The longer we are alive, the older we will get. And as we get older, there will undoubtedly come a time when taking care of our home, not to mention other responsibilities, becomes too much for us to handle. This life struggle is the impetus behind why so many older adults move into senior living communities to enjoy their golden years.
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Studies Show More Aging Adults Are Calling Senior Communities Home
If the idea of moving into a senior community is on your radar, you will be in good company if you decide to take the plunge. Many older adults are choosing to live out their golden years this way. According to a study published by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), close to one million older adults live in a senior community of some kind. By 2030, the number of older adults living out their golden years in these communities will likely triple. The reason for this projected surge is quite simple; more people will reach retirement age by then, and many will find that keeping their homes in order and taking care of routine tasks is no longer as easy as it used to be. According to the same NCAL study, this realization will motivate many of these retired adults to start looking for senior apartments to rent. Likewise, many will also be looking to get into houses or condos that only allow residents who are age 55 and over.
The Reality of Living in a Community That Is Exclusive to Seniors
Whether you’re going it alone or have the good fortune of having your adult children by your side, finding the right senior community, let alone a house or apartment, can be challenging. From the neighborhood to square feet and everything in between, a lot goes into choosing the perfect home. And even if you happen to be a seasoned home hunter, they can be enough to make your head swim once you reach a certain age. So that everyone is on the same page, homes, condos, and apartments in senior communities are very different compared to traditional homes, condos, and apartments in that they offer amenities that can make life easier for older residents. Some of these amenities include the following:
- Access to a library, computers, and internet
- Private dining areas
- Game rooms
- Housekeeping
- Linen and laundry services
- Complimentary yard work and basic home maintenance services
- Massage therapists
- Medication management
- Onsite salon and barber shop
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The Secret to Finding the Right Senior Community to Call Home
When you factor in amenities, location, square feet, and overall cost, it is easy to see why some older adults have such a hard time finding a senior community and home that works for them. To make this process a little easier, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions older adults have when it comes to choosing the right home:
What Do I Need in Order to Find a Senior Living Home?
Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, finding a home in a good location should be top of mind. And this is true whether you’re looking at a house, condo, or apartment. For those not in the know, a good location refers to a neighborhood chock-full of supermarkets, banks, restaurants, and the like. That said, you should brace yourself for sticker shock as homes in a “good location” can be more costly since they tend to be highly sought-after. It’s all about supply and demand. Some of the things that can help you in finding the perfect home in a good location include
- Creating a list of prospective homes in a few preferred areas
- Figuring out your budget
- Getting advice from family and friends
- Hiring a real estate agent
- Viewing some of your top-choice homes in person
How Well Do Senior Living Homes Meet the Needs of Its Residents?
A critical part of choosing a senior community that is a good fit for you is assessing your unique needs. For example, communities near hospitals, urgent care facilities, and pharmacies would be ideal if you have a chronic health condition. Also, if you’re not physically up to it, communities that offer linen and laundry services would be a good idea. If you happen to be a social butterfly, you might want to consider a senior community that hosts resident events, which simplifies the whole making friends thing. Ultimately, whether or not any home or community can meet your needs depends are your specific needs.
Can I Get Help to Pay My Senior Housing Expenses?
While most amenities offered in senior communities are complementary, some will require an additional monthly payment. However, if there is a charge, it is usually much lower than what it would be in traditional housing communities. That said, some of the amenities that often come at an additional cost include
- Salons and barber shops
- Internet access
- Group classes and workshops
- Access to gyms and game rooms
When considering your next home, you should discuss free versus paid-for amenities with any prospective senior community. Doing so will make it significantly easier to establish and stick to a monthly budget.
Related Topics (Ads):
➪ Senior Living Retirement Homes
➪ Income based Senior Living
➪ Assisted Senior Living
➪ Senior Living Communities
Bottom Line
As individuals age, the things they need to enjoy a fulfilled and comfortable life will change; sometimes, those changes will require them to relocate. For many older adults, this means moving into a community that exclusively caters to them and their unique needs.