When retirement nears, men and women have choices to make. One decision involves where they will live. Should they remain in their home or relocate to a senior living community? Each option has benefits and drawbacks that must be considered when making this choice.
Aging at Home
Many seniors report that they want to age in place rather than move to a retirement community. They remain in familiar surroundings and can be independent. This home is often the place where they lived with their spouse and raised their families. The stability that comes with aging in place improves their emotional well-being.
The senior has complete control over their daily schedule and can live on their terms. They may have friends and family who live nearby and don’t want to lose these social connections. Furthermore, their home might be paid for and in excellent condition. Aging in place can be more cost-effective than relocating to a senior living community. However, they should also consider what the future may hold. The home might need modifications, or they may require in-home care services if their health deteriorates.
Nevertheless, remaining in their home means the seniors must pay for maintenance and repairs, which can be time-consuming and burdensome. They are at risk of being isolated, and the house might require modifications to be more accessible. If the senior has an accident, how will they call for help? When determining whether aging in place is the right choice, individuals must consider several key factors.
Retirement Community
Moving to a retirement community comes with numerous benefits. Seniors always have companionship when they want it but retain their privacy thanks to separate living quarters. The risk of isolation decreases drastically when a person moves to a retirement community. These communities often offer on-site healthcare services and provide transportation to medical appointments outside the community. Certain communities now offer a continuum of care, allowing individuals to transition between units as their care needs increase rather than having to relocate to a new community. Residents enjoy maintenance-free living and can rest assured that they will be safe and secure in the community.
One reason seniors may hesitate to move to a community is that they worry about the cost. They need to calculate how much they are paying to remain in their homes and compare that to the price of a retirement community. Many people are surprised to find the costs aren’t that far apart. Following the move, a senior might feel they have lost their independence. They must adjust to the new living accommodations, which may take a few weeks or months. They must downsize for the move, and many seniors find it challenging to do so.
Choosing Between the Two
To determine which option is right, a person must consider their needs and preferences. They also need to explore the options and learn the costs. Family members should be included in the discussions, and financial and healthcare professionals may be included in the conversation. A senior might try a trial period at one or more communities to see if they will be a good fit. Regardless of which option a person chooses, they should plan for the future, as their needs are likely to change over time.
The decision between aging in place and moving to a retirement community is a personal one. Several factors should be taken into consideration when making this determination. Men and women who carefully evaluate the options often find that one is significantly better than the other, making the choice effortless.