One of the top questions faced by those in their retirement years is where to live. Limitations of age, such as illness, injury, convenience, and health, may mean that you require assistance in your day-to-day schedule. Yet living at home is also a possibility that many retirees opt for. Between living at home and assisted living in Laurel, VA, you may be wondering what is best for you and your situation. We discuss the pros and cons of both options here.
Advantages of Living at Home
The clearest advantage of living at home is that you get to spend your days in a place that is familiar to you. Your home is not just a place you know inside out, it’s likely a place that’s woven into your own memories and sense of self. There is a sentimental appeal to living at home, which is why many choose to do so.
Drawbacks of Living at Home
At the same time, living at home may not be feasible for everyone. One of the main reasons is an isolated lifestyle. This is especially true if the demographic of your neighborhood has changed drastically. Perhaps it’s now full of younger families instead of the friends you had either growing up or in your adult years. It can be difficult later in life to make new friends, which tends to make many of those living at home feel isolated.
This also means that it can be difficult for those living at home to find assistance in their daily tasks. Things like cooking, cleaning, and personal grooming may be difficult to accomplish on your own. Maintenance and upkeep of your property can also start to get cumbersome, particularly if you are the only resident. For those with health and mobility issues, housekeeping and maintenance might also be more than simply just inconvenient – certain tasks can either be impossible or dangerous to accomplish alone.
Advantages of an Assisted Living Community
On the other hand, moving to an assisted living community means that you no longer have to worry about things like housekeeping and maintenance. A smart, stylish apartment has everything you need, and the surrounding amenities are of course taken care of for you.
The activities rooms are also the perfect place to socialize. The sense of community is what draws many residents to assisted living communities, which provide spaces for them to gather and strike up friendships with like-minded peers. If you need assistance in your daily activities, look no further than an assisted living community. Here, you’ll find the help that you need, whether it be during mealtimes, bathing, dressing, and cleaning.
Drawbacks of Assisted Living Communities
Unfortunately, not all assisted living communities are created equal. Certain assisted living communities might have strictly-mandated times for certain activities, such as eating or showering. While schedules are important in ensuring that things run on time, certain assisted living communities might offer little to no flexibility. Certain communities may also require their residents to share rooms, which means a lack of privacy. Caregiving – if necessary – may be irregularly administered.
However, it is important to note that none of the above drawbacks should occur in a reputable assisted living community. The best assisted living communities offer residents a lifestyle that is fun, stress-free, and easy, and personal attention is given to residents while allowing them to maintain their independence.