This author is about to turn 59 in July, with 60 lurking around the corner. This got me thinking, “where do you see the next chapter of your life or a loved one’s life, unfolding?
If you’re like most, I bet you hope to remain in your home for as long as possible. I know that is what I’m planning. Maybe there is even have a little fear about the possibility of moving, especially if it’s to a “Senior Living” community.
In the past I visited the only thing available when I was young, a nursing home. When I think about this, the odd sounds and smells still permeate my brain. And I think that stigma is still alive when people think about going in to a senior living community.
The benefits of aging in place are clear: You get to remain in a familiar setting, surrounded by memories and often living in a home family members love to visit. Staying where you are is commonly chosen because of fears about the future, especially the fears of moving to a so called retirement community.
I think these fears spring from a fear of the unknown, the stigma of a “nursing home”, a wide range of myths about aging, and your inevitable retirement.
Today, adults are living longer and healthier lives than ever before, and a lot of them are choosing to do so in Senior Living Communities. These dynamic communities can offer a comparable experience to aging at home, but with a wide range of amenities and resources most people just can’t get at home. They also can help you remain more independent and offer support should you ever need it.
What are the key differences? And how do you decide which is best for you? Let’s take a look…
Benefits of Aging in Place vs. a Life Plan Community
This next stage of your life should be as unique as you are. There is no “right” choice here — no one-size-fits-all aging solution that works for everyone at any age and stage.
Whether aging in your home or moving to a Senior Living Community, each offers many ways to achieve your goals and live life on the way YOU want. Here are some of the differences:
Independence
Maintaining independence is a key goal and is sometimes an issue as you age. No one wants to be told what to do and when to do it by anyone. Many people say they want to age in their home because they want to remain independent.
Most think a senior living community setting will control what they do and how they live, but nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is that both options offer independence!
Senior or Assisted Living Communities don’t tell you what to do or how to do it. They’re there to serve you. Beyond current beliefs, they’re certainly not jails.
Did you know residents come and go as they please? Many travel the globe, take a cruise, or even keep their jobs. Many residents find they have more freedom in a Senior Living Community because their relatives no longer worry about their health and safety. Plus, you no longer have to hire a house sitter when you travel or worry about home maintenance.
In addition, Senior Living Communities can help keep you healthy and, therefore, your independence, By keeping you physically active, socially connected and inspired to continue doing new things, you will thrive.
Because you can access it all just outside of your door, driving, planning and paying for programs or events no longer have to stop you from living how you want.
When planning for an your future it’s important to consider all potential paths because none of us really know what the future will hold.
Senior Living Communities can help you remain independent in these situations because they offer safe and secure living options where help is available when you want or need it, on your terms.
We know you value your privacy. At a Senior Living Community there are no prying relatives or neighbors telling you how to live. There are just supportive people empowering you to decide what’s right for you at every step of the aging journey.
Doing What You Love
You’ve spent your life working hard. Now is your chance to do the things you enjoy, cultivate a sense of deeper purpose and maybe even learn something new.
Many of us who are getting older want to age in place so we can live life on our own terms. Senior Living Communities don’t stop your ability to head out into the world and do whatever you want, but they also offer programs just outside your door, so you can do what you love. This also offers the opportunity to meet new people.
Amenities
Homeownership can feel freeing until the pipe breaking, the ice maker doesn’t work and what is that disgusting odor coming from the garage. No matter how much you love your home, very few of us want to spend our time fixing what's broken. Aging in place can mean spending your retirement in a place you love filled with memories. It can also mean a lot of work — and even more expense.
These communities include all home maintenance, so you never again have to worry about hiring a contractor or doing it yourself. This can save you thousands of dollars, time and money which means more freedom to live your best life.
Support You Can Count On
As we get older we tend to worry about the costs of getting older, especially if we need additional help. Senior Living Communities reduce expenses by eliminating the costs of homeownership, giving you a better way to handle on your budget and giving you the opportunity to enjoy amenities you might never be able to afford living at home.
These Communities also offer the peace of mind that comes from knowing support is there if you need it. You can access support services as your needs change while remaining in the community you call home.
What would happen if you ever needed immediate help, especially if you live alone? Living in a community means there’s always help there for you, whether you have an urgent need for assistance or just want a friend to hang out with.
It’s important to remember that our needs change as we age. Roughly 70% of older adults will need some form of long-term care as they age. If you choose to remain at home, getting the help you need will require a change in your lifestyle and/or the addition of paid help. If you move to a Senior Living Community you can get help without moving which is often a fraction of the cost of in-home care.
If you have questions or would like a tour, give us a call at 470-691-0161 or email us at info@hamiltonplacegainesville.com
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