Faith is an important aspect of many seniors’ lives. When considering the move to a retirement community, it can be helpful to consider your spiritual needs in addition to your physical needs. About 80% of today’s continuing care retirement communities are owned and operated by nonprofit organizations, and many of these are also faith-based organizations. If you or a loved one desire a spiritually vibrant retirement, read on to learn about four benefits of choosing a faith-based retirement community.
Find comfort in a time of transition
For many seniors, the transition from living at home to moving into a retirement community can be marked by confusion and fear, all of which are perfectly normal responses to a major life adjustment. During this time of transition, many older adults can find comfort and security in their faith. Moving to an environment where your beliefs are celebrated can provide you with much-needed support during a period of change.
Join a community that shares your beliefs
As you grow older, faith can be an important source of comfort and community. In a faith-based retirement community, you can expect to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your values and beliefs. Being able to worship and share these traditions with those of the same faith can help seniors experience the benefits of both social and spiritual belonging.
Support a faith-based mission
Faith-based retirement communities are often operated by nonprofit organizations with defined values and standards for treating their employees and residents. Instead of being motivated by revenue, nonprofit communities are driven by an overall mission to care for their residents. When conducting your retirement community search, keep the organization’s values in mind. Knowing the mission and morals of the community can help you and your loved ones choose a retirement community that matches your own.
Participate in religious activities and services
In a faith-driven community, residents can expect opportunities to attend worship services, celebrate religious holidays, and attend prayer groups or Bible studies. Many of these communities have chaplains or other leaders on staff to assist and provide counseling. Of course, faith-based retirement living is not just for seniors with religious backgrounds. Many older adults who do not ascribe to a certain religion can benefit from residing in a faith-based, nonprofit community.
