October 16, 2025 —Transitioning to a Life Plan Community is something many people consider carefully – especially when deciding on the right time to make the move. While the answer varies for everyone, most residents make the transition between the ages of 75 and 84. However, there are many compelling reasons to move sooner rather than later, from enjoying a maintenance-free lifestyle and abundant social opportunities to securing a plan for future care with confidence and peace of mind.
“Moving to a Life Plan Community early allows for a wider range of benefits,” says Cathleen McGaffigan, Director of Marketing at Kendal on Hudson. “Some residents claim they want to give their families peace of mind; others want to add new experiences to their lifestyle, but one thing is for certain, they understand how much a Life Plan Community can add to and enhance their lives even more.”
3 Reasons Why Transitioning to a Life Plan Community Now Is the Best Plan
While many older adults begin considering Independent Living around age 60 – and some communities even welcome residents as young as 55 – the decision to move shouldn’t be based on age alone. The choice is really about lifestyle – when you can fully enjoy all the benefits a Life Plan Community offers.
From maintaining your health and staying active to securing peace of mind and enjoying a rich social life. Transitioning to a life plan community at the right time sets the stage for a more vibrant, worry-free future. Let’s explore three key reasons why moving now can be the best plan:
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You want to enjoy peace of mind while securing your assets.
At a Life Plan Community, residents can age in place in the community they have chosen and love. No matter what your care needs are, they are able to be accommodated, whether little assistance is needed or more is required. Life Plan Communities ensure that the quality of care you enjoy now is guaranteed no matter what, at the same price you’ve set in your Lifecare agreement. This allows for added financial security as well as a set financial plan.
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The better your health, the easier it is to maintain it while becoming more active.
It’s hard to enjoy everything Kendal on Hudson offers if you wait until you need a higher level of care. Instead of waiting until you need care, make the move now. Kendal on Hudson also offers plenty of fitness and exercise classes, a well-equipped fitness center, an indoor pool, and outdoor walking paths to help you to maintain and improve your fitness!
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You want a more social schedule.
There are so many things to do each day at Kendal on Hudson. From resident-driven programming and activities, clubs, social events, travel and volunteer opportunities to continuing education, you can be as active as you wish and grow as much as you want.
It’s easy to enjoy all this and more each day at Kendal on Hudson while taking advantage of delicious dining in an array of venues, a spectacular location, premier services and amenities, cultural experiences, and so much more.
How Do Life Plan Communities Work?
Life Plan Communities are designed to give older adults the chance to live independently while having access to a full spectrum of health care services if needs change over time. These communities combine vibrant living with long-term security, making them a popular choice for older adults who want peace of mind and an active lifestyle. Key features of how they work include:
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Living Independently with Support: Residents enjoy private apartments or homes with maintenance-free living, allowing them to focus on hobbies, social activities, and wellness programs without the responsibilities of homeownership.
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Access to Health Care Services: Life Plan Communities offer a range of health care services, from routine wellness support to Assisted Living, Memory Support, Rehabilitation or Skilled Nursing, all on-site or nearby. This ensures older adults can age in place without needing to relocate as care needs change.
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Entrance Fee for Financial Security: Many communities require an entrance fee, which helps secure your residence and locks in predictable costs for future care. This allows residents to plan their finances while protecting their assets.
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Engaging Lifestyle: Senior living communities are designed to provide a full calendar of social, cultural, and educational activities, keeping residents engaged and connected.
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Continuum of Care: Life Plan Communities offer the peace of mind that comes from knowing the level of care you need today or in the future will be available, all within the same community you’ve chosen and love.
What’s the Difference Between a CCRC and a Life Plan Community?
While the terms Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and Life Plan Community are often used interchangeably, there are slight distinctions:
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Senior Life Plan Community: Focuses on offering a continuum of care that allows residents to age in place, from Independent Living to Assisted Living, Memory Support, Rehabilitation or Skilled Nursing as needed.
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Life Plan Retirement Community: Highlights the financial planning and lifestyle benefits, including entrance fees and set service agreements, ensuring residents have predictable costs and access to care over time.
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Shared Goal: Both models ensure older adults can maintain their independence, enjoy a full social life, and have health care services available, all within the same community.
Life Plan Communities offer older adults a secure, engaging, and flexible way to enjoy retirement while preparing for the future – making them a smart choice for older adults who want both independence and peace of mind.
Life Plan Community Pros and Cons
Choosing a Life Plan Community is an important decision, and while there are things to consider, the benefits often far outweigh the drawbacks.
Pros:
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Comprehensive Care: The best Life Plan Communities provide a full continuum of care, from Independent Living to Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, and Skilled Nursing, all within the same community.
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Peace of Mind: Knowing your future health care needs are covered helps reduce stress for you and your family.
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Maintenance-Free Living: Residents enjoy a lifestyle free from home repairs and chores, allowing more time for hobbies, travel, and social activities.
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Vibrant Social Life: Life Plan Communities offer clubs, classes, events, and wellness programs that keep residents active and engaged.
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Financial Predictability: While Life Plan Community costs vary, many communities offer transparent pricing and long-term agreements that help residents plan for the future.
Items to Consider:
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Entrance Fees: Some communities require an up-front entrance fee. While this may seem significant, it often secures your residence and guarantees access to future care, providing long-term financial peace of mind.
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Planning Your Move: Transitioning to a Life Plan Community requires thoughtful planning, from downsizing to adjusting to a new environment. Most residents find that early preparation makes the move smoother and allows them to fully enjoy the community from the start.
Why Transitioning To A Life Plan Community Like Kendal on Hudson Is Perfect
Overall, selecting the best Life Plan Community ensures older adults enjoy independence, security, and a vibrant lifestyle – all while planning confidently for the future.
Kendal on Hudson is more than just a place to live – it’s a community where older adults can thrive, stay active, and enjoy meaningful connections every day. With exceptional amenities, engaging programs, and a full continuum of care, residents have the freedom to live independently while knowing support is always available.
From wellness and fitness opportunities to cultural experiences, social clubs, and delicious dining, Kendal on Hudson offers a lifestyle that’s vibrant, fulfilling, and tailored to each individual. Schedule a tour today and see firsthand why Kendal on Hudson is the best Life Plan Community for those ready to embrace a secure, active, and rewarding retirement.
Together, Transforming the Experience of Aging.®
Founded on Quaker principles and guided by our values and practices, Kendal on Hudson provides a vibrant, active and social senior lifestyle on our 25-acre campus next to the historic Hudson River. As the only Lifecare Community in Westchester County, we offer five levels of service for residents: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Skilled Nursing, and Rehabilitation Services.
Kendal on Hudson is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors. Kendal on Hudson is an affiliate of The Kendal Corporation, a system of communities and services for older people based in Kennett Square, PA. We support diversity, inclusiveness, and independence and support the values and practices of Kendal by remaining focused on healthy aging. Located in Sleepy Hollow, New York, just 35 miles from New York City, we offer a vibrant lifestyle, cultural programs, continued learning and health care for life.