Searching for the right retirement home isn’t something that happens overnight. In fact, the average family spends 211 days from first inquiry to the day they move in.

That’s exactly why Jodi Flanagan from Senior Living Pro created the 200 Day Journey Guide, to give families a clear, supportive roadmap during this long and often overwhelming process. Based on data and Jodi’s nearly two decades of experience, the guide helps families feel more confident and prepared as they consider what the what, when, where, why and how.

Start With Your “Why”

Jodi emphasizes the importance of personal reflection and considering your options.

She recommends that before you even think about how the moving logistics think about why you even want to move in the first place and what you want to get out of the retirement living experience.

Families are often focused on the what and how, but reconnecting with your personal motivations ensures the choices you make truly align with your goals, values, and vision for the next chapter.

When to Make the Move

Timing can be one of the toughest parts. Many families face the “I’m not ready yet” feeling, which is something Jodi sees all the time.

“90% of people visiting retirement homes are thinking about moving in, but they all feel that they aren't ready. You don’t just wake up one day ready, it’s a gradual process.”

Despite this, Jodi encourages families to make proactive decisions, rather than putting it off due to uncomfortable emotions. “Make the decision while the choice is yours vs. when the choice is forced upon you.”

This advice helps families stay in control, avoid crisis-driven moves, and ensure a smoother transition.

Choosing Where

Every retirement home has its own personality, services, and atmosphere. Jodi advises using Elderado to compare options based on:

• Location
• Services offered (from independent to assisted living and memory care)
• Additional amenities
• Size of the community
• Vibe and culture of the residence

She recommends exploring live tours and events, and using checklists (available from RHRA and Senior Living Pro) to ask the important questions during visits. This helps families find a home that fits both current and future needs, especially as support requirements may change over time.

"You are looking to purchase the lifestyle you wish to be living," Jodi reminds us. That’s why it’s important to look beyond just the building and focus on what daily life will truly feel like. Some amenities that Jodi and Daniel recommend to look out for:

• The meals provided
• Forms of transportation
• Fitness classes
• Social events
• Salons
• Gardening areas

Jodi also recommends going over your finances and making sure your new living situation fits into your budget. On average, the cost of retirement living is around $4,100 per month, but the range varies mostly depending on the level of service.

Figuring Out the “How”

While the other steps are deeply personal and unique, the good news is that there’s help for the practical side.

Jodi argues that even though this is the part that usually stresses people out the most, it really shouldn’t. There are experienced professionals ready to guide you through every step, making the process much easier than most expect.

From realtors to certified move managers (such as those from the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers), Jodi outlines resources that reduce stress. These experts can:

• Help sort, sell, or auction belongings
• Organize and set up your new space
• Assist with estate planning (with lawyers and accountants specializing in wills and estates)

Ready to Start the Journey?

The search for the right retirement home is a journey filled with important decisions, emotions, and opportunities for growth. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. The 200 Day Journey Guide offers trusted advice and practical tools to ensure the process feels manageable, well-informed, and thoughtfully guided from beginning to end.

CLICK HERE to download the guide.