Today there are more living choices than ever for seniors. Gone are the days when you had to rely on family members to care for you until you qualified for nursing home care. Now there are many ways for seniors to get the lifestyle they crave and maintain their independence for far longer.
The Modern Retirement Village
Many retirement villages offer a full continuum of care for seniors. A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers independent living, assisted living and nursing home care all on a single campus. These retirement villages have a variety of living options, from small homes and spacious apartments to low-cost studios and condos. As your care needs change, you can shift to a new residence in the community or request a new care plan. Many make the move to a retirement village when they are still living independently, ensuring that they can age in place with fewer maintenance concerns and more social opportunities with their peers.
Here are the pros and cons of living in such communities:
The Pros
- Save time and money. Downsizing to a retirement community means saving on maintenance time and costs at a larger residence. Many seniors find that once their children move away, their former homes are just too big and expensive to manage.
- More social activities. Isolation is among the top causes of depression in seniors. At a retirement village, you have numerous opportunities to meet fellow retirees. Take a continuing education class, learn to paint, or sign up for a fitness program.
- Care tailored for you. Whatever your care needs, a retirement village which is also a CCRC can give you the ability to age in place. All of your care needs throughout your senior years can be provided right on campus.
The Cons
- Financial concerns. Unlike nursing home care, independent living at a retirement village must be self-funded. While many meals, housekeeping, some types of care, and social activities are often included in your fees, they can add up.
- Not the right fit. Some seniors find that retirement village living just isn’t for them. They may have personality conflicts with staff and other residents, or they may simply enjoy a more introverted and private life than the social atmosphere offered by a retirement village.
As you explore your own options, be sure to list the potential pros and cons of retirement village living for yourself, and re-examine them as your personal situation changes.
