In general, how much something costs is often considered its value, but when it comes to independent living value, it’s essential to peel back the layers and look deeper into what value really means. When deciding where to live in retirement, at home or in independent living, there are many aspects of value you may not have considered.
Compare Costs, Consider the Independent Living Value
Living at home has costs that many seniors may not even realize are included in the monthly cost of independent living. For example, in addition to a mortgage, taxes and homeowner’s insurance, you are probably also paying for utilities, cable, internet, housekeeping services, and groceries. This is where the independent living value really shines because in most independent living communities all or most of these are included in the monthly rent. Now, look at some of the less tangible costs of living at home that can tilt the independent living value scale.
If you, like many seniors, looked forward to retirement for the freedom it would bring only to find you are spending more time than ever on home maintenance and upkeep, consider that independent living value includes a lifestyle that is free of many home-ownership responsibilities as well as their associated costs. No need to find a trustworthy contractor, and no waiting weeks until they show up.
When eating well means eating out every night, waiting in line for a table, and paying too much for food you don’t love, consider that another independent living value is chef-inspired meals in an elegant formal dining room, as well as more casual dining options that don’t require a reservation. And meals are included in the monthly fee so no surprises are in store.
Then there is the socialization aspect of living at home. While our home is your private domain, it can also be a lonely place when friends no longer stop by and the days drag on. But independent living is a hub of social activities with daily calendars of classes, workshops, events, and entertainment options you can choose from, all the while maintaining the privacy of your own senior living home. Learn more about independent living value in our blog, “What Is Independent Living?”
Secure freedom to roam
Freedom from career responsibilities is often considered one of the best aspects of retirement, especially for those who love to travel. If you have travel on your bucket list or prefer to spend winters in warmer climes, you will appreciate the independent living value of security while you are away.
One of the trickiest aspects of traveling for weeks or months is figuring out how to ensure your home is secure and maintained in your absence. Maybe your family can check on the house periodically, you install a costly security system, or you just lock up and leave, hoping for the best. None of these are necessary when you choose independent living. On-site security and maintenance are available 24/7 year-round so you can travel freely with the peace of mind that your home and possessions are safe and sound, with no added cost to you or burden on anyone you love. Make retirement travel all it can be with ideas in our blog, “6 Travel Tips for Seniors.”
Look to the future as well as the present
While living at home is the natural step in early retirement, don’t forget to look ahead to a time when you may need daily care with personal hygiene, medication management, meal preparation, housekeeping and home maintenance. According to the Association for Long Term Care Planning’s article, “Long Term Care Facts and Statistics” of people age 65 and older, 70% will need some long-term care in the future.
So rather than ignore reality, plan for it by considering that one important independent living value is that many independent communities like Ganton’s Countryside also provide a range of senior living care options from assisted living to memory care to nursing care. This means you not only have caregivers ready and waiting to lend a hand but that if the time comes, you can move into the appropriate care level seamlessly. Find out what to expect from the best in our blog, “Top Qualities of the Best Retirement Communities in Michigan.”
Retirement has so much potential and the carefree lifestyle of independent living can help you enjoy every minute of what’s ahead. For more information about Countryside, please call Margaret Nagel at (517) 206-5000 or download our brochure to learn about our care levels, cost, and amenities.
