Senior retirement communities are one of the best ways to enjoy senior living and the golden years, but many still have misconceptions about them. The truth is that senior living communities can be great, and they’re not limited to a particular type of person or lifestyle. Here are some common myths about senior communities debunked:
You’re Stuck There If You Move In
This is a big one, so we’ll address it right up front. You could indeed live in a retirement community for your entire life—but there are many other options as well! You can move in and leave later or spend time away before returning. You can even stay just long enough to visit family before returning back home.
Residents Have To Be Rich
The myth that retirement communities are only for the rich is a common one, but it’s just not true. Many residents who live in senior retirement communities are on a fixed income, and they’ve chosen to make their homes in these developments because they value their independence and enjoy the amenities of this type of lifestyle. It’s true that you do need some money to move into a 55+ community—but if you’re willing to spend time researching your options and negotiating with vendors, you can get an affordable deal on purchasing or renting a home there.
They’re Expensive
In many cases, a retirement community is less expensive than continuing to pay your bills. For example, residents pay a monthly fee but no mortgage. The community provides many amenities—like housekeeping and transportation to doctor’s appointments—that would otherwise be their responsibility if they still owned their homes. The average monthly fee of $1,500 includes food and housekeeping and maintenance services that are often not covered by insurance or Medicare.
In addition to the monthly fees, there may be additional costs, such as utilities (which can vary depending on what type of unit you choose). Regardless of whether these costs are included in your monthly fee or paid separately by you at the end of each month, it’s important to consider them when comparing senior living options so that you don’t underestimate how much money you’ll need every month after moving into one.
There’s No Privacy In A 55+ Community
There are many different types of retirement communities and it’s important to keep in mind that each community has its own unique features. For example, some communities have private rooms while others have shared rooms; some have private bathrooms while others have shared bathrooms; some have kitchens (or mini-kitchens) while others do not. The same goes for dining areas: some may be private, while others rely on a communal dining area where residents can socialize with their neighbors over lunch or dinner.
It’s also worth noting that privacy doesn’t necessarily mean seclusion—if you want to engage with other residents but enjoy your own space at the same time, perhaps one of these communities is right for you!
Your move-in date is not your last day of freedom. While the lease agreement may seem like a binding commitment, it’s actually quite flexible. Many of the residents at senior retirement communities are still mobile and capable of living independently, so they have the ability to come and go as they please.
Retirement Communities Are Where People Go To Die
You might have heard that retirement communities are where people go to die, but that’s simply not true. Retirement communities are actually for all ages, and have a wide range of amenities and services. There are even some retirement communities designed specifically for active seniors who want to remain independent and engaged with the world around them.
In addition to the many different types of retirement communities available, they aren’t just for those who are wealthy or looking forward to dying. No matter your stage in life—whether you’re still working or retired—you can benefit from living at a senior community if it offers what you need: comfort, peace of mind, social interaction (and plenty more).
