Most senior communities also offer some measure of additional support if or when you require it. You may start out living independently, then take advantage of specialized assistance as your needs change, along what’s called “the continuum of care.”
Explore your options in more detail:
But the fact that you’re considering other options suggests you may be wondering whether your current home is the right choice moving forward. There are many angles to consider, but it comes down to three basic choices:
Stay put for now
Start by asking yourself what you value most about your current home. Being close to friends, family, your community? Having enough space to entertain guests or pursue your hobbies? Enjoying your garden or patio? And what about your sense of independence, of living life on your own terms?
Has your home started to present challenges that weren’t an issue before? Like dealing with stairs or doing the housecleaning? What about yard work and maintenance? Are there reliable services available to help you out? And are you ready to let others take over those responsibilities?
Move in with your family
Most people don’t want to be a burden to their adult children. But often this is a misplaced concern; the kids are actually happy to give back a little of what they took for granted growing up. In other cases, though, a family’s love and concern blind them to pitfalls that only become apparent later. Of course there are many people who move into their children’s homes and find the experience to be mutually rewarding. But it’s wise to explore all the implications with your eyes—and the lines of communication—wide open.
Live in a senior community
Many older adults are intrigued by the pluses of living in a senior community but worry that having a less-stressful life may come at too high a price. They half-joke about “moving to the old folks’ home,” as if it were a kind of withdrawal from life. Like most stereotypes, this is the complete opposite of reality.
Senior communities are uniquely designed to meet the priorities, tastes and expectations of older adults. In addition to meal plans, housekeeping, maintenance and security, they offer fitness and wellness programs, educational classes and a whole array of activities to keep you connected and engaged. Amenities vary, but the best communities share a common goal: to help you discover a whole new side of being yourself.
