Aging at Home vs. Moving to a Retirement Community: How to Decide
As the golden years approach, people often start to plan for their post-retirement lifestyles. The aging process is slightly different for everyone, but luckily, there are many options available that can fit a variety of needs.
If you or a loved one are facing aging and the post-retirement years, now is the time to consider the option of retirement homes. Here’s how you can make sound decisions regarding senior living.
The Disadvantages of Staying at Home
Aging at home can be a tiresome process for you and your loved ones. There are many more moving parts to manage when you stay home well into your later years, such as:
Extra Expenses
Unlike retirement homes and other senior living options, aging at home requires you to pay for every additional aspect of your care. This means hiring nurses, aids, and specialized therapists.
These professionals must come to your home, which can quickly run up the bill for their services. Either you or your family must take on these additional expenses.
Safety Risks
You can’t always predict how your body will respond to the aging process. At any moment, your mobility, mental health, and physical well-being can change.
This puts you at risk for safety hazards like falling, slipping, and accidental fires. It only takes one second for an accident to put your health at risk. When you live at home, you may not have immediate access to medical support.
Home Maintenance and Cleaning
If you own your home, you are responsible for regular maintenance, repairs, and keeping up with cleaning. As you age, this only becomes more of a hassle.
You can hire outside help with housekeeping, but this is an extra expense. Housekeeping costs can skyrocket when you factor in the size of your home, its current state of cleanliness, and the area that you live in.
The Benefits of Assisted Living and Retirement Homes
After retirement, you have options. If you don’t want to maintain your living space on your own and hire an entire dedicated staff, consider senior living.
Assisted living provides you with daily help and support in maintaining your living space. Retirement homes also usually offer housekeeping services, depending on your unique care needs.
Moving into senior living does not mean you have failed in any way. It just means that you are seeking outside support — and saving money overall, too.
The prices of housekeeping, dining, nursing care, and medication management are factored into the total cost of senior living. This means less budgeting and money management on your part.
You simply enjoy the amenities and support you receive while you socialize and thrive as an aging adult.
Choose the Right Option for You
Only you know what is best for you and your loved ones. When you start to notice that daily living has become more difficult, it may be time to consider retirement homes or assisted living facilities.
Arm yourself with plenty of knowledge about your living options, and you will be able to make the best possible decision.