Five Reasons Why Now is a Good Time to Move to a Senior Living Community

Are you debating whether the time is right for senior living? It’s normal to feel some hesitancy about such a move. While many current residents of Hebrew SeniorLife communities felt the same way before moving in, one of the most common sentiments we hear is that they wish they had moved in sooner! 

There are many misconceptions about retirement communities — be they about maintaining personal independence, access to people of other ages, or how easy it might be to make new friends. At Hebrew SeniorLife's retirement communities, residents can focus on what matters to them, free from home maintenance, the hassle of coordinating social activities, and sometimes even cooking if they choose not to. And it turns out, living in a senior living community is good for your health, with researchers at the University of Chicago recently finding that older adults who live in senior housing communities live longer.

We know that older adults today are looking to live in communities that support their entire well-being — physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. They want to live among people who share their values and interests. Senior living communities have changed for the better over the past decade, innovating and engaging with residents. Those that do it best are, more than ever, some of the most fulfilling places for an older adult to live. That’s why we believe now may be the smartest time to make the move.

As a collaborative care advisor for Hebrew SeniorLife, New England’s largest nonprofit provider of senior health care and living communities, I continually see firsthand the many advantages of senior living communities. Senior living communities are a place to grow, not just a place to live.

Here are five benefits of a senior living community, and what you can look for if you’re thinking of a move: 

Necessities handled for you

Think about winter: Shoveling snow, hiring a plow driver, navigating icy sidewalks . . . that’s the reality of maintaining a home in New England. At a retirement community, you’ll never have to worry about snow removal again! And you won’t have to drive through a storm to see your friends or get to your favorite activities.

Senior communities offer some home maintenance (appliance repair, backup power, etc.) and a built-in 24/7 support system of dedicated on-site employees like IT support, housekeeping, and security. The staff is there for your specific needs, reducing your need to rely on adult children or other family members. Should you be unable to leave your home, whether that’s because of a snowstorm, illness, or injury, delivery services for food, medicine, meals, and more are available.

Wellness and health care services on-site

Some senior living communities, including Hebrew SeniorLife’s NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham, MA, and Orchard Cove in Canton, MA, offer access to a medical clinic on-site for primary care, medication management, prescription refills, and even specialty services like physical therapy. Fitness centers are staffed by professionals who are experienced at helping older people gain and preserve function. Having health care and wellness services fully integrated into the living community, with staff who take a whole-person approach to care, provides an extra layer of reassurance and convenience.

Personal growth and fulfillment

The best senior living communities are vibrant places full of options for you to build a meaningful life. They offer diverse programming, lifelong learning, and the opportunity to build new relationships. At Hebrew SeniorLife, we believe that the later years of life can be among the most fulfilling, and our senior living communities offer ample opportunity for you to live according to your wishes and values.

For example, our award-winning wellness program pairs residents to work one-on-one with a coach who will help you set and achieve meaningful goals. Residents are also active in their community and engaged with the world around them, whether it’s a sustainability committee working to decrease our impact on the environment, food and clothing drives for charity, or volunteering with local young people. 

Peace of mind

When considering a move to a senior living community that offers continuing care like Orchard Cove or NewBridge on the Charles, one significant source of peace of mind is the knowledge that more extensive care options, such as rehabilitation or higher levels of care, are readily available should the need arise. This allows residents to stay within their familiar community, even as their care needs evolve. For couples, it means the possibility of staying together and continuing to support each other.

And you can rest assured that a dedicated team is consistently looking out for your best interests and well-being. This commitment allows you to focus on what truly matters: Enjoying your life and the company of your fellow residents.

Beyond the reassurance that staff can provide, senior living communities like Orchard Cove and NewBridge on the Charles offer a built-in network of neighbors who look out for each other and offer support for any circumstance that life might bring.

Financial stability

One of the key aspects of financial peace of mind in senior living communities is the certainty that your costs are fixed, with no surprises or unexpected expenses. You can leave behind the worries of home maintenance and the uncertainties of property values. Instead, you gain the reassurance of knowing exactly what your financial commitments will be, allowing you to plan your future with confidence.

In contrast to the unpredictability of home ownership, where property values can fluctuate and unforeseen repairs can arise, senior living communities offer a clear and stable financial path.

You can budget effectively, knowing that your living expenses are well-defined, and you won't encounter unexpected financial burdens.

This financial stability allows you to focus on enjoying your retirement years to the fullest, without the stress of financial uncertainties. It offers you the freedom to engage in activities you love, build new relationships, and make the most of your time without the distractions of financial worries.

Are you ready to explore the right senior living community for you? Explore Hebrew SeniorLife’s options or contact us for more information.