INDUSTRY INSIGHT
SENIOR LIVING
SPONSORED CONTENT
Age at Home or Move to a Senior Living Community ?
At Asbury , we have daily conversations with people who are weighing moving to a retirement community versus adapting their current home to support changing physical needs , buying a smaller place , and utilizing family and friends for support as they age .
But for some , the decision to age in place seems to stem more from concerns about the task of selling their home and misperceptions about retirement communities than a lifestyle choice .
Here are two benefits to consider :
• The social interaction and well-being that you gain from a retirement community
• The freedom and financial savings that come with a maintenance-free lifestyle
Chatter Matters
Perhaps the greatest benefit of retirement communities is one that seldom tops a person ’ s list of reasons for moving — preventing the emotional , physical , and cognitive cost of reduced social interaction . Studies link social isolation and lack of meaningful interaction with the following effects :
• Decline in physical health
• Increased risk of depression
• Increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia
Retirement communities are designed for successful aging . They offer opportunities to remain engaged through volunteering , planned trips and programs , resident clubs , fitness centers with trained staff , and new friends right outside your door . This doesn ’ t mean that your interests are limited to the campus . Residents maintain community ties and friends , and continue to travel or enjoy vacation homes . How people engage in their new community ’ s lifestyle remains a matter of preference .
“ I realized this is not your old retirement home , it is your new beginning . Life here is full of energy . Our pool , cornhole , bocce , the trails to walk , grocery shopping , doctor appointment transportation , a supervised gym , dining , and dining delivery . It ’ s a resort ! Most and not least are friendships to be made . A new lease on life !”
– Marilyn Camillo , Springhill resident
Home Sweet … Maintenance
The upkeep on a house can become financially , physically , and even emotionally overwhelming as we age . So many residents — even those who never viewed maintenance as a burden and worried that they would miss their house — tell us within a few weeks of settling in that they are amazed by how liberated they feel , especially when preparing for or returning home from a trip .
The financial burden of home ownership is particularly true in an older home that may need major renovations such as a new roof , furnace , or water heater . The average cost of painting your home is $ 5,700 , while a new roof can set you back an average of $ 20,000 . Replacing 10 double-hung windows is a $ 11,000 investment .
Many of the expenses of home ownership are included in the monthly services fee at a senior living community , including property taxes . Further , the monthly services fee includes some of the bills paid separately as a homeowner , not just the mortgage .
There is a general misconception that a retirement living community is an expensive alternative . But there is a wide range of floor plans and pricing options to match a variety of income and financial asset levels . Comparing the cost of retirement community living to home ownership is important and may have a surprising result .
An Erie leader in aging for over 30 years , Springhill is a wellbeing destination that provides top-quality senior living services and amenities . Schedule a personal tour today ! Visit online at SpringhillErie . org or call 814.310.0285 .
Asbury Springhill • 2323 Edinboro Road • Erie , PA 16509 • SpringhillErie . org
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