What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In A Retirement Home?

You may be considering something low maintenance and even lower cost of living place for yourself or probably a senior loved one. Perhaps you are looking to downsize from that large home now that your kids have left. However, there are other reasons you may consider a senior living arrangement, also referred to as a retirement home which exists in retirement communities.

Most, if not all, senior living apartments are designed to meet the ever-evolving needs of senior citizens. These needs often go beyond just accommodating the elderly.

In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of living in a retirement home so that you can decide if this is the right choice for you.

 

What Is A Senior Living Home or Apartment?

Apart from the apparent age requirement, these aren’t very different from traditional residential communities. However, these are meant to offer a low-maintenance lifestyle. This allows residents to enjoy their later years without worrying about yard care or keeping the home clean.

A few notable features associated with senior living homes in a retirement community include:

• Single floors
• Wide open doorways and corridors to accommodate people on wheelchairs
• No or a limited number of stairs
• Walk-in showers to make getting into and out of them easier
• Thick handrails in the bathrooms to help prevent falling or slipping

 

Not only are these apartments very accessible, but they also help forge a sense of community. This means that you will not feel alone and, in a few months, feel like you or your loved one is surrounded by friends.

 

Who Is Allowed To Live In A Senior Apartment?

Generally, these are for active seniors that want to lead a low-maintenance or maintenance-free lifestyle. Many seniors may have rented apartments or homes all their lives, while others may have sold them to downsize.

However, unlike what many people assume, these communities are not nursing homes meant only for retirees. The only requirement here is that residents must be over 55 years of age, but they can still be employed or engaged in business activities.

These senior apartments are an excellent fit for:

• Someone who does not want to worry about home maintenance and yard upkeep
• Empty nesters who want to move to a senior living community
• Someone who wants to live near friends and family
• Someone who wants to travel and not worry about home maintenance when they leave

 

What Are the Drawbacks Associated with Living In A Retirement Home?

Even though there are many advantages to living in a retirement home, there are also a few disadvantages to living in many retirement communities.

A couple of senior homes, such as retirement and assisted living, provide amenities that independent living apartments don’t have. But like everything, there are a couple of drawbacks; here are a few.

 

No Medical Care

Retirement homes don’t provide medical care, so they may not be the best option for people who require medical assistance. However, they are a healthy and active adult community. But residents here are on their own when they need medical attention, including therapy, medication management, and supervision.

When you decide to move into a senior living apartment, you will want to consider all the facilities provide and medical options. Especially if you are looking for one for family members.

 

Special Services

When moving to an independent senior living apartment, you will want to keep in mind that this is an independent living arrangement. So, there is nobody employed to handle daily activities.

The senior may be responsible for transportation, housekeeping, pet care, shopping, and laundry unless purchased as extra services.

 

No Organized Social Activities

What are the social activities like? Usually, there are resident-planned activities across all age ranges. Residents can plan or schedule their activities for the community, but they can’t plan social events.

If you want to enjoy a packed calendar, then an assisted living facility would be a better choice. Here older adults feel as though they are living in a hotel where everything is taken care of them along with superior senior care.

 

Senior Living Apartments versus Independent Living Communities

If meals and other services matter to you, then independent living apartments in an assisted living community may be worth considering.  Community members are treated to the best of both worlds.

Independent living residents in these communities can take advantage of all the amenities, and that’s part of the community’s monthly fee, which may include:

• Laundry
• Meals
• Housekeeping

 

What Do Retirement Homes Cost?

When comparing the monthly cost of various senior living facilities, it may come as no surprise that senior living apartments aren’t all that expensive, especially for the type of facilities they provide. Sure, there are fewer amenities compared to assisted living, but they still have many benefits.

In a senior living apartment, you must sign a regular landlord/rental agreement. The apartment is your home or space, which you will want to keep in mind owing to the safety regulations of the place. But you have the choice to live a more active lifestyle if your health permits it.

Senior living communities offering assisted living facilities are often more expensive. That’s perhaps one of the financial drawbacks to having these additional facilities. But many children may find these are the best choice for their elderly parents.

However, it is always worth exploring all your retirement home options or where you want to live. Most American states offer multiple options that are worth considering based on what you can afford to pay each month.

 

Final Word

While there are many pros associated with living in a retirement home, there are also numerous cons, but they may not be a deal breaker for many seniors. However, it is worth understanding them as part of the decision-making process. Make sure to take your time to fully understand all the senior living options at your disposal before shortlisting and choosing the right one after carefully weighing their pros and cons.