Senior living options are designed to meet residents’ needs

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Moving to a senior living community is one of the more important transitions older adults can face. 

“While the freedom from home maintenance and the opportunity for new connections can be exciting, the emotional weight of leaving a longtime home is real,” Presbyterian Senior Living Senior (PSL) Vice President of Sales and Marketing Christine Holt said. “Understanding what to expect and having a plan can make all the difference.” 

A faith-based nonprofit organization headquartered in Dillsburg, Presbyterian Senior Living  provides residential senior living and care services to over 6,000 seniors in 27 locations across the Mid-Atlantic region of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and Delaware. Included in this is Green Ridge Village in Newville, which offers senior housing options and services to meet the needs of residents. 

Originating in 1927, Presbyterian Home of Central Pennsylvania began when Mrs. Ellen Parker donated her farmhouse near Newville. The Parker Home opened one year later and provided care for 10 older women from Central Pennsylvania. 

As seniors sometimes require support to maintain independence, a personal care or assisted living community can be the solution, combining privacy and independence with care and support. PSL offers independent living in three types of community settings: Life Plan Communities, Senior Rental Apartments, and Affordable Senior Housing. 

Life Plan Communities offer the ability to live an independent life while knowing that care is available if needed. 

Senior rental apartments give older adults the freedom from home maintenance while providing an environment where connecting with others and enjoying hobbies and other interests. 

Affordable housing options are available at PSL communities, with federally established rent based on area median incomes for predictable current and future cost of living. 

For those seeking to make the move to a senior living community, Holt advises that they prepare not just logistically, but emotionally as well. 

“It is easy to get caught up in the practical details of a move and overlook the emotional side of the transition,” said Holt. “Moving later in life often surfaces complex feelings including grief over leaving a home full of memories, anxiety about change, and even second-guessing a decision that may be the right one. 

“For seniors who have lived in the same home for many years, the idea of leaving can activate old memories and stir up emotions that feel surprising in their intensity. Recognizing these feelings as normal is an important first step. Building emotional readiness starts with keeping focus on the benefits ahead, leaning on people who support the decision, and allowing space to grieve what is being left behind.” 

Holt said it’s important for seniors to be aware of separation anxiety. 

“Many older adults are surprised to experience something that resembles separation anxiety during a major move,” said Holt. “It can show up as reluctance to talk about the move, concerns about losing independence, irritability, withdrawal, or a persistent worry about leaving the life built in a familiar place. 

“Being aware of these feelings ahead of time helps normalize them. Staying connected to family and friends through the process and sharing struggles openly can provide meaningful grounding during a period of uncertainty.” 

Giving oneself time to downsize is also crucial. 

“Unless a deadline demands otherwise, starting the downsizing process well in advance reduces stress and allows for more thoughtful decision-making,” Holt said. “A simple sorting system using categories like Keep, Donate, Gift, Memories, and Undecided can bring order to an otherwise overwhelming process. Setting time limits for each session helps prevent fatigue and emotional burnout. For the places and spaces that cannot be packed up, photographs can preserve those memories for years to come.” 

While it’s essential to downsize, it’s also important for seniors to bring their lives with them. 

“A move to senior living does not mean leaving your identity behind,” said Holt. “PSL communities work with incoming residents to personalize their new space, whether that means creating room for a hobby, accommodating a cherished piece of furniture, or selecting lighting, color, and finishes that reflect personal taste. Move-in coordinators and design specialists help manage the details from start to finish.” 

Holt emphasized the importance of settling into a senior living community at one’s own pace. 

“Feeling fully at home will not happen overnight, and that is expected,” Holt said. “Using familiar objects, scents, and routines to recreate a sense of comfort eases the adjustment. Committing to small acts of exploration each day builds confidence and familiarity over time. Before long, what feels unfamiliar becomes home.”