As a person ages, they transition from a home that was intended to be close to work and raising a family to exiting towards a smaller home and then finally a home for retirement. However, as one reaches senior age when care, monitoring, support and help is needed, a typical residential home doesn’t work so well. For a variety of reasons, assisted housing has become more and more of a need. One of the most driving reasons tends to be health, but community and social needs can also be a big influence as well, especially after a partner has passed away and a surviving spouse doesn’t want to be alone in a big house.
A Big Generational Push
There’s no question that the Boomer generation is making huge changes to consumerism and markets, especially for senior-oriented products and services right now. As many Boomers are now moving into very senior age levels, the question of retirement homes has now become a growing pressure. That said, there are different retirement homes. The misnomer is that they all involve some kind of old person’s home or a rest home, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. While there are medically-assisted residences, many senior residential facilities are really about protecting senior communities, not medical facilities. This difference is discovered and realized with actual research for a senior home, but the general stereotype continues.
Myths, Fears and Community Reality
For Boomers and seniors now facing the reality of where later stage retirement is going to be spent, the stereotypical fear of being forgotten in a rest home continues to linger. However, what many are realizing is that retirement communities are very much about people, connections, family, neighbors, new friendships and security. It’s basically all the things people wanted in retirement in the first place after spending three or so decades of working for it. So, when actually considering real retirement communities like Spring Creek Chalet, a retirement community suddenly doesn’t look so bad. In fact, it looks pretty attractive.
Focus on Future Expectations & Planning
While no one has a crystal ball for the future, a good amount of information is available with a bit of homework. That means seniors expecting a change and possibly considering a move to a retirement home or community should make sure to see all their options and choices, not just a stereotype. With the value of retirement communities and what they offer, many will be pleasantly surprised.
