The Difference Between Staying at Home vs. Living in a Retirement Community
Published on December 28, 2018
If you are an older adult and considering where you should live in this chapter of life, two main options are living at home and a retirement home. Before deciding on where to live, it is important to consider certain aspects of each option. While living at home may allow you to stay where you are currently comfortable, a senior living community will provide you with services and amenities you can’t get at home. Here are the main differences between the two living options.
Cost of Living
Financial issues are a big reason as to why many seniors choose to stay at home. However, retirement communities often end up costing the same, or even less, than living at home. The monthly rent covers all major expenses, including utilities, housekeeping, and maintenance. You won’t need to worry about financing a new roof or repairing damaged plumbing, and communities offer consistent monthly payments that Community Members can easily manage.
Environment & Safety
Another difference between living at home and in a senior retirement community is the environment. Retirement homes offer features in each suite and within the building to prevent slips and dangers. Showers are equipped with non-slip floors and safety bars to hold onto. They may also have minimal floor transitions for residents to get where they need to go. Furthermore, emergency call button systems are included in retirement communities, whereas this would be an extra charge for installation and monthly monitoring for those who remain living in their homes.
Food Options
Living at home means you are responsible for cooking or eating what others have prepared for you. Cooking may have been easier in years past, but many seniors find it overwhelming to get their own groceries and prepare meals every day. In a retirement home, experienced chefs prepare delicious, healthy meals daily, eliminating the need for you to do any of the prep, cooking, or clean up. There are many options to choose from as well depending on your dietary restrictions or cultural preferences.
Amenities
If you need help with housekeeping, maintenance, transportation, or medical reminders, a retirement community may be the better option. Some communities also offer support groups, banking opportunities, and laundry services to make your life even easier. Others offer a wide range of amenities designed to provide easy access to your favourite activities or the opportunity learn new hobbies. Examples include golf simulators, saltwater pools, gardens with raised seating, fitness rooms and gourmet kitchens. Plus, depending on the retirement community you choose, you can live in an area that is close to your relatives or favourite shopping malls and entertainment centres.
Social Interaction
Loneliness can creep in quickly when your family and friends either move away or into other living setting. Social interaction is key to remaining happy no matter our age, and this can be a major challenge—especially when living at home alone. If you are looking for a community that supports and maintains social interaction and relationships, there are many to choose from. Some retirement communities provide opportunities to develop strong connections with peers and a network of other older adults who may share similar hobbies and experiences.
Choose V!VA Retirement Communities as Your Future
It is a big decision to leave your long-time home and transition into a retirement community, but the benefits and advantages of a senior home may provide more assurances and comforts than you may realize.
If you’re looking for a retirement home to transition into, V!VA Retirement Communities is one of the best choices. We strive to create a community that encourages healthy relationships, and an active, fun, safe, healthy life. You can enjoy meal prepared by Red Seal chefs and our Team Members will take care of your major responsibilities, so you have more time to enjoy this stage of life.
We pride ourselves on being one of the few strong and successful privately-owned and independent developers in the senior living field. But don’t take our word for it, visit one of our locations to see for yourself! We have six operating locations, including Barrhaven, Mississauga, Pickering, Thornhill Woods, Meadowlands in Ancaster, Waterside in Carleton Place, and new developments in Oakville and Whitby in construction.
To learn more about us and to find out if our retirement communities are right for you or your loved one, visit our web site, e-mail us at info@vivalife.ca or call us at 1-888-984-8482.
