As we get older, there’s a tendency to want to freeze time and keep everything the same as it always has been. Your home is your comfort zone, and it can be hard to leave behind a home where you’ve raised a family and made memories over the years. There’s also the worry that moving to a senior living community would limit your lifestyle — but in reality, the opposite is true.
Every situation is unique, and the right choice for you will depend on your personal circumstances. Looking at the big picture when comparing aging at home vs. in a senior living community can help you make an informed decision that will benefit you and your family in the long run.
Aging in Place with Home Care
The idea of aging in place in your home may sound appealing, but it’s important to understand all the implications for your future. Your decision to stay in your home can impact everything from home renovations and safety to your finances, family, and social life. Here are some pitfalls of aging in place at your home:
Home maintenance: The burden and costs of homeownership never take a break, even after your mortgage is paid off. You may also need to modify your home with age-friendly features, and the renovations can be both costly and time-consuming.
Home care: It’s common for seniors to need some level of assistance in their home as they age, ranging from occasional help with household chores to daily help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to round-the-clock home care. In addition to the cost of home health services, you’ll also be responsible for coordinating services and schedules with caregivers.
Family stress/caregiver burnout: In some cases, the responsibility of caregiving at home falls on a partner or another family member. In those situations, family members may feel obligated to take time off work and put their life on hold to fulfill the role of caregiver. These situations can put a strain on relationships and take a toll on personal health and well-being.
Rising costs: People often assume the option of staying in their home will be less costly than moving to a senior living community. However, when you consider all the costs associated with aging in place, the price tag for staying at home may be a lot higher than you’d expect.
Choosing a Community with Life Care
A Life Plan Community, also called a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), provides an exceptional value for older adults who are planning their long-term future. Some of the benefits include:
A plan for the future: When you choose a Life Care contract, you pay a one-time entrance fee and a monthly fee for as long as you stay at the community. In exchange, you’re entitled to a residence in the community and lifetime access to care. When your health needs change, you can access a continuum of care within the community, including 24/7 skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation services.
Maintenance-free living: Let the professionals take care of lawn mowing, housekeeping, meal preparation, home repairs and more. A maintenance-free lifestyle gives you the freedom to focus on what matters most to you, without the worry and expense of taking care of a home.
Life-enhancing amenities: Staying active happens naturally when you’re part of a vibrant community filled with interesting people and enriching experiences. Enjoy a beautiful campus and a wonderful assortment of amenities and activities to help you stay fit, find purpose, and experience joy every day.
Financial security: Financial benefits include access to the community’s services at predictable rates for as long as you need it, protecting you from the ever-rising costs of long-term care on the open market.
Start Planning Your Future with Sierra Winds
When you stack up the benefits of a Life Plan Community like Sierra Winds, it all adds up to an exceptional value, confident lifestyle and a solid plan for the future. Contact us to learn more about independent living at Sierra Winds and schedule your personal tour.
