When you think about retirement, you think about spending time doing what you want and what you’ve always wanted to do. Spending your retirement in a retirement home isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. However, many retirees find themselves enjoying and making the most out of living in retirement homes. For some people, it is the best option as it helps make things easier and more convenient. Which then allows them to fully enjoy their retirement. We put together some pros and cons of living in a retirement home. First, let’s start with the pros.
Pros of Retirement Homes
Community
Retirement homes offer a community to which you can be a part of and contribute. Retirement communities are usually made up of folks close in age with a lot in common. This can open the opportunity to make new friends and you can plan to do things together. Some communities offer community gardens that allow everyone to take part in gardening and growing food together. Some also offer various social gatherings, events, and even trips!
Health and Fitness
Since retirement homes and communities are centred around the aging population, certain amenities and services are provided to help keep you happy and healthy. Most retirement homes and communities offer a gym so you can stay on top of your health and fitness. Some even have a pool! It is common for trainers at the gym to hold fitness classes tailored to people of retirement age. So, the workouts are not too strenuous. In addition to a gym, occupational and physical therapy are often offered in retirement homes and communities. In some instances, a medical clinic is located on or nearby. This can help retirees stay on top of their medical needs without going too far from home.
Dining
Depending on your budget and where you choose to live, some retirement homes and communities offer meal services. This helps take the stress of making regular trips to the grocery store. Not to mention spending money on groceries and finding the time to cook off you. Sometimes, you can work with the staff to come up with the perfect meal plan for you. So, you will never have to worry about what your next meal is. Some retirement homes offer a cafeteria, cafe or restaurant setting where retirees can gather for meals. Although some folks prefer to stay in and eat in their home. On holidays, there are usually special festive meals and treats offered to everyone in the community. This helps brighten up holidays in retirement communities. And is sure to put smiles on many faces!
Security
Of course, how can you enjoy your retirement in peace without ensuring you can do so safely? Many retirement homes and communities offer security to help keep you safe and give you peace of mind. The security can vary depending on where you choose to live. Some retirement communities are gated and require special keys or badges to enter. In addition to this, it is common for some higher-end retirement communities to have surveillance and law enforcement patrols throughout the community. Homes within retirement communities usually have home security systems including alarms, motion sensor lights and surveillance cameras to ensure safety. Apartment buildings for retirees are another option with good security. They usually always have locked doors and require you to have your own specific key to enter. Some buildings have a security guard on duty around the clock. These locations are usually heavily monitored by surveillance cameras. And, visitors may need to be buzzed in by the resident. On some occasions, visitors will need to stop by the security desk to sign in and out. This is very helpful when you consider how easily retirees can be targeted for crimes, and security in some way, shape or form.
Pet Friendly
Some retirement homes and communities may require a fee for pets or have a policy preventing you from having pets. While this is the case with some retirement homes and communities, many are pet friendly! People who operate retirement homes usually understand the positive impact animals can have on a person. Especially one that lives alone. Animals are wonderful companions and have been proven to help relieve stress and make people happier. In addition, some retirees have service and emotional support animals that are assigned and deemed medically necessary for an individual. Although there can be size and breed restrictions to having pets, there are plenty of options for pets that are reasonable and fit within the requirements. As you get further into retirement, it may be best to keep a pet that is smaller and requires less maintenance and energy to handle. Now that you are familiar with the pros, let’s go over the cons of living in a retirement home.
Cons of Retirement Homes
Social Life
Since you’re no longer in your own home, hosting family gatherings can be a challenge. Retirement homes have set, and sometimes limited, visiting hours. And, some may even put limits on group sizes. On top of that, some retirement homes have policies that mandate social engagements as a way to stay socially healthy and involved with your peers. While the intentions are good, and most engagements are positive and fun, it is understandable that people in retirement may want to socialize and spend time with family more than their fellow residents.
Cost
As expected, another downfall to retirement homes is cost. While retirement homes can be less expensive and more affordable for many, some still find cost to be a challenge. Some homes mandate extra fees and dues for certain activities and amenities offered. There is the option of all-inclusive retirement homes. However, the cost of living in an all-inclusive retirement home can be high. For these instances, proper planning is best as getting set up in an all-inclusive retirement home requires advance planning, and sometimes a large chunk of your savings.
No Pets / Pets Cost Extra
Do you plan on keeping or getting a pet when you move for retirement? You may need to pay extra to keep a pet if you choose to live in a retirement home or community. You will also need to ensure your pet stays out of trouble, stay on top of the upkeep for your pet, and make sure it does not cause any issues with other retirees. Size and breed restrictions may also be enforced. In some instances, retirement homes and communities have a policy that prevents anyone from keeping any animals as pets. Usually for safety and for the medical consideration of those who may have phobias or severe allergies. It can be very difficult to give up a longtime companion simply cause you need to move due to retirement making it a very tough decision.
With that said, you should not let the cons of living in a retirement home prevent you from possibly missing out on a wonderful experience and opportunity to have a fulfilling retirement in a retirement home.
Retiring with EasyGo
Regardless of where you decide to live for retirement, retirees everywhere trust EasyGo for their mobility needs. Our power chairs offer foldable and portable convenience in a lightweight patented design at an affordable cost that fits the budget of any retiree. Our Elite Power Chair is our best seller. And, it weighs only 50 lbs. with the battery removed. It holds a max weight of 264 lbs. and drives on 12-inch rear driving wheels that never go flat! You can enjoy the same lightweight portable convenience with our Standard Model, that weighs 45lbs. with the battery removed and holds a max weight of 250lbs. In addition, both EasyGo Models are foldable and can easily fit in your trunk! The sleek folding design, compact size, and smooth driving of the EasyGo Power Chairs makes it ideal for anyone in a retirement home and community.
Conclusion
Retirement homes are not for everyone, but many have found them to be quite beneficial for their retirement. The changes in environment, social setting and cost may deter some from considering life in a retirement home and that is understandable. When you consider the security, community setting, and life enhancing amenities offered in retirement homes and communities, it makes sense why so many retirees choose to move into a retirement home. We hope this article helps and we thank you for choosing EasyGo Mobility.