If you or a loved one are considering retirement living, you’re likely curious about the cost. Questions that may come to mind are: Is moving to a retirement community or aging in place more affordable? What are some benefits compared to staying at home if I make the switch?
While the choice to transition into a retirement community may initially seem overwhelming, the financial aspects can be more manageable than you think.
Below are some independent senior living costs and the added advantages older adults will experience by moving into senior living housing at Seasons Retirement Communities.
No “one size fits all” answer exists to this commonly asked question. Some people may experience “sticker shock” when they first learn about the cost of retirement living. For many, it’s challenging to comprehend paying a monthly fee when you are financially independent or mortgage-free.
Independent senior living costs can appear expensive if you compare them strictly to the cost of living at home with absolutely no support or services in place.
Most older adults move to a retirement community when their circumstances change, such as a health concern or desire for a more convenient and worry-free lifestyle.
Therefore, when comparing the cost of adding support to age at home versus the average affordability of supportive living, you’ll see that enjoying a retirement community’s benefits is less expensive than you may have thought.
The following are seven factors to consider when making this important decision:
The monthly cost at Seasons includes 24-hour emergency response, which means you or your loved one can rest assured our trained service team members are always there if and when needed.
One often overlooked benefit of 24-hour emergency response is immediate access to trained professionals who can address a variety of needs, from simple assistance to urgent medical situations.
If you choose to stay at home, consider the cost of a similar life-saving subscription service that can assist you in an emergency.
Many seniors who stay at home may delay seeking medical help because of the inconvenience or worry about the cost of emergency services.
Having the cost of the emergency response included at Seasons Retirement Communities provides peace of mind, knowing that the help needed will arrive swiftly. This eliminates the costs of private emergency monitoring services and ensures a quicker, more efficient response in critical situations.
Provincially-funded home care may be allocated whether you live at home or in a retirement residence.
However, it’s important to remember that, depending on the care required, the allocated time might need to be supplemented with private home care. You may be surprised to learn the price of private-pay home care and its hourly minimums compared to additional health and wellness services at Seasons.
In Alberta, you may qualify for home care through Alberta Health Services, which means you may be eligible to receive care at no additional cost in the comfort of your Seasons suite!
Beyond provincial home care, Seasons Retirement Communities offer a range of personalized care options designed to adapt as care needs evolve. Many seniors at home are surprised by how quickly their needs can increase and often find it difficult to get reliable care on short notice.
Seasons residents can opt for enhanced care services at a predictable cost. Professionals are available to assist with anything from medication management to mobility support.
The flexibility of adding or reducing care levels allows for a seamless transition, ensuring both comfort and quality of care without unexpected costs or disruptions.
Seasons Retirement Communities offer a structured social environment where residents don’t just live – they thrive. Seasons Fun Managers plan monthly activities based on each home’s preferences and interests, ensuring a balance of fitness, wellness, and social and spiritual engagement while fostering meaningful relationships among residents.
Activities range from exercise classes and themed dinners to more relaxed options like book clubs or movie nights, all designed to unite residents. Seniors no longer worry about the time and effort spent finding social events. At Seasons, engagement is built into the monthly schedule, offering social, intellectual, and physical stimulation without additional fees.
These activities offer fertile ground for making friends in the same stage of life and creating positive connections with your neighbours.
While older adults still living at home would likely have to pay a monthly gym membership or admission to these kinds of public social events, at Seasons, you can join in on the fun any time at no additional cost.
Say goodbye to hectic grocery store trips and cooking all the time! Seasons’ skilled chefs prepare meals for you. Additionally, coffee, tea, juice, baked goods, and fresh fruit are conveniently available from the bistro.
Another advantage of the well-balanced meals provided by Seasons Retirement Communities is that nutritional needs are considered, ensuring that meals are delicious and well-balanced. Seasons Health & Wellness team is available to discuss and review healthy meal choices.
Having healthy and nutritious meals prepared can also help reduce the risk of injury. For instance, some older adults experience reduced eyesight or hand-eye coordination or are susceptible to falls. For some, forgetting to turn off the stove can also be a concern.
Having meals prepared by Seasons’ dining services team allows you to enjoy your meals without worry.
If you stay home, can you maneuver the stairs, or will you need a chair lift installed? Do you need a shower with supports installed instead of a bathtub? Are the doorways wide enough for a mobility device?
Renovations are not just costly – they are often stressful and time-consuming. For seniors staying at home, the cost of adapting their home to meet their changing needs can add up quickly. Whether it’s adding ramps for wheelchair access, installing grab bars in the bathroom, or widening doorways, these home modifications can become both expensive and disruptive.
Seasons communities have been thoughtfully designed with this in mind. There’s no need for costly, messy, and time-consuming renovations.
All of our communities are accessible, with no need for expensive renovations. Thoughtful design ensures that common areas, hallways, and bathrooms are spacious and wheelchair-friendly, promoting safety without additional costs or inconvenience.
Having your own home comes with an endless to-do list. What happens when you can no longer manage the tasks? How much would it cost to have someone clean your home weekly? Or take care of outdoor maintenance such as grass cutting, landscaping, and snow removal?
Your monthly at-home expenses may continue to increase as your house requires more maintenance tasks that you cannot undertake. Also, hiring outside help for cleaning, lawn care, and repairs can add up.
In contrast, all of these helpful services are included in your monthly fee at Seasons, making the cost of senior living much more reasonable and providing you with a hassle-free lifestyle. With everything taken care of, as a resident at Seasons, you can enjoy a stress-free lifestyle, knowing that professionals are meeting all your needs while you focus on the activities that bring you joy.
Living in a retirement community means that the burdens of homeownership, such as maintaining the garden or dealing with plumbing issues, are handled for you. You can relax knowing trained professionals are handling all your main chores.
You can’t put a price tag on the support your loved ones or neighbours offer, but what if they suddenly weren’t available? Peace of mind doesn’t have a direct financial cost but can provide invaluable emotional support. Knowing that you or your loved one is surrounded by trained professionals available around the clock gives the entire family comfort.
Residents and families find peace of mind knowing Seasons has a dedicated, caring staff available 24-7 who are always happy to help.This care availability also allows residents to relax, knowing they can maintain their autonomy while having the security of staff in case of an emergency or unexpected event.
Families no longer have to worry about possibly interrupting their schedules to provide assistance or be on call. Now, time spent together means simply enjoying each other’s company, unburdened by daily tasks.
For more information about independent senior living costs, please contact a Leasing Manager at your desired location or complete our contact form to arrange a personal visit.
