For many older adults, the idea of moving into a retirement community may seem to represent a loss of independence. Not only is this concept untrue, but the mindset can hold people back from discovering housing options that provide them with more freedom as they age. If you or a loved one are considering making the move to retirement living and have some hesitations, it might be helpful to consider these questions:
Even with the help of Medicare or Medicaid, assisted living costs can run well into the thousands for individuals who are considering such facilities. When personal funds and government assistance don’t cover the complete price tag, however, there may be additional options.
Deciding to move comes with a number of responsibilities that must be completed if a person wants to be prepared for a new home and ready to leave an old one. For seniors planning to move into retirement living, this is no less true.
As anyone with aging loved ones knows, no two seniors’ needs are identical. That said, retirement living can be helpful to older adults with a range of varying health and physical requirements.
It can be difficult to socially transition into a retirement center, particularly if friends or family aren’t nearby. Seniors are faced with numerous physical, psychological and social role changes that challenge their sense of self and capacity to live happily. Therefore, remaining social is vital to limiting psychological stress and improving overall health during the aging process.
There are many factors that play into an older adult’s decision about which retirement community to choose. One of the most influential, however, is the cost of housing. Depending on individual savings and retirement funds, people have different budgetary allowances and therefore varied possibilities for housing.
