Asbury Communities, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that manages a system of communities across the U.S. “But today’s communities are a far cry from the stereotypical ‘rest home,’ and the majority of residents are not holed up in their apartments watching ‘Matlock’ reruns. They offer a vibrant lifestyle, encourage social interactions, and have a real, positive energy. There’s a sense of belonging, and of being among family.”

There are many factors that can help alleviate some of the stress of moving. Ritter offers ten tips that will assist in providing a seamless transition to a new community.

1. Create a wish list: First, compile a list of all of the qualities a “dream community” would have such as housing options, location, activities, transportation, and the availability of care — the things that would make you feel comfortable and happy. Prioritize them to help narrow the consideration set and make the search easier.

2. Research: After identifying several communities that meet your potential requirements, conduct some thorough research. Look beyond the community’s website. Talk to current or former residents. Understand costs, deposit and refund structures, and the community’s financial outlook. Review all important documents such as the contract and the financial report with your lawyer, accountant or financial advisor. And finally, verify that the community will be able to provide adequate care should your physical needs increase in the future.

3. Total immersion: After conducting some initial research into prospective communities, go experience them —and taking a campus tour should be just the beginning, according to Ritter. “Going for a meal or two, sitting down with residents and staff members, or participating in an activity will give you a realistic idea of day-to-day life. Many communities now offer truly multidimensional wellness programs that go beyond a pool or walking path. You’ll find opportunities to get involved at all levels.”

4. Keep family in the loop: When moving through the selection process, keep close family members involved. They can provide a strong support system and it will show both the family and the staff that their input is valued.

5. Hire a pro: Hiring professionals to help with the move from the family house to the new space can be extremely beneficial. “Most likely, you won’t be able to take all of your possessions along,” says Ritter, “but there is a growing industry of individuals and companies who specialize in relocating to retirement communities. A professional can help you decide what to keep, leave behind, give away or sell.”

6. Create a space: As you settle into your new space at the community, it may help to arrange furniture and decorations in a manner that is similar to how things were set up at home. This will help remove some of the discomfort that comes with being in a new place.

7. Get to know the staff: These are the people who live with and care for the residents on a daily basis, so an honest and open relationship is extremely beneficial. The more they know about you from the beginning, the better they will be able to take care of your needs.

8. Keep a routine: Trying (whenever possible) to keep the same routine established at home will help you stay connected to familiar people and places.

9. Get involved: Once the resident settles into the new housing, the fun can begin. “Look for ways to get   involved,” says Ritter. “That’s a great way to meet other residents, and to start feeling like you’re part of a community. Very likely, you will find there are others who share your interests.”

10. Remain positive: Throughout the entire process, a positive attitude is essential. “Life at a community will be what you make of it, so keeping positive thoughts and an open mind goes a long way,” notes Ritter. “Amenities and housing options aside, what’s most important is that it IS a community. There’s always someone available if you want to enjoy some fun or simply need a lift. You can be alone if you prefer, but you never have to feel alone.”

Transitioning from home to a community is a major life change, but keeping these tips in mind can help reduce the stress of a move and ensure that adults can enjoy this exciting new time in their lives to the fullest. They’ll wish they had moved ten years ago.

For the last few years, many homeowners have been keeping an eye on the real estate market and waiting for signs of improvement before considering a move. Newspaper headlines and TV reports scream doom and gloom but that data is generally compiled from broad regional and national markets and doesn’t always consider your local real estate market. There are many areas in which homes that are priced right and show well are selling quickly! However, there is no clear picture as to when there will be an overall upturn in the real estate and financial markets. This uncertainty has caused many to delay downsizing to a smaller home or settling into a retirement community. Often, ‘quality of life’ circumstances may dictate that your need to make a lifestyle change now may be of greater importance than the current real estate climate.

Selling Your Home: Is Waiting the Right Choice?

You may still be living in the home you purchased years ago to be in a particular school district or close to your employment. Ask yourself if the lifestyle you seek includes the burden of homeownership such as maintenance plus paying for ever-increasing taxes. What about transportation, food shopping and preparation? Snow! Healthcare?

Health is a major consideration. If you are considering a move to a CCRC and you qualify for independent living now, will you qualify in a few years? You may not feel “ready” but life changes can occur suddenly. How do you value the security of being settled and having the sale of your house behind you?

If it’s time for you or an aging loved one to move don’t compromise your safety and security. Selling your home may not be as hard as you think.

Determine your next steps

Meet with your family and other trusted sources to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of moving now. Remember, waiting for next spring does not guarantee a better market; it simply means you’re waiting. No one knows what the future holds. If the information on the table indicates it’s time to move, then don’t hesitate. Sit down with a senior real estate specialist, develop a plan and get moving.

Hire a Realtor that Specializes in Working with Seniors

The Senior Real Estate Specialist, SRES®, designation is offered to Realtors through the National Association of Realtors. SRES designees are real estate agents that specialize in senior needs and can ease the transition by having years of experience in helping seniors downsize. They can help you explore your housing options, use their expertise and industry knowledge to provide an honest assessment of your property and make suggestions for improving its saleability. They will develop a pricing and marketing strategy and use their team of resources to sell your home for the most money and get you moved with the least stress. www.sres.org

The Society of Certified Senior Advisors offers the Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) designation. This designation is available to anyone who offers professional services to seniors. The CSA requirements are more comprehensive and rigorous than the SRES requirements. In addition the designee is required to undergo ongoing ethics education and must commit to ongoing volunteer hours working with seniors. www.society-csa.com

Richard and Kathleen McCarty faced an especially overwhelming task when they eventually decided to downsize from their large home, but with the help of move management service Senior Transitions, Inc., their move to a retirement living option was completely stress-free.

When Kathleen and Richard McCarty retired, they took the path less travelled by choosing to upsize.  Therefore, when the time came to move to a retirement community years later, the process seemed especially daunting.  With the help of Charna Kinneberg and her team at Senior Transitions Inc., however, the couple was able to experience a seamless move from the large family home to their new apartment.

Kathleen and Richard met in Baltimore while he was a student at Johns Hopkins University and she was attending Mount St. Agnes, now a part of Loyola University.  Married a year later, the couple had two children as Richard pursued his Masters degree at Hopkins.

The family then moved to Ithaca, NY where Richard became part of the faculty at Cornell University and Kathleen helped with library and development work for the school.   With the birth of their third child, the couple remained in the area for 24 years before returning to Baltimore in 1990 where Richard served as Chair of the Department of Biology at Hopkins.

“We had moved to Timonium, but the suburbs just weren’t for me, so we downsized to a condo in the Tuscany-Canterbury neighborhood,” said Kathleen.  At the time, the McCartys had also bought a weekend place in the mountains of Virginia.

“Two years later, the house right up the street became available and the first time we looked at it, we were filling out a contract,” said Richard.  “It had five bedrooms, so we were upsizing again, which isn’t necessarily a good idea.”

Although the couple loved their home, they were there for a decade before the maintenance became too much to handle.   Additionally, they had sold their weekend home and were therefore combining the belongings of two households.

Despite the overwhelming aspects of downsizing, there was one base the McCartys fortunately had covered.  They had always known where they would spend their later years.

“Our lawyer looked at our housing agreement and said everything looked fine but asked if we had shopped around,” said Kathleen. “We said we have not shopped around, we don’t want to live in the county, we want to stay in our neighborhood, and we want to be a part of Roland Park Place.”

The continuing care retirement community was a mere two blocks from where the couple had already been living, and for them, Roland Park Place’s reputation set it apart from any other option.

“It was also the peace of mind we could give our children,” said Richard.  “This is a place you walk in at your own power and they carry you up and you don’t have to worry about a thing; it’s wonderful.”
Among these perks, however, the couple still knew they faced the hurdle of clearing out their large home and giving whatever items they could to their three children or Goodwill.

Fortunately, upon signing their agreement to be residents, the McCartys received a packet from the community that included a brochure for Charna Kinneberg and her professional senior move management service, Senior Transitions, Inc.

“I looked at it and immediately told Richard we were going with this organization,” said Kathleen.  “Charna seemed to do everything, and she certainly did.”

Senior Transitions, Inc. helps with various parts of the moving process including automated floor plan designs, packing, supervising movers, preparing for home sales and disposing of unneeded items.  Charna Kinneberg, RN, MBA, started the company in 2001 and is a founding member of the National Association of Senior Move Mangers (NASMM).  She also serves on the board of two geriatric care provider groups.

And with this expertise, the couple said she was fully prepared from the start.  “From the moment Charna walked in the door, it was peace, serenity, efficiency and organization,” said Kathleen.  “A lot of people have jobs that they’re really good at, and she is really good at senior transitions.”

With the help of the Senior Transitions staff, the McCartys were connected with reliable movers and were able to donate several items, including 17 boxes of books that went to a charitable organization.

“When we got here, it was shocking to discover how they could unpack and find places for everything, and exactly where I would’ve put them!” said Kathleen.  “They knew our house and they took the time to do all that.”

With the move behind them, the couple is enjoying life at their new home, Roland Park Place, where they take advantage of the retirement community's fitness center and further pursue their passion for gardening.

As avid gardeners, the McCartys were especially delighted to know their beloved flowers were also accommodated.  “Our sunroom was filled with at least 20 orchids and all kinds of paraphernalia, and we had no place for them here,” said Richard.  “Charna put them on Craigslist for us and got several phone calls.  A woman came and took everything in a half hour period and our worry was off the deck completely.”

The couple not only appreciated Charna’s dedication throughout the process, but that of each of her employees.  “They were the best we’ve encountered.  All wonderful, lovely, charming people who came prepared every day to calm me down,” Kathleen said with a smile.

While many of the McCartys’ peers have utilized Senior Transitions and were just as thrilled with their services, the couple still does not hesitate to spread the word about the move management company whenever possible. “I couldn’t recommend Charna and her employees more highly to anybody,” said Kathleen.

With the stress-free move behind them, the couple could not be happier with their new apartment and surroundings at Roland Park Place.  As they take advantage of the community’s fitness center and scheduled daytrips, the McCartys have enjoyed getting to know their neighbors and continuing their favorite pastime by reserving a plot in the gardening areas.

“I think it’s important to move when both of you are able to do so physically and mentally,” said Richard.  “We are younger than most people here, but we were actually able to make the right decisions and enjoy the move and get it done.  It made our adjustment to living here very easy.”

The process of downsizing and selling the family home is often overwhelming, even for those with a background in the moving industry. A real estate broker for 25 years, Carol Fine, and her husband, Richard, wanted to make a quick move from their five-bedroom house three years ago, and with the help of Downsize, Etc., they were able to do just that.

Married for 53 years, the Fines have two children. While Richard enjoys playing golf and swimming, Carol can often be seen sewing or settling down with her latest read.

It was when she was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s that they decided it was time to make the transition and ended up selling their home within a few weeks. “We couldn’t do it ourselves. It was just so overwhelming to stand there and figure out what to take or sell,” she said.

Fortunately, she was introduced to Nancy Malphrus and Bart Goldstein of Downsize, Etc., a company that specializes in real estate, liquidation and design. “Nancy came over and knew what we needed to do,” said Carol. “I was extremely impressed with her presentation and guidelines for downsizing.”

The couple then visited their future two-bedroom apartment with Bart, who drew up a diagram, factoring in the particular furniture they wanted to take.

“They recommended a moving company that was terrific,” said Carol. “It was also a very controlled environment as they limited the number of people who could go through the house.”

Not only were their valuables properly cared for and secure, but the Fines’ home was left spotless. According to Carol, Bart and Nancy made all of the arrangements for selling or donating the remainder of the couple’s belongings while Bart helped decorate their apartment.

Since their move, the Fines have continually stayed in touch with the organization and do not hesitate to recommend it to anyone they know considering a move.

“Being in real estate for so many years I know how much is involved and you just can’t make a move like that on your own,” said Carol. “The process for us was absolutely seamless — it was a dream.”

Over the years, the Wyatt-Browns traveled a great deal teaching at different institutions. After beginning their careers at Colorado State in Fort Collins, Colo., they later went to University of Colorado in Boulder and spent 17 years at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Oh. They eventually transferred to the University of Florida, where they taught for 21 years. In addition, the couple also spent part of their careers in Princeton, University of Wisconsin, University of Richmond and William & Mary. Anne and Bertram also had a daughter, who now lives in St. Paul, Minn., along with two grandchildren.

Despite their many moves, it was never a question for the couple as to where they would spend their future. They left Florida to return home to Baltimore, where they had their sights set on eventually moving to Roland Park Place based on its convenient location and the positive experiences of Anne’s parents there.

Although Anne was initially hesitant about the physical aspects of the move, health issues and the difficulty of navigating and maintaining their three-level house had prompted the couple to seriously think about the transition to maintain their busy lifestyle.

“Baltimore is home for me; my family is here,” said Anne. “The reason we ended up at Roland Park Place is my parents lived here and I had no intention of going to the county. As far as I was concerned it was the city or forget it, and it had to be the neighborhood.”

Having several friends and relatives needing care in a variety of elder care settings over the years had made the couple see the value of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). They appreciated the fact that they would be able to remain connected to their friends on the campus even if their health needs were to change.

Anne also liked the improvements she had seen at Roland Park Place since her parents were living there. Among those big differences was a list of resources compiled by the staff to help ease the transition and a complimentary floor plan design consultation for future residents.

To further ensure a stress-free move, Anne and Bertram decided to hire a firm that could provide senior move management services. They selected Senior Transitions, Inc., an organization owned and operated by Charna Kinneberg. Senior Transitions, Inc. is a well established company. Charna is one of the founding members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM).

With so many decisions to make about what to take, the couple really appreciated a software program that Senior Transitions, Inc. used that mapped out their new floor plan with their existing furniture and possessions. According to Charna, the program allows clients to immediately see their plans and what will or will not work in their new space.

“You could really see what it was going to look like,” said Anne.

Charna then provided her guidance to assist the couple in sorting through their belongings and getting rid of or donating different pieces of furniture.

“I coach my clients to focus on what we want to keep, not what they are getting rid of. It really helps with the decision making process,” she said.

Understanding just how important their tremendous book collection and academic libraries were to the Wyatt-Browns, Charna made certain to identify appropriate space for as many bookcases as possible. The couple was pleasantly surprised at how many bookcases could actually fit. Also realizing that Anne and Bertram needed space for their own computers, she incorporated a desk for each of them in the design.

“My goal is to keep as many of the most treasured items as possible while maintaining a safe environment,” said Charna.

Although Anne is often questioned how she could give up so many pieces of furniture, she said, “A lot of our furniture was handed down to us, and to be able to give it to people who want it and who will someday give it to somebody else I think is wonderful.”

For the official moving day, Senior Transitions, Inc. brought in a crew to manage and facilitate the move. “They were very efficient and fun to be around,” said Bertram. “They made it a pleasure . . . they were just great.”

Anne continued, “They had terrific ideas for pictures, and once they put the pictures up, it made it ours and just transformed the place. They are really gifted in figuring out where to put things and I am in awe of their skill.”

With the move behind them, the Wyatt-Browns are eager to get involved with programs at their new home as they continue the activities they are most passionate about.

One of these lifelong pursuits for the couple is writing. While Anne is an author as well as the co-editor of a gerontological-style journal, Bertram has written twelve books and is a visiting scholar at Johns Hopkins. “I go to seminars sometimes and get revved up about that,” he said.

Music is another passion they have shared. Anne, who started in the Glee Club at Bryn Mawr when she was 14, had dreamed of attending Radcliffe College and joining its Chorale Society after hearing them in concert. Not only did she accomplish this goal, but she also became the group’s manager and has since continued to sing in different chorales and churches.

“Everywhere we have gone, I have sung in a group,” she said. “We had 10 moves, and every time, we would join a church and join the choir.” That carries through today as the couple sings in the choir at the Cathedral of the Incarnation which is right down the street from their home.

Most importantly, Anne and Bertram have enjoyed getting to know the individuals at the community. They have been very impressed with how outgoing the staff and residents are and are pleased that there are other “academics” living at Roland Park Place.

“The facilities are great and we plan to make good use of them, but it’s the kindness of people that really makes a difference,” said Anne.

As they meet new individuals, however, they will never forget the people who played a pivotal role in helping them get settled into their new home. No matter their daily pursuits, the Wyatt-Browns know they have beautiful and comfortable surroundings to return to thanks to Senior Transitions, Inc.

“They were terrific, we have nothing but praise for Charna and her group,” said Bertram.

When the four-story home started to become difficult to manage, the couple began to investigate retirement living options. Bea and her husband, David, did quite a bit of research looking at six or seven communities seriously, but eventually determined they wanted to find an option in Northern Virginia within close proximity to their daughter and her family in Vienna. They then learned about Ashby Ponds, a community that was being developed in Ashburn, Va., which made the choice easy. “I heard about the community when it was just a dream,” says Bea. “We were familiar with Greenspring, but Ashby Ponds would enable us to be closer to our grandchildren.”

Their daughter was also their Realtor and gave the couple some sage advice in moving out during the downsizing preparations. One of the couple’s close friends had a vacant condo that they rented to the Daniels for three months while their home was being prepared for sale and their new apartment at Ashby Ponds was being finished.

At first, the transition did not come easily to Bea. “I don’t adjust quickly to change. It took my husband all of 10 minutes and he felt like he was at home,” she says. “For me, once I got my pictures on the wall and my apartment was the way I wanted it be, I could relax and feel at home.”

Now, the couple is completely settled and enjoying all of the benefits of their new home. “I have joined the activities that mean something to me,” says Bea. “One person could not do everything here; there is so much to offer. The staff is incredible and the residents are very well taken care of.”

To make her home even more comfortable, Bea called on a company that had previously helped her with her beloved Arlington residence. She was challenged with an inefficient linen closet. After making inquiries, she discovered ShelfGenie, a custom glide out shelving system that organizes and maximizes storage spaces. “I loved what they did with that one closet. Everything was now within reach,” she says.

Bea intentionally waited a while to better understand her new space and needs, knowing ShelfGenie could ultimately create solutions for her, especially in the kitchen. “I can’t bend down as low or reach as high as I used to, but I still wanted to utilize all the space,” she says.

She worked closely with her ShelfGenie consultant, Maria White, who Bea says listened to her concerns and helped her create the perfect solution Bea wanted. “I am very happy with my kitchen; everything is where I want it to be,” says Bea. “It really was a good experience.”

And with the assistance and advice she has received, she offers her own to others considering a move to a retirement community. “Do your homework, visit places where you think you will be comfortable, look into waiting lists and the investment needed.” Most importantly, she continues saying, “Make the move before you need to.”