The decision to move into a senior living community versus staying at home is one that many older adults make at some point in their life. Both options hold their own appeal. After all, you worked hard for your home and it carries many memories.
That said, home care can be expensive and those lucky enough to have friends and family willing to support them may not want to place that responsibility on others. A senior living community, such as Claridge Court, allows you to maintain your independence while living in an environment designed to help you socialize with others, pursue hobbies you care about and live your best life.
In this blog post, we will highlight some key considerations about post-retirement living and some of the reasons why community life can actually help you stay healthy in your later years.
Considerations on Where to Spend Your Retirement Years
Two questions you might ask yourself about where to spend your retirement years are, “Where do I want to live?” and, “Who will help take care of me if I am unable to care for myself?”
Deciding where to spend your retirement years is usually dependent on a few key factors.
- Personal ties: Do you have any friends or relatives that you want to stay close to? That is going to help narrow your options for living arrangements after retirement. If you don’t have many close ties, consider the social benefits that community life brings.
- Cost of living: Sure the big city has its charm — there are many senior living communities located in the suburbs of larger cities. However, less populated cities tend to offer more affordable options for retirement. Take the time to assess your savings and be realistic.
- Health care needs: You may be perfectly healthy now, but consider the future. Most adults will need some assistance with activities of daily living in their lifetime.
You can check out our related blog post on planning for retirement in Kansas City for more information about this specific topic. However, there’s one more important consideration when planning for retirement. Should you age in place or move into a senior living community?
Should I Move Into a Retirement Community or Stay at Home?
Once you narrow down a general location — for many people this may be the city where you live currently or somewhere close by — you’ll need to decide if you want to move into a senior living community or stay at home. We’ve already mentioned some of the benefits of staying at home. It’s where you have formed memories. It’s comfortable. You might already live close to friends, family or loved ones and you cannot imagine living anywhere else.
It’s even possible that you have family or friends that are more than willing to care for you if your health ever starts to decline. That said, we believe that community living, especially living in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), is a truly rewarding experience.
The Benefits of Community Living
Science has shown that older adults are healthier and happier when they are living in a community setting surrounded by their peers. What community means to you may differ, but a CCRC like Claridge Court fosters connectivity through dining, wellness and on-site activities. The following are some top-level highlights of community living for our residents and others.
Access to Specialized Care
Most senior living communities, and especially Life Care communities, offer access to a higher level of specialized care than someone could access at home. For example, Claridge Court provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services under one roof.
Motivation to Stay Active and Engaged
Most senior living communities offer some type of fitness program. But more active communities develop individualized fitness plans tailored to your abilities and interests. When you have a fitness plan that you enjoy, it is easier to keep motivated and stay active.
Meet New People and Be Social
The older we get, the harder it is to make new friends, or at least it certainly seems that way. Community life provides more opportunities for socialization, which brings many physical and mental health benefits. When you participate in activities at a retirement community it allows you to easily connect with other people who share the same interests and hobbies that you do.
No More Home Maintenance
One of the downsides of owning a home is having to keep up with repairs. As you age, so does your home, after all. Most retirement communities go above and beyond in the services and amenities they provide. That includes year-round maintenance of all apartments and common areas. And don’t forget about landscaping on the grounds that surround the community.
What Claridge Court Has to Offer Residents
Claridge Court is a Life Care community in Prairie Village, Kansas. Prairie Village is part of the Kansas City metro area and isn’t far from Overland Park. Many of our residents have family and friends in the nearby cities and enjoy exploring the surrounding area.
Meanwhile, on-site at Claridge Court we offer a full range of premium services and amenities for our independent living residents to enjoy. These include the previously mentioned year-round maintenance and a comprehensive health and wellness program.
All of our group spaces facilitate conversation and group activity. We know this sense of community can lead to a better quality of life as you age, both physically and mentally. This allows our residents to remain independent and enjoy life after retirement to its fullest.
Whether you have decided community living is right for you, or you are still exploring your options, the dedicated team members at Claridge Court can help answer your questions. You can reach out to us by filling out the form below or give us a call at 913-383-2085.
