In the US, retirement is slowly becoming far less of a certainty than it was maybe a few decades ago. According to the Natixis Global Retirement Index report, 40% of investors said that retiring securely with the needed care is now just short of a miracle.
Statically speaking:
- The average American retires at 63.
- They stay retired for around 18 years.
- At the time of retirement, the average life savings is $42,727 in savings.
- Only 4% of people are prepared for retirement.
- 63% say they rely on more than just savings to fund their care during retirement.
Now for those who need a provider, this is a troubling picture, especially when you consider spending post-work life, which may be in a good retirement home. Assisted living facilities are only becoming more expensive, but you also need to choose the right retirement options.
To make life easier and make an informed decision, here are a few things you will want to consider and prioritize when choosing a retirement home. This will ensure you enjoy the rest of your years in a retirement community that cares about you.
What Is A Retirement Home, Independent, and Assisted Living Facility?
A retirement home is mainly a facility meant to accommodate seniors. The facilities help seniors maintain their lifestyles by ensuring that residents get the support they need and if required, medical care. Most retirement homes in Peoria are for-profit and privately owned.
A retirement home in Peoria is sometimes referred to as an assisted living facility, or continuing care retirement community but they are both very different. Plus, these shouldn’t be confused with a nursing home. The focus of an assisted living facility is to enable people to remain independent while also helping them heal with prolonged care.
Now that you know the difference, you’d next want to know what features to prioritize when choosing a retirement home.
Highlight Your Senior Living Needs
Finding a retirement home in Peoria, Illinois, isn’t hard, with so many new ones opening up recently. However, you need to find one best suited to your needs. An AARP survey reported that around 77% of adults above 50 would instead remain in their own homes instead of choosing supportive living.
Caregivers were also asked to describe what they thought their loved ones needed as part of the survey. Caregivers mostly said they wanted what was best for their loved ones regarding living preferences, social activities, etc. However, if you have decided to stay put, or like 29% of those surveyed planned on moving to a different community, assessing your needs is the first step. You will need to take stock of your home as it is or find a retirement home that can address the following:
- Your present and future mobility needs
- The retirement home’s proximity to family and friends
- Cognitive and health concerns or approaching challenges
- The inability to handle daily activity
- Problems with general safety
- Questions regarding medication management
- Nutritional concerns in independent living communities
- Do they offer personalized services for those who want to learn something new or discover a new hobby
- It should have amenities like restaurants, gyms, and entertainment or maybe even be near the airport
Make sure to prioritize what you need before searching for a retirement home, making the search much easier. You might also want to get a second opinion before providing express written consent to enter.
Finding The Right Retirement Community or Senior Living Facility
So, here is a question you should answer with honesty: what if the current home you’re living in does not meet your needs? Can you find a retirement home that does? As mentioned earlier, there are various types of senior care facilities; each caters to specific types of individuals.
Fortunately, since you have already identified what you want, it is possible to narrow down your search to the following options:
Independent living facilities
These are perfect for seniors that don’t require intensive daily assistance but want to remain active. These homes will have social activities, fitness regimes, special diets, private cottages, etc. This also helps the individual escape from having to do daily housekeeping, mowing and related chores. Plus, there are onsite dining options, pools, fitness centers, etc that make daily resident life fun.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is similar to the one we described above in terms of conveniences and amenities. However, they also provide personalized care and help with regular tasks like dressing, medication, and bathing. The environment helps foster independence while at the same time leading an active life.
Memory care
These facilities are best for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s. In addition to providing onsite support activities, 24/7 therapy, and social opportunities, the on-site teams are trained in memory care. Plus, residents can find everything in a comfortable and soothing setting.
People struggling to meet ends meet are not left to fend for themselves. According to research by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, a third of the elderly may be unable to find a facility. However, retirees that require retirement home facilities can’t be denied these services, and thus they are eligible for subsidized senior apartments and those provided by a not-for-profit organization. This means low-income households can exist in government-approved apartments, houses, and townhouses.
Make Sure You Can Afford A Retirement Home Peoria Il
A retirement home in Peoria can vary in cost, depending on its location and facilities. The so-called “nicer” facilities are also more expensive. Always make sure you shortlist all the facilities that meet your needs, visit them and find out how much they cost. This will help you determine the best option based on your needs and budget. It will also ensure that you get quality care, and benefit from various on-site amenities.
