What comes to your mind first when you think of a senior living community? If you\u2019re like a lot of people, the answer probably isn\u2019t an ideal place to live. That\u2019s because there are so many myths and misconceptions about senior living and Life Plan Communities. It\u2019s understandable too, if your only exposure to them was several years ago while visiting an elderly loved one in a nursing home. The truth is, however, today\u2019s senior living communities could not be more different from what so many imagine. In fact, because of societal changes to ideas about aging in general, senior living communities are now places where people go to live their absolute best lives in retirement. Current residents of Life Plan Communities have enhanced their lifestyle by moving and are now enjoying more freedom to do what they want than ever before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s long past time to finally debunk some of the most common retirement myths, so that\u2019s exactly what we\u2019ve done. Keep reading to learn the truth of all the benefits of senior living that you can enjoy living in a Life Plan Community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MYTH: <\/strong> TRUTH:<\/strong> MYTH: <\/strong> TRUTH<\/strong>: MYTH: <\/strong> TRUTH:<\/strong> MYTH: <\/strong> TRUTH:<\/strong> MYTH: <\/strong> TRUTH:<\/strong>
Retirement communities are too expensive.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How much do you think it costs, over time, to age at home? The answer will likely surprise you because it\u2019s a lot higher than many anticipate. Even if you\u2019ve paid off your mortgage, homeownership is still expensive. Consider everything that goes into your monthly bills: insurance, taxes, maintenance and repairs, utilities, gym memberships, dining, activities and emergency expenses. Now, imagine having all that covered by one cost. At a Life Plan Community, all of the above items are included, and often even more than that. Plus, there are the added benefits of regular entertainment and social activities, housekeeping services, higher levels of continuing care if necessary, and a community of friends and neighbors all within easy reach. So, while the cost of your senior living payments would depend on the size of your residence in a new community, it\u2019s often comparable \u2014 possibly even less expensive \u2014 than receiving all of the same services at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Senior living community residents have to give up their independence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s your retirement, so you\u2019re in charge of your own schedule. While senior living communities provide a wide array of programming, activities and onsite services like dining, fitness and beauty, none of it is mandatory. Participation is completely up to you and you are free to come and go from the community as much as you\u2019d like, just as you would in your own home. The actual goal of senior living is to keep you as independent as possible for as long as you\u2019re physically able. Transportation for errands or group outings is available to those who need or would like it, but parking is available for your own car and driving is encouraged. Having your own car actually makes life even more convenient if you enjoy traveling or exploring the local area. You can venture out any time you like with the comfort of knowing your residence will be looked after while you\u2019re away and that there\u2019s a whole community of friends looking forward to hearing all about your latest adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those places are only for ill or very old people.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
With younger populations of residents and full calendars of regularly scheduled fitness and wellness programs to keep people active, seniors are able to stay healthier, more fit and live longer in retirement communities than they might at home. Life Plan Communities are designed with vibrant, independent people in mind. Fitness and wellness initiatives and programs help keep residents feeling young and fit. If illness or injuries do occur, world-class medical care is available right onsite. Everything is right in one place to keep you as independent and healthy as possible. An active, worry-free lifestyle in a Life Plan Community offers you the freedom to do more of what you love to do while you\u2019re the ideal age to enjoy it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People who live in those communities are lonely and bored.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This myth could not possibly be further from the truth. Not only will you be able to continue doing what you love in a Life Plan Community, but you\u2019re also likely to pick up new interests with other residents who share your same passion. Beyond the clubs and activities, amenities like access to swimming pools, spas, state-of-the-art fitness centers and even onsite or nearby golf courses are always available. Senior living communities also provide endless opportunities to develop close social connections and friendships, which is crucial as we age. At senior living communities, residents make friends, share meals, go on trips, and enjoy special occasions together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not safe to live there during a pandemic.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s understandable to be weary of senior living communities given the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The truth is, Life Plan Communities have taken extensive coronavirus safety measures to ensure the health and wellbeing of residents, their families and every single member of the experienced staff. Coronavirus prevention is paramount to providing a safe and controlled community environment that people will love to call home. The uncontrollable factors that exist when aging in place are eliminated in a community setting thanks to minimal contact with outside visitors and the convenience of having everyday needs accommodated onsite. Daily tasks like doctor\u2019s visits can be conducted in the community, so there\u2019s no risk of infection while sitting in a waiting room. Groceries and medications can be delivered straight to the residences, rather than making trips to a grocery store or pharmacy. When friends and family are able to visit, they\u2019ll be able to do so in welcoming outdoor areas that follow all CDC guidelines and allow for privacy and comfort while still maintaining social distance from other residents and team members. Moving, especially during a pandemic, is an adjustment, but it can be made easier when you know that the place you\u2019ll soon call home has placed your safety and wellbeing as its top priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n