If you’re in your mid-retirement years, or you have parents in that age group, you’ve likely thought about living arrangements and what might happen if you or a family member can no longer live safely at home. Of course, no one has a crystal ball that’s 100% accurate, but having a plan for life’s what-ifs can give you greater confidence and peace of mind about potential health needs in the years ahead.
Aging in place at home may seem like an easy choice, but it becomes less and less attractive as you get older. The stairs get harder to climb; the house gets more expensive to maintain; the yard still needs to be mowed; groceries need to be bought and meals prepared; and you can become increasingly isolated if you’re living at home alone with few friends left in the neighborhood.
If you need to hire home health services, be prepared to open your wallet. The cost of a home health aide for one month in our area is estimated at $4,287, according to Genworth. By 2030, the cost is projected to rise to $5,593 per month. And if you’re counting on Medicare to cover the cost, think again. Most home health care costs aren’t covered by Medicare.
What are the chances that you’ll even need help with daily activities? According to the Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 70% of people over 65 will require long-term care services during their lifetime. An AARP study produced similar statistics and showed a 68% probability that people 65 and over would need long-term care or become cognitively impaired during their lifetime.
Explore your options for senior living.
It’s never too soon to start your senior living search by researching your options. One type of senior living community you’ll want to investigate is a Life Plan Community, also known as a continuing care retirement community or CCRC.
At a Life Plan Community such as Canterbury Court, you can enjoy retirement on your terms as an independent living resident. You choose the floor plan that suits your needs, and you can take full advantage of a host of amenities and services designed to make life easier, healthier and happier.
There are always fun and fulfilling activities to try with fellow residents who are bound to become good friends and neighbors. You might head to the gym or pool in the morning, and then meet friends for coffee in the bistro. Or perhaps you’ve discovered a hidden talent for painting in an art class and are working on your next project. From gardening and woodworking to serving on a committee and singing in the choir, there’s always something to keep you learning, laughing, and loving life.
A lifestyle for today with a plan for tomorrow.
Life Plan Communities are designed to support your independence today with the added benefit of a plan for care should the need arise. But before you can move to a Life Plan Community as an independent living resident, you have to be relatively healthy; there are medical qualifications for new residents. That’s why it makes sense to start your senior living search sooner rather than later. If you choose to move to a Life Plan Community, why not make the most of it and live your best life for as long as possible.
Tips to help you start your senior living search.
A good place to start your research is by figuring out what your priorities are. Here are some questions to ask and steps to take as you build up a list of communities to visit.
- Where do you want to live? Do you want to stay in the same area or go somewhere new? Are there family members you want to be close to? Do you want to be near a big city with more cultural and entertainment attractions?
- What lifestyle do you want to lead? As you explore your options, look for programs and amenities consistent with the lifestyle you enjoy now (or want to pursue).
- Can you afford it? Most Life Plan Communities require a substantial one-time entrance fee, in addition to an ongoing monthly fee. However, health services are usually significantly discounted. This can easily save you thousands of dollars per month compared to a rental community, where health services, if available, are charged at market rates.
- What health services are available on-site? You might not want to think about the prospect of needing more attentive care, but it’s important to know what levels of care are provided at the community. Ask to see the health center and check out the care ratings.
- Is there a wait list? The most popular communities often have a wait list to get in, especially if the community is undergoing an expansion. Wait list members may be able to use community amenities and join community events while they wait for a place to open up.
Finally, as you schedule visits and get a sense of a community’s culture, ask yourself the big question: “Can I see myself living there?” The answer may occur to you the moment you walk in the door. But it may require further investigation. Talk to residents about their experience in the community and see how the staff members and residents interact. If possible, have a meal in the dining room or sit in on a class. You’ll be glad you did.
Hear from siblings and Canterbury Court residents Howell and Thomas Adams about their experiences with senior living waitlists.
Find your fit at Canterbury Court.
With an exciting expansion nearing completion, now is a great time to consider a move to Canterbury Court. To learn how you can reserve a brand-new senior apartment, get in touch. There’s no time like the present to start planning for a more fulfilling and secure future.