This article explores the true cost and value of retirement living compared to aging at home, helping older adults and families make informed financial and lifestyle decisions. It highlights how communities like Seasons Retirement Communities offer not only affordability but also safety, convenience, and emotional well-being through all-inclusive services and 24-hour support.
What you’ll learn:
If you or your loved one is considering retirement living, you’re likely curious about the cost. You may ask yourself: Is moving to a retirement community or aging in place more affordable? If I do make the switch, how will I benefit in comparison to staying in my own home?
Below, we’ll consider some independent senior living costs and the added advantages older adults will experience by moving into a community like Seasons Retirement Communities.
There’s no “one size fits all” answer to this commonly asked question. Many people experience “sticker shock” when they first hear about the cost of retirement living. It can be hard to comprehend paying a monthly fee when you have worked so hard to become financially independent or mortgage-free.
If you compare the cost of living at home with no support in place, senior living costs may appear expensive in comparison.
Most people move to a retirement home when their circumstances change, such as a health concern or a desire for a more convenient and worry-free lifestyle.
Therefore, comparing the cost of adding support to age at home alone to the average cost of assisted living, you’ll see that enjoying a retirement home isn’t as expensive as you may have thought.
Below are six factors to consider when making this important choice:
Say goodbye to grocery store lines and cooking for one! Seasons prepares up to three meals for you, and snacks, including juice, coffee, tea, baked goods, and fresh fruit, are available from the bistro.
In addition to having well-balanced food options available, having meals prepared for you can help reduce the risk of injury.
For instance, older adults who have trouble with their eyesight, reduced hand-eye coordination, or are susceptible to falls and fainting spells may become injured while handling a knife or working the stove.
Having meals prepared by Seasons’ dining services team allows you to enjoy your meals without worry.
This ensures that every meal is enjoyable and supports residents’ well-being. With the expertise of trained chefs, meals are prepared to meet the dietary requirements of older adults, enhancing both their health and quality of life.
This level of care allows seniors to focus on enjoying their meals rather than worrying about dietary restrictions or preparation.
The monthly cost at Seasons includes 24-hour emergency response, which means you and your loved ones can have peace of mind knowing someone is always there if and when you need them.
If you choose to stay at home, consider the cost of a similar life-saving subscription service to ensure you have assistance if an emergency occurs.
Beyond peace of mind, the availability of a 24-hour emergency response system offers a crucial layer of protection. While living at home, some seniors may delay or hesitate to call for help in an emergency, often because they worry about the cost or hassle of emergency services.
With an included response system, residents can feel secure, knowing that trained staff are just a call away and always close by to provide immediate assistance.
This reassurance goes a long way in reducing stress for residents and their families, knowing help is always available, regardless of the time of day or night.
Fun Managers at Seasons plan monthly activities based on the preferences and interests of the residents at each home. Residents are encouraged to share their favourite pastimes and even lead events based on their talents.
These activities offer fertile ground for meeting new people, making friends in the same stage of life, and creating positive connections with others. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.
Planned/organized activities and spontaneous social engagement are excellent choices as they keep residents mentally active and boost social connections with peers, creating a more dynamic and vibrant environment. Seasons Retirement Communities’ activities range from fitness classes to creative arts workshops, and residents can join or lead groups based on their interests.
While older adults living at home would likely have to pay admission to these public social events, Seasons residents can join in on the fun at no additional cost!
Provincially-funded home care may be allocated to you whether you live at home or in a retirement residence.
However, it’s important to remember that the amount of time given might not be enough and may need to be supplemented with private home care out of pocket. You may be surprised to learn the price compared to the cost included 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 suite!
The flexibility of care support at Seasons means that seniors can receive personalized, tailored care without constantly adjusting to external service providers.
Provincially-funded home care can be integrated into a resident’s living experience at Seasons, allowing them to receive support seamlessly in their own suite. This is particularly beneficial for seniors who need assistance but want to maintain independence.
Whether it’s assistance with medication, bathing, or mobility, the availability of in-house support reduces the need for costly private home care services and ensures continuous, high-quality care without the hassle of hiring external providers.
Owning your own home can come 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 grounds maintenance such as landscaping and snow removal?
You may find that your monthly at-home bill continues to increase as your house requires more maintenance tasks that you cannot perform without assistance.
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. You can relax knowing all your main chores are being looked after by others!
This maintenance-free lifestyle can also relieve you from dealing with contractors or paying for individual services when you can no longer deal with the tasks. Plus, without the need for constant upkeep, you are free to enjoy the beauty of your retirement without worrying about minor repairs or unexpected costs, making the cost of senior living more predictable and manageable.
If you stay home, can you maneuver the stairs, or will you need a chair lift installed? Do you need a shower instead of a tub? Are the doorways wide enough for a mobility device?
Seasons communities have been thoughtfully designed with mobility in mind. There’s no need for costly, messy, and time-consuming renovations!
In addition to saving on renovation costs, moving into a retirement community allows seniors to avoid the stress of undertaking home modifications to accommodate aging-in-place needs.
Renovations such as adding ramps, installing wider doorways, or replacing bathtubs with walk-in showers can be expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes impractical. Seasons Retirement Communities has carefully designed each residence to be accessible, ensuring residents’ safety and ease of movement. The well-designed spaces can accommodate various mobility needs, including wheelchairs and walkers, without the extra financial burden of home construction or modifications.
You can’t put a price tag on the help your loved ones and neighbours offer, but what if they suddenly weren’t available?
Many residents and their families find peace of mind knowing a whole team of dedicated, caring staff is available 24/7 and happy to help. At Seasons, time spent with loved ones means simply enjoying each other’s company.
It’s not just about the physical support – it’s about the emotional reassurance that comes from knowing that someone is always available to offer assistance, whether for health concerns, social support, or simply checking in. This consistent presence can significantly reduce the anxiety many families feel about their loved one’s well-being. By providing emotional and physical support 24/7, retirement communities create a comforting environment where residents and their families can enjoy a higher quality of life without worrying about living alone or relying solely on family members. With staff available to handle daily tasks and address unexpected needs, families can feel confident that their loved ones are well cared for in a safe, supportive environment.
For more information about independent senior living costs, we encourage you to speak with the Seasons Leasing Manager at your desired location or complete our contact form to arrange a personal visit.
