Retirement communities provide a comfortable environment for aging adults, addressing many concerns they may have, as they enter their golden years. With several senior living options, specialized programs and a personalized, resident-focused schedule, residents are well-catered for and have a more fulfilling retirement.
However, with many misconceptions and myths, prospective residents could be discouraged from considering a move to retirement communities. This guide aims to debunk some of the myths about retirement communities.
Residents Lose Their Independence
This is a surprising assertion since the fundamentals of retirement communities are largely hinged on the opposite. One of the living options provided by retirement communities is active independent living. Residents enjoy unrestricted and full access to services that allow for a satisfying stay. They are allowed to choose their preferred apartment and floor plans as well as decide on the preferred set-up.
Rooms are furnished to the residents’ taste (preferred decor and furniture items can be introduced). In addition to the carefully crafted schedule, residents can decide on the services preferred, have personalized services without restrictions and design their stay according to their preferences. Their needs are therefore not silenced, proving beyond every iota of doubt, retirement communities promote independent existence like any individual home.
Retirement Communities are Boring and Depressing
This couldn’t be more wrong as retirement communities in fact provide an environment more lively and engaging than personal homes. Residents are exposed to exclusive programs (including dining programs, health and fitness programs, and other activities) as well as amenities that facilitate recreation, fun and relaxation. Additionally, these activities promote healthy communication between residents, ensuring that no one has a boring experience or feels alienated, or worse, isolated or depressed.
They are Expensive
There is a quick assumption that these communities incur large costs. However, this is largely controlled as residents are charged based on the services requested. Therefore, demanding quality services would attract the appropriate charge.
Nevertheless, there are structures set in place that ensure pocket-friendly services; for instance, the rent-lock option protects you from fluctuating rental costs and helps with your budget. When compared with the cost of owning and living in a house (maintenance cost, housekeeping, transportation, etc.), retirement communities are pocket-friendly alternatives.
Residents Can’t Bring in a Pet
There are pet-friendly retirement communities for aging adults who own a pet and those looking forward to adopting one. Pets are regarded as family and as such, there are provisions that allow residents to move in with pets. Additionally, you wouldn’t need to worry as there are healthcare services that take care of pets when needed as well as an environment that supports pets’ lifestyles.
You Can’t Work
There has never been any rule against working while living in a retirement community. More and more individuals are choosing to live in an independent living community and work as long as they can. Some communities even provide them with transportation, meeting spaces, Wi-Fi, and other technical resources to help them work with ease.
Senior living programs are established to provide support for you throughout your golden years. Therefore, steering clear of myths and assumptions is pivotal to ensure you don’t miss out on the privileges these programs offer.
