“I had to look ahead and plan for the rest of my life,” she says. “I thought, if I move to Brooksby, I will have the rest of my future pretty much taken care of.” So Tenaglia did her homework. She read all of the materials she had about Brooksby and lived for three months in Florida, a trip that made her realize she could make a new place home. Now she says, “I don’t have as many decisions to make … [like] does the roof need to be replaced? Did I have a flood in my basement? When I compared everything to what I would get here and what I would have staying home, it certainly was to my advantage to be here.”

Timing it just right
Though individuals must make the decision to move based on their needs, the consensus is to do it early, if possible. “I realized that the older you get, the more overwhelming moving can become,” Tenaglia says. She adds that moving earlier allows more time for enjoying the numerous activities at the community.

“Sometimes you wait so long that you can’t enjoy all the amenities that  Brooksby has to offer,” Tenaglia says. “We have concerts, entertainment every other Saturday night … [and] we have great trips here.” Tenaglia should know. At Brooksby she started bingo, taught about 100 people to play mah-jongg, coordinated events, and served for six years on the Resident Advisory Council (the group that connects people who live and work at the community).

Moving made easier
Brooksby staff strives to make the moving experience as easy as possible, from selling the house to downsizing. People who have chosen Brooksby receive a move-in packet from Move-in Consultant Diane Rose that includes resources like recommended Realtors, people to help with downsizing, and information about what to do and when.

“This is the time to get some help,” Rose advises. “There are professionals who are here to help make this move as easy as  possible. This is the time—you’ve worked all your life, and this is the time to enjoy [things] and make your life easier,” she says.

For Lois Anderson, part of easing herself into the move was keeping elements of her previous routine in place— she continues to work as a registered nurse. “I’m very happy,” she says. “I know I made the right decision at the right time in my life.”