In retirement and senior living, we hear a lot of fears about aging, lifestyle and where to live. We get it. It’s confusing. No one wants to talk about it. But sometimes talking helps. Sometimes the realities of senior living is less scary than you thought.
The retirement living options of our grandmothers are vastly different than the options today. Baby Boomers have entered their retirement years with force and with them have brought dramatic change to senior living. Now, more than ever, there are choices to fit every lifestyle: independent living (no support with health care needs), assisted living (a little support with health care needs), skilled nursing and long-term care (a lot of support with health care needs). Not to mention continuing care campuses, retirement living, active senior communities and more.
And yes, the Baby Boomers have brought with them complexity, confusion and thus misconceptions that go hand-in-hand with more options. But it’s okay! We’re here to break down the top four misconceptions we hear about senior living.
1. “I don’t want to live in a nursing home.”
White, sterile walls and shared rooms of the traditional nursing home are, thankfully, becoming things of the past. Never before have there been more options for retirement living. Independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and long-term care communities all tailor to diverse medical needs and lifestyles. Communities like Immanuel’s Lakeside Lofts are designed for on-the-go, active retirees. The Landing at Williamsburg Village offers a continuum care campus with luxury living at every level including home-like skilled nursing care. With so many options available with amenities from restaurant-style dining to on-site golfing, you can ensure you never have to live in a nursing home.
2. “I can’t afford retirement living.”
High price tags cause some to wonder if senior living is attainable. But often, they don’t have the whole picture on how these costs break down. Most people compare their rent or mortgage to the costs of a retirement living community, but so much more is often included like utilities, home and yard maintenance, entertainment, sometimes food and transportation. Ask questions about what’s included in the costs of each retirement community you visit. You may be surprised on how the costs compare.
3. “I’ll be bored.”
If you or your aging loved one is bored at a senior living community, you haven’t found the right place. The diverse options available mean entertainment and activities are a focus for communities. Today, there are so many more activities than the Bingo of your grandmother's’ nursing homes. Try travel opportunities, national speakers, arts and entertainment, and service opportunities. Aim to match you or your loved one’s interests to a community If golf of gardening is important - ask if that’s a possibility. After all, shouldn’t retirement be about doing the things you love? We say yes!
4. “I don’t want to lose my independence.”
Loss of independence is a big concern for seniors and their families. The good news is the diversity of living options available mean the level of independence you are looking for is largely up to you. Independent living retirement communities offer the most independence with apartments or townhomes that offer a few extra amenities like maintenance, social activities, sometimes a meal program.
Starting the search for senior living is hard. There are many confusing options out there, lots of emotions and lots of misconceptions about what’s the right move. To get you started on the right path, download our free Guide to retirement. This guide walks you through our proven 4-step process for knowing when the time is right for senior living, getting everyone on the same page, understanding finances and more. Download today for free, right HERE.
