When it comes to deciding where you’ll live in the next chapter of your life, there’s a lot to consider. Should you choose a reputable independent living facility, or stick with an aging-in-place option (staying at home)?
In today’s blog post, Ivy Knoll will discuss the pros and cons so that you can decide which option is best for you.
What is Aging in Place?
Aging in place is the decision to continue living at home or downsize to a smaller apartment and make safety modifications, like hallway grab rails or ramps in place of stair steps.
What is Independent Living?
It’s a retirement home that allows residents to plan and organize their day-to-day activities, from cooking meals and golfing, to traveling into town for a shopping spree. An independent living facility isn’t a nursing home but offers additional personal care upon request.
Which Retirement Option Costs More?
Typically, aging in place costs less than paying for an independent living home. However, any additional costs in terms of healthcare aid, meals, and home maintenance repairs come as out-of-pocket expenses. These costs add up. Paying for a retirement community means having zero unexpected costs. Everything is covered in one monthly bill.
Benefits of Aging in Place
Many aging adults don’t wish to leave their homes for a retirement center. Likewise, seniors living at home tend to self-report to have a higher quality of life, which can lend to better overall health.
Drawbacks of Aging in Place
Loneliness, or social isolation, is among the leading causes of health-related problems among the elderly. Living at home can often mean having limited access to social interaction, increasing the risk of loneliness.
Aging in Place Requires Home Modifications
Most homes just aren’t made for senior accessibility. Limiting factors around the home can include poor lighting, slippery floors, a lack of grab rails, and too many steep staircases, among other fall hazards.
Aging in place requires you to make some fixes to your home in order to give an added level of accessibility and mobility.
Some modifications can include:
- Hallway side-rail installation
- Shower bars to hold onto
- Shower floor grip
- Medical alert system
- Easy-access ramps
- Non-slip flooring modifications (hardwood floor mats and grips)
As you can imagine, the major drawback here is that home renovations quickly cut into your budget.
Independent Living Doesn’t Require Home Modifications
Unlike living at home, an independent living facility doesn’t require you to make modifications to the infrastructure: drilling into walls, taping down carpets, and so on. These homes come with an accessibility-friendly layout, saving you the cost.
Independent living skills to keep you living large in your aging years. You have a network of people and resources available to help you maintain and boost your quality of life as you age. Living at home might mean doing it all by yourself.
Independent living services can include the same helpful range of service options given to seniors in assisted living. Unlike living at home, our independent living facility can give you access to a thriving community to socialize with, limiting your chances of experiencing feelings of isolation.
There are on-site medically-licensed staff to care for you should an emergency arise. There are also complimentary meals and entertainment options, so you don’t have to worry about cooking and planning activities every week.
Benefits of Independent Living Facilities
Eating healthier. We have an accredited and experienced chef that can help create delicious and nutritious meals. You don’t have to worry about grocery bills or cooking weekday dinners.
All-inclusive monthly bills. Everything from water, sewage, and electricity is covered as part of your monthly living cost. There’s no need to worry about monthly bill payments.
Maintenance-free living. Unlike homeownership, where every issue becomes an out-of-pocket expense, any and all maintenance work or repairs are already covered. Our exceptional staff can fix the issue in no time flat.
Senior activities and exercise. It’s easy to get involved in community activities in a retirement center. It’s a bit harder when you’re still living at home. The Ivy Knoll calendar is packed full of exciting and engaging activities for residents.
Senior Living Activities at Ivy Knoll
At Ivy Knoll, our independent living residents have an abundance of options for programs and activities. Residents get to socialize, travel, get creative, and have fun! Here are just a few that we offer.
- Shuffleboard
- Bingo
- Dancing
- Golf
- Shopping trips
- Arts & Crafts
- Religious services
- Live music performances
- And so much more!
Find Spectacular Independent Living at Ivy Knoll
With Ivy Knoll, you can choose from one of our open, spacious and beautiful apartments, listed on our independent living floor plan options. Find community at our award-winning independent living facility and experience excellent amenities, staff, and weekly events. Contact us to learn more about our independent living facilities and book your in-person tour today!
