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Living at Home vs. a CCRC: What’s Best for You?

Aug 27, 2021

Where do you want to live in your post-retirement years? Most people would say that they’d like to live “at home.” For many seniors, they have a mortgage-free home that they love in a place that’s familiar. Of course, getting older “at home” makes sense. However, there is a lot more to consider than just “familiarity” when it comes time to choose a place to live during your golden years.

“Home is more than just four walls and a roof,” says Lynda Marino, Marketing Director for Canterbury Woods Williamsville. “Home also means social connections, a healthy lifestyle, daily routines and goals … all things that are essential for aging well and staying healthy throughout your senior years.”

Lynda also says that many younger seniors don’t always think through what may happen to their various needs in the future. “Since most of us are still fairly healthy and independent when we retire, we don’t automatically think ten, twenty or even thirty years down the road,” Lynda explains. “Right now, of course living at home is easy and enjoyable, but if we don’t carefully consider what may be needed, you or a loved one could face a situation where you have to make a snap decision on where to live safely, happily and healthily.”

According to AARP, 90 percent of seniors wish to age in place in their current home. That makes sense since home is where we’re close to friends, family and comfortable routines. It may also, on the surface, make financial sense – after all, why would you move away from a mortgage-free home to go to a place where you have to pay a monthly fee? And, of course, staying at home can seem easier by keeping everything the way it currently is and making adjustments as necessary.

But is living at home in your senior years really the best choice? Would it make more sense to move into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) instead? Take a look at the two options to see what makes more sense for you or your loved one.

Home Sweet Home: Easy and Convenient
Home is where the heart is, and who doesn’t want to live in a place you love? There’s no question that your current home is familiar, comfortable and doesn’t require you to pack up all your belongings and physically move to a new space. For some people, aging in place in their current home can make good sense. However, before you definitively decide that you will continue to remain at home for the remainder of your years, there are certain things you’ll need to think about, such as:

What sort of modifications will you need to make? Mobility is an issue for many older adults. Going up and down stairs can get tricky, and if you or a spouse end up needing a wheelchair, most homes aren’t ADA-compliant. Depending on how your mobility evolves, you might need to make renovations to your current home, such as moving the master bedroom to the first floor, putting in a stairlift or other modifications.

What will you do if your health needs increase? As we get older, our risk of health issues increases. What happens if you need additional care in order to live safely? Some people choose to hire an in-home caregiver or move in with a family member.

Who will take care of chores and tasks? Living in a home means having to take care of a home, including cleaning, cooking, mowing the lawn and other tasks. If you find you don’t have the energy or ability to continue doing those things yourself, you will probably need to outsource the work.

How will you continue social interaction? It can be hard to get out of the house as we get older (and driving can be difficult as well). You’ll need to think through how you can continue doing the things you love and seeing the people you care about – both of those things are incredibly important to your health as you age.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities: Designed for Seniors’ Needs
A CCRC is a senior living community that has the full continuum of care available on campus: independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. They’re designed to help seniors enjoy their seniorhood to the fullest while providing a lifestyle that’s conducive to healthy aging and a home that’s been designed with the needs of aging adults in mind. Most seniors who choose to move into CCRCs are doing so because they want to free themselves of the hassle of homeownership while also having peace of mind that they’ll never have to move away from “home” again.

Here are some questions to ask if you or a loved one are considering moving into a CCRC versus staying in a current home:

Are you tired of dealing with home maintenance? As we mentioned previously, the upkeep (and costs) that come from owning a home can be extensive. CCRCs are maintenance-free, with a full-time maintenance staff that handles all the details (including landscaping). Residents don’t even have to clean their living space – that’s provided in the monthly fee, along with certain laundry services (at specific communities).

Would you like to be more social (and remain social)? One of the greatest things about a CCRC is that it is a community in every sense of the word. Residents live in a place with other individuals in the same stage of life, meaning that you have friends and neighbors right outside your door. There are also activities and events taking place all the time, thanks to a packed calendar of events. It’s never been easier to become social and make new friends. All you have to do is step outside and say hello.

Is living a healthy lifestyle important to you? CCRCs are designed with the idea of healthy aging in mind, and “health” encompasses more than just exercise and a healthy diet. Yes, CCRCs have fitness centers and fitness classes that are free to residents, as well as restaurant-quality dining options. There are also social and educational events that keep brains active and healthy. Since you no longer have to deal with chores, you have all the time in the world to dedicate yourself to the things that interest you, as well as your health.

The Choice Is Yours
So which would you prefer: living at home or moving into a CCRC? There’s no right or wrong answer – only the answer that’s right for you. Take time to think through your options, weigh the positives and negatives and choose the option that will help you live your very best senior lifestyle today, tomorrow and beyond.

For more information about staying at home versus moving to a CCRC, please contact us at (716) 427-6928.

Find Your Fulfillment

Canterbury Woods Williamsville is a Continuing Care Retirement Community like you’ve never seen. Canterbury Woods Williamsville is not only the perfect location for rest and relaxation, thanks to 62 tranquil acres, but there’s also easy access to Buffalo’s urban location. Offering the highest quality independent living lifestyle and security, you’ll be part of a welcoming community consisting of both friends and neighbors while experiencing gracious living, first-class health care and the freedom to create the lifestyle you desire.

Continuum of Care

As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Canterbury Woods Communities provide a comfortable environment and first-rate services to support every level of need. Assisted living apartments allow Williamsville residents to benefit from additional support while maintaining their independent lifestyle. If skilled nursing, rehabilitation or memory care is ever needed, residents can experience the support they require. They can also enjoy all this and more at our sister community in Buffalo.

Contact us today to discover more about Canterbury Woods Williamsville!
(716) 427-6928

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