Thinking of moving into a group retirement home? Some thoughts

If you’re not ready to sacrifice your lifestyle and don’t need medical assistance or extra support, you may not feel ready for group senior living. However, if it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with home maintenance, chores, and transportation to activities and social events, independent living may be appealing to you. Independent living communities cater to aging adults who don’t require assisted living or nursing home-level care but are interested in a relaxing, stress-free lifestyle.

Is moving into a group independent living home the right fit?

I understand that your family may want to encourage you to move to group retirement independent living programs. However, it's essential to acknowledge that aging in place in your own home can also be a viable option if you prefer to age in place.

Yes, a transition to independent living can provide the support you need to pursue passions, learn new skills, or spend quality time with friends and the people you love. However, ageing in place allows seniors to stay in the familiar environment of their own home, surrounded by memories and a sense of comfort that may not be replicable in a new setting. Many seniors have emotional attachments to their homes and neighbourhoods, making the idea of moving unsettling. Socialization can happen outside of independent living communities: Seniors can stay connected with friends and family, join local clubs or organizations, and participate in community events to combat loneliness.

Maintaining a clean and safe home can be challenging, but can become especially tiring as you age. Ask yourself the following questions to see if independent living is a match for your lifestyle:

Are you exhausted from cleaning?

A good, reliable, and affordable cleaning service can be hard to come by. Independent living can eliminate this burden by offering convenient housekeeping services.

Are you worried about home emergencies or repairs?

After you’ve lived in your home for many years, maintenance issues, such as plumbing or electrical problems, tend to occur more frequently. Independent living offers on-site staff to make frantically searching for a handyman a thing of the past. The staff manages everything from hard-to-reach light bulbs to water leaks, all at no extra cost.

Does yard work feel tedious?

About 76% of Americans mow their lawn every two weeks, according to a recent survey. Over 50 years of home ownership, this equates to 1,300 long afternoons of mowing. At independent living communities, the maintenance staff makes sure that lawns and paths remain well-groomed. Independent living residents can enjoy a cold beer on their lawn chair, without any of the work.

If you enjoy particular parts of yard work, many independent living communities encourage you to exercise your green thumb. Many communities feature a community garden, enabling residents to volunteer at a local gardening club.

On the other hand, home maintenance can be manageable, while maintaining a home can be challenging, seniors can consider hiring a reliable and affordable cleaning service or handyman to help with tasks they cannot manage.  Moving to a retirement community can come with significant financial implications, including monthly fees, additional charges for services, and potential costs associated with selling or downsizing one's home. Ageing in place can be a more cost-effective option for seniors on fixed incomes.