After a long life of hard work, people deserve to retire the way they would like. This new level of freedom should be enjoyed however they see fit. For some, it may mean traveling more, for others it may be spending more time with family. Whatever the case may be, senior living is not often on their minds when they finally enter this new chapter. Typically, they envision themselves living in the same home they always have, even if it is only as a home base between trips.

There is nothing inherently wrong with retiring at home, especially in one’s spry and active earlier retirement years. However, it does present several downsides – downsides that can become more pronounced as time goes on. If you or your loved one are considering spending your full retirement at home, here are a few things to consider before you decide.

Home Maintenance and Upkeep

Some people find joy in activities like home maintenance, yardwork, and landscaping. Many others, however, wish to avoid these activities at all costs. These chores can become especially unappealing when they begin to eat up the free time someone has earned in retirement. Even those who previously enjoy them may find them becoming more challenging and strenuous than before as they age. One of the many advantages of life in a senior living community is becoming liberated from tasks like these. Life in independent or assisted living eliminates these burdens from daily life so people can dedicate their time to better things.

Isolation

Retiring at home can quickly become a lonely experience. As friends continue to move away, transition to senior living, or pass on, it may become more difficult to maintain a social life. This is especially true if their family does not live nearby. Isolation can cause many adverse health effects, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Obesity
  • A weakened immune system
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Cognitive decline
  • Dementia

Alternatively, a senior living community offers just that: a community. By having new friends and neighbors nearby, it is easy to forge new friendships and develop a fulfilling and invigorating social life that may have been difficult to achieve at home.

Uncertainty

As people age, their needs tend to change and increase. Retiring at home creates the possibility that these evolving needs may not be met. For example, a family member may not be able to provide an adequate level of support while also balancing work and parenting. Moving into a senior living option such as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) can prevent these challenges from arising. CCRCs provide multiple levels of care on the same campus so people can transition between levels while remaining in the comfort of their apartment.

If you would like to learn more about a multi-level, non-profit Ontario CCRC with a welcoming atmosphere and vibrant social setting, contact Inland Christian Home. Call us today at (909) 983-0084 or reach us online.