Before my husband was diagnosed with MCI I had a feeling that he might be ‘on that spectrum’ due to occasional outbursts, lack of interest in golf, a previous passion, and a host of other minor things. Our children also live on the other side of the country, and my parents led by the example of moving to a CCRC (later than they might have) but LOVED it - the people, the socialization, the activities, etc, and said often how they wished they had moved in much earlier when they were still traveling and when my father was stronger.
My husband, 83, and I, 77, moved to a CCRC connected with a major university, and we love it! We can audit classes, enjoy amazing programs on site from the U, participate in research, mentor students, attend cultural and athletic performances, and we have more activities in our building than we could possibly take advantage of and lovely camaraderie among our residents. There is a wonderful support group for we caregivers. In addition to interest groups in Sustainability, Drama, Chorus, Bridge, Book discussions, Current topics discussions, Gardening, Games, Cycling, Golf, there are also support groups for vision loss, and hearing loss. My husband is still very active and funny, tutors primary students in reading and loves it, but the MCI progresses. I relate to many of the letters such as yours. I am immensely grateful that we decided to move. As needed there will be assistance available in our apartment and/or in the memory unit, activities that we can both participate in, restaurants to enjoy, physiotherapy, fitness classes, doctors available on site. We won’t have to burden our children with our care. Good luck with your decision!