Three Couples, Three Different Visions
Mark and Judy have always lived in the city and love the excitement of urban living. For Janice and Bob, staying close to the kids and grandkids—and the dairy farm their sons run—is a priority. Sherry and Dan like the convenience and privacy of suburban living. Three couples with three very different visions of ideal retirement housing.
What are the Options?
According to US News & World Report, seniors have seven categories of options for retirement living:
- Aging in place
- Living with adult children
- House-sharing
- Independent Living
- Assisted Living
- Subsidized senior housing
- Life Plan Community
Exploring Different Combinations
Within each of these groupings are various choices; for example, house sharing could be part of living with adult children. And Independent Living and Assisted Living could be part of a Life Plan Community. Independent Living might also include downsizing into a 55+ community.
Each category has related savings and expenses—and pros and cons. Aging in place might seem like an attractive option because packing and moving is not necessary; however, modifications to the home for safety and accessibility will most likely be needed. Also, seniors living alone are at greater risk for isolation, poor nutrition, and associated health concerns.
Living with adult children can be an intergenerational win-win—as long as allowances are made for privacy, boundaries, and expense-sharing. Similar concerns for separate space arise with house-sharing, but more opportunity for socialization is a big plus.
Why Independent Living and Assisted Living are Popular
Independent and Assisted Living are options that have become increasingly popular with older adults in the past few decades, providing choices that previous generations of seniors did not have. The balance of privacy and autonomy with maintenance-free living and personalized, as-needed care has made these attractive housing possibilities for today’s active older adults.
Another factor making Independent and Assisted Living appealing is the choice of housing offered. From “executive” homes that may be as large as 4,000 sf to villas, cottages, and apartment homes, the housing varieties, styles, floorplans, and settings are impressive. And many of these homes can be customized to reflect personal design preferences.
The Appeal of Life Plan, Or Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Independent Living and Assisted Living are usually offered at Life Plan Communities, which used to be referred to as Continuing Care Retirement Communities. The name change reflects the shifting focus to active adult living rather than care services; in addition to an array of wellness and care services, these communities are also able to provide wellness facilities, amenities, and social activities, usually on one campus.
US News notes the advantages of Life Plan Communities, stating that they can be “an affordable choice in the long run,” adding that the combination of several living arrangements on one campus allows seniors to move seamlessly from one living arrangement to another if and when needed. Additionally, these communities are usually all-inclusive and often provide maintenance, meals, transportation, and organized activities as well as any needed care.
Finding the Right Fit
While each of our three couples envisioned very different housing situations for their retirement years, the flexibility of the Life Plan Community model appeals to all three couples.
Mark and Judy are enjoying life in a high-rise apartment home in a Life Plan Community in Chicago. They love the views from their apartment, and the fact that housekeeping, transportation, and meals are included.
Janice and Bob didn’t feel comfortable “invading” their children’s homes. And when they considered the cost of a house addition or a cottage on the farm, Independent Living affiliated with a nearby Life Plan Community a short drive from the farm made more sense, particularly since Bob has had some ongoing health concerns.
Sherry and Dan were tired of the upkeep on the suburban home where they raised their three children. Their suburban Life Plan Community provides transportation to the rail line into the city, as well as organized trips to the countryside. This couple feels they have the best of both worlds—and no maintenance!
Nestled on 70 beautifully landscaped acres, Wesley Court is a private residential neighborhood consisting of executive and garden homes, independent living apartments, assisted living apartments, and private nursing care rooms.
When it opened in 2004, Wesley Court was one of the first retirement settings in West Texas to provide a full continuum of services for residents in one location. Since then, it has become a standard-setting retirement destination. Many choices are available in our beautiful community for those looking to retire in style!
