Relocation to/Within a Retirement Community: Older Adults' Perceived Satisfaction With Transitioning

The older adult population is exponentially increasing, and senior living communities are now the preferred lifestyle of the aging. Research finds that relocations for older adults can be extremely difficult. To inform how agencies can support a satisfactory transition for older adults, this study draws on survey data to explore factors affecting older adults' perceived satisfaction with relocating to or within a continuing care retirement community in Southern California. Results demonstrated that overall satisfaction with the transition process increased when older adults identified themselves as primary decision makers of the relocation and when they experienced a higher level of welcomeness at the facility. Results also displayed that residents identified staff visits as the most important support they received during their transition. Results address the Social Work Grand Challenge of Advancing Long and Productive Lives by informing agencies, educators, and practitioners about strategies to increase the well-being of transitioning older adults.