If you or your loved one is considering whether to remain at home or take advantage of a senior community lifestyle, you might assume that one option is more affordable than the others.
Families who presuppose that staying in an existing home will automatically save money are usually surprised and often stunned.
Considering the features of a high-quality life and the subsequent monthly expenses, many discover the value and cost effectiveness that a senior living community can offer.
Comparing Apples to Apples
Assumptions of affordability between the choices of where to create home often overlook the housing expenses in addition to a mortgage payment – and the elements beyond shelter required for a good life. Consider the following features:
The Cost of Senior Living
1. The cost of senior living: an accessible home
Beyond the expense of rent or mortgage, consider if the home is accessible and supportive of aging well? If not, it may require expensive renovations. You’ll also need to include the cost of insurance, property taxes, utilities, landscaping and repairs.
If a community becomes home, your loved ones will be able to immediately launch their high-quality lifestyle. Designed to be age-friendly, all related home expenses are also covered in the monthly fee, including utilities.
2. The cost of senior living: assistance if needed
Do your parents need a helping hand with daily life at home, such as bathing safely, dressing or grooming? Are there family members able to help? If additional assistance is required, you’ll need to calculate the hourly rate of a home care agency.
In a senior living community, assistance is included in the monthly fee. Your loved one won’t need to depend on family or friends as caregivers and can enjoy a more independent life with a community’s helping hand.
3. The cost of senior living: healthy dining
Are your parents able to plan, shop for and prepare nutritious meals? Or are they relying more on processed foods and snacks? If they need help, consider the costs of home care meal preparation or food delivery services.
One of the advantages of community life is the availability and wide variety of menu selections for healthy and delicious food, all included in the monthly fee.
4. The cost of senior living: opportunities to make friends
It’s easy to become lonely or isolated as we grow older and it can be difficult to meet new people – impacting your loved one’s physical and emotional health. You’ll want to look for opportunities for them to socially interact and budget for these costs.
Another significant benefit of senior living communities, and included in the fee, is the ease and opportunities of meeting and making new friends. Whether it’s at activities, while dining or crossing paths in the common areas, friendships flourish.
5. The cost of senior living: activities and social events
Are your parents able to continue participating in activities they enjoy? If not, you’ll want to find opportunities for them and include any costs in your senior living budget.
Did you know communities provide a monthly calendar of activities that your loved one can choose from, all included in the monthly fee? With so many possibilities, there’s bound to be many of interest.
6. The cost of senior living: support to meet wellness goals
We all know the importance of staying in shape, both physically and emotionally, for our health. But do your parents have easily accessible options? You’ll want to prioritize this feature and include the costs when budgeting.
Another great advantage of community life is that they provide these fitness amenities in their monthly fees. Your loved one can easily keep in shape.
7. The cost of senior living: scheduled transportation
When no longer driving, many older adults feel left out and may begin staying at home. If family or friends are not able to provide rides, you’ll want to budget for alternative transportation or ride-share programs.
If your loved ones make senior living their home, they’ll appreciate the convenience of scheduled transportation provided, at no extra cost. They can easily attend their medical appointments, social events or go shopping.
8. The cost of senior living: safety and security
Older adults often begin feeling less secure about living at home and may become worried about what they would do if alone and injured. Budget for any home repairs, additional companion visits or safety alert systems.
Senior living communities provide added security features in both the residences and community. It is also greatly reassuring for the residents to know if they ever needed help, it is there.
Retirement living in Waukegan, Illinois
Galloway Senior Living, locally owned and operated, provides luxury and quality care for families in our community.
Assisted Living at Galloway Senior Living offers beautiful and contemporary private residences that range from alcove studios to two-bedrooms and include high-end stainless-steel appliances, maple hardwood cabinets, cultured marble countertops and thoughtfully curated décor and colors.
Our Memory Care community offers a family kitchen, dining room, walking garden, and lounge.
Our services include:
- 24-hour certified nursing assistants, on-staff licensed nurses, medication management, and on-site physician visits
- COVID-19 safety protocols
- Assistance with daily tasks
- Readily available safe transportation
- A fall-reduction program
- In-unit emergency response systems including an electronic monitoring system for exit doors
- On-site entertainment and activities personalized to reflect the residents’ preferences
- Housekeeping and linen services including personal laundry
- Amenities you’ll find at Galloway Senior Living include:
- Country Café and Convenience Store
- Salon and Spa
- Theater with 85” television
- Activity and Craft Center
- Game Room
- Library and Business Center
- Fitness Center
If you or your family is considering retirement living in Wadsworth, Illinois, we hope you will visit our community at Galloway Senior Living. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions.
We also invite you to download our complimentary information, A Family Guide to Funding Senior Care & Housing.
