Table of Contents
Community
Around the age of retirement, most people are between fifty-five and sixty-six. By this point, a full life has been lived, sometimes including owning a home, raising a family and having grandchildren, or being part of a steady career for many years. Something many people might not realize is that this stage of life can be lonely. Sons, daughters, and grandchildren have busy lives of their own, friends have moved away, and a spouse or partner might have passed. This does sound negative, but retirement communities can bring people into a whole new world of companionship. Again, the relative age of people already living in these communities is fifty and upwards, the age people might start looking into retirement options. It’s often a consoling factor to be surrounded by similar aged people at any age, grade school students and retired folk alike. At this stage in life, there can be so many connecting factors to start new relationships: familial similarities, like hobbies (crafting, gardening, cooking, exercise, etc.), related friendships, or family crises. Joining into a retirement home gives one the ability to connect with like-minded people and create a blossoming community.
Safety
Closed community! Need I say more? Safety is a prevalent topic for homeowners and families, and even more so for those who are aging. Owning and protecting a home can be an extensive and exhausting process with the installation of security cameras, sensors, locks, security systems; the list goes on. However, in a retirement community, the premises is often gated for protection, blocked with a code for entry and mechanical gate, along with other security systems. The whole process is completed for you as soon as you walk into a community and set up house. It is beneficial in many ways because of general upkeep of security systems alone; the cost and technological factors are enough to bother anyone. The simplicity of having it done for you is a blessing.
Peace
Tired of being surrounded by neighborhoods with noisy children, young adults who like to party, and that one German shepherd who barks every morning and night? Retirement communities provide the perfect oasis from all of that. Surrounded by people in the same walk of life, it is more likely to be quiet and calm. As you age, the desire for quiet grows as it is harder to filter out background noise (traffic, animals, noisy neighborhoods). These communities are generally built in areas with less traffic; although at points, inevitable, still built with relaxation in mind.
Community Events
One of the best parts about living in a retirement community is the event calendar; each month there are planned events for retiree enjoyment. Holidays parties, Bingo night, crafts, and exercise classes just barely scratch the surface of social gatherings included in the community. If there is a pool and spa combo in the community, water aerobics and various swim classes are options. As for game night, Yahtzee is a popular board game among retirees, as well as Bingo. Bingo is almost synonymous with retirement homes, and comes along with prizes and prizes. No wonder it’s such a popular game! Arts and crafts classes are also a big part of retirement home events with sewing, crocheting, rug hooking, and painting as some of the usual crafting exercises. Speaking of exercise, calisthenics and Wii gaming are options. The variety of events is a big part of bringing the community together.
Comfort
Retirement communities are designed for peaceful residence with the benefit of comfortable living in a beautiful setting. Landscape artists and designers work hard to promote relaxation with the addition of plentiful greenery and florals, seating areas, and fireplaces. These are just some aspects of relaxation that are specifically included in retirement homes as curb appeal. The interior of homes are designed with older residents in mind as well; carpet floors are put in place instead of wood as a caution to prevent falling. Stable surfaces and ramps or handrails are another added bonus.
Less Home Maintenance
Less home maintenance! Sign me up! From the age of fifteen to eighty, this has something positive in mind for everyone. Tired of constantly cleaning, keeping up the garden, plumbing, and other endless home improvement tasks? Retirement communities take care of a good portion of these constant bothers. Maintenance staff is available for household tasks that are beyond the abilities of residents; roof repair, small construction projects, home appliance repair, etc. If there is a need, it will be helped. Since retirement homes are often a downsize for most people, the square footage of each house is smaller, and therefore less maintenance and hassle.
Emergencies
Often times, retirement homes have included medical benefits; depending on the type of community, there are various levels of assistance. Nursing assistance, medication administration, and physical therapy classes are just some options. Because of the nature of retirement communities, help is always nearby, and the community is well prepared to assist with all medical and emergency situations. For example, if a resident happens to fall, staff members should be trained to deal with problem quickly. Just make sure to double check with the facility because each retirement home has a different offer in relation to health issues, some not offering as much as others.
Moving into a retirement home can be beneficial to you and your family for plentiful reasons: like-minded community, safety, comfort, scheduled events, less maintenance, and emergency care. All of these factors are in place to promote a beneficial living environment. As the need for retirement planning arises, think about the home comforts, community, and care as the driving force behind either you or your loved one’s move into a home. Let’s turn the negative stigma towards retirement communities around for a more positive outlook.
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