Every lifestyle has pros and cons so when you sit down to decide whether to stay at home or move to senior living during retirement, it’s best to look at both sides. Each level of care in senior living has something to offer but may not be right for where you are in life right now. Before making a choice, take a look at some of the senior living pros and cons that can make all the difference.
Independent senior living pros and cons
Independent living is an excellent place for active healthy seniors to live and pursue their retirement bucket lists without all the hassles of maintaining a home. One of independent living’s greatest pros is that you are free to travel far and wide knowing your home is always safe and secure and there’s no need to worry about lawn care, snow removal, maintenance, or other concerns.
If you prefer the closeness and camaraderie of friends close to home, independent living offers that and more. Not only are there daily activities, classes and events to enjoy, but a whole community of friends to enjoy them with. At Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant you can also take advantage of our unique Flourish™ wellness program that addresses seven dimensions of life to help you achieve optimum well-being as you age. Other pros include outstanding meals and dining options, excellent exercise facilities indoors and outdoors, and opportunities for lifelong learning.
Among senior living pros and cons is an often expressed con that it is cheaper to live at home than make the move. But in reality, the costs are often very comparable, and in a continuing care retirement community like Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant, you have the added benefit of seamlessly moving to higher levels of care when needed. Learn more from our Comparing Costs. Affording a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) blog post.
Assisted senior living pros and cons
If you need a little daily help, assisted living may be the perfect choice. No need to bother family to get help dressing, bathing or managing medications because one of the pros of assisted living is that basic daily help is always available when you need it from kind and compassionate staff who understand you and your preferences.
Another pro in assisted living is the availability of friends, something that can quickly decrease when living at home and mobility becomes more and more difficult. What you may not know, though, is that the lack of socialization many seniors experience living at home can actually have far reaching impacts on their health, as noted in the National Institute on Aging’s article Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. Add to that, amazing meals, local transportation, tons of things to do and learn, and a safe and secure environment designed just for seniors and assisted living can far exceed living at home.
When comparing senior living pros and cons in assisted living, it should be noted that, as with any move, it is not uncommon to feel a little stress. However, you will quickly meet and make new friends and become part of a vibrant, welcoming community. You, like many, may even wish you had made the move sooner! For an overview of assisted living check out the health.usnews.com article What Is Assisted Living?
Memory care senior living pros and cons
Often a move to memory care is the best option when around-the clock care is required to ensure your health and safety. In fact, security is one of the greatest pros associated with memory care simply because many families are unable to provide or afford that level of care at home. But it’s also important to note that a healthy diet, as well as socialization and therapeutic benefits of memory care can also help slow the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
At Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant, your wellness – physical, mental and spiritual — are priorities so memory care can make a big difference in maintaining independence longer than possible when living at home.
Among the senior living pros and cons of moving to memory care is the fear that leaving the routine familiarity of home will be detrimental. While a certain amount of confusion and even fear are normal, they are often short lived and you will soon find the new routine not only fun and engaging but comforting as well. Find out how memory care can help in from Forbes’ Your Guide to Memory Care.
For more help with senior living pros and cons, download our Stay or Go Guide for a detailed look at what senior living has to offer. Contact us for more about our beautiful community and to schedule a tour.
