A retirement home is a private facility that accommodates senior citizens that allows seniors to live independently while also having on-site medical services, security, amenities, and more. With over 800,000 senior citizens living in a retirement homes, you might be considering moving into a retirement home.[1] If so, keep reading for five reasons to consider a retirement home in old age.
1. On-site medical services
Many retirement homes have on-site medical services. On-site medical services typically offer a medical clinic, pharmacy and prescription refills, and physical therapy sessions. However, before you visit any of these doctors or pharmacies, you will want to ensure they accept your Medicare plan.
If you are 65 years old or older and not working, you likely have Medicare as health insurance. If your on-site doctor does not accept Medicare as insurance, then Medicare will not cover your healthcare services. You can read the Boomer Benefits blog for more Medicare information!
Having a medical staff available can reassure you that you are well taken care of, and if there were to be a medical emergency, you have a team to your rescue.
2. Less home maintenance
Owning a home can require tedious maintenance, and as you grow older, it can become a burden. For example, yard work can seem like it will never end, depending on your lawn type. Maintaining a yard can create physical and mental stress as you grow older. On top of that, there can also be internal home issues, such as air conditioning, heat, plumbing, and electricity. If any of these require maintenance, it can become expensive.
Consider a retirement home, as it can take all that stress away from you! When you live in a retirement home, there is on-site maintenance that will take care of any issues inside and outside your home. You are only responsible for cleaning up after yourself.
3. Feel safe and secure
A retirement home can help you feel safe and provide a sense of security. Many retirement home communities have some type of security measures in place to help protect you from danger. For example, some retirement homes have gates, so people can’t access the community at any time. Other retirement facilities have a security guard monitoring the neighborhood and watching for suspicious activity. Feeling safe is a top priority for these facilities so you can live comfortably.
4. Stay social with your peers
Whenever you live in a retirement home, you will be surrounded by a community of people around the same age as you. A retirement home is an opportunity to make new friends and have an active social life. A social life can not only help improve cognitive function, but it also benefits your memory and blood pressure and decreases the risk of depression and loneliness.
Most retirement homes have activities to help you connect with your peers and keep you active. For example, retirement homes can include fitness classes, arts and crafts, movie nights, and much more. A retirement home can be an excellent solution to enjoying your retirement with friends!
5. Enjoy the amenities
Lastly, retirement homes have amenities you might not have access to in your current living situation. Many retirement facilities offer transportation, linen service, libraries, game rooms, swimming pools, and a beauty salon and barbershop.
Another benefit is meal preparation! Many retirement facilities help prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for residents. You will know every day that you will eat a nutritious and fresh meal, which many seniors don’t have as a luxury.
Wrapping up
There are many benefits to a retirement home in old age, and these are just five. If you are considering a retirement home, start by researching the homes in your area. Be sure to read all reviews and speak with some residents of the retirement home you are considering!
[1] https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Facts-and-Figures/Pages/default.aspx
