For many seniors and their family members, choosing a retirement community lifestyle is an easy decision. They like the prospect of having less responsibility for home maintenance and feel a retirement home would actually give them more independence to engage in their favorite activities. They see the potential for socialization and a sense of community appealing as well.
For others, however, the decision is more difficult. They find contentment and independence in their own home, savoring the memories there and taking pride in home ownership and care. And some retirees feel that, cost-wise, a senior retirement home isn’t within the realm of possibility for them.
Understandably, the decision can be agonizing. To move or not to move … that is the question.
For some individuals or couples, aging in place (in one’s own home) may be the right choice; for some, in-home care; and for others, a senior living community. Then, within a senior living community, which service option would be appropriate? An independent living community, or an assisted living or personal care home? What about memory support services or restorative services?
Country Meadows Retirement Communities realizes that such a personal decision depends on many factors, some of which are unique to individuals and their families. Here are a few considerations for retirees and family members trying to decide if a retirement community is the right option for them.
- Health – Consider both physical and mental health care, not just for today but for the future as well. How will you ensure that those needs are met?
- Home maintenance – Are you able to continue housekeeping, repairs and daily chores? Are such obligations keeping you from doing activities you’d rather be doing? Will you have to make physical modifications to your home?
- Social relationships – Do you enjoy meeting new people and making friends? How will you maintain current friendships if you move to a senior retirement home?
- Activities – Where are you most able to participate in activities that you enjoy? Compare your current interests to available retirement community activities.
- Transportation – Are you still driving? If you stop driving, how will you go to the store, doctor’s office and other essential destinations? Do retirement communities in your area offer transportation services?
- Meals – Do you enjoy cooking, and are you eating well on a daily basis? What kinds of meals are offered by nearby retirement homes?
- Costs – What is the cost of living in your own home versus a retirement home? You can use this helpful tool to compare your current living expenses with retirement community costs.
Are you considering a move to a retirement community? If so, you might want to read our information on what to look for when considering a retirement community.
If you’re seeking a retirement community in Pennsylvania or a Maryland retirement home, we hope that you will check out one or more Country Meadows communities. Caring for our residents is an honor and a privilege, and we hire and train people who embrace that philosophy.
Our senior living options include senior independent living in Pennsylvania and Maryland, personal care at all of our Pennsylvania sites and assisted living in Frederick, Maryland. All of our communities also offer memory care support and, most, restorative care. In addition, our locations in South Hills of Pittsburgh and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania offer nursing home (skilled nursing) and short-term rehabilitation as well.
Please contact us for information or to schedule a tour so that we can introduce you to our full range of services.
Country Meadows
I like how you mentioned that living in a senior home community can decrease the responsibility of home maintenance and therefore give seniors more independence to engage in their favorite activities! I think it’s so important to allow seniors to be active and enjoy their lives, and not have to worry about difficult or mundane tasks. My friend is considering encouraging her elderly mother to move to a senior living community, but she isn’t sure if it would be beneficial to her mother, and she fears it would make her feel restrained.
Ms. Pearson,
Thank you for sharing your comments and friend’s situation. While retirement communities are not the preferred choice by everyone, they certainly have merits including peer socialization from which your friend’s mom may benefit. We wish her the best in her search and offer our team as a resource to answer any questions or be of help. Have a good rest of your week.
My family is trying to decide the best living solution for my grandpa. I agree with you that it is important to take their health into consideration. We will have to find a senior living community that is the right fit for his health needs.