retirement
living
Continuing
Care Retirement Communities:
It’s all
about Choices
Many people delay the
decision to move to a retirement community due to misconceptions or fear.
They often regret not making the decision to move sooner; when they were
healthier, more involved, or did not realize how lonely they were and the
reasons go on and on. Regret is undesirable in all times of life;
retirement decisions are no different.
The many activities
and daily interactions with friends and neighbors offer a dynamic and
stimulating environment. Alexian Village of Milwaukee residents freely
share their thoughts about retirement living in general and the choices
available to them. As you read through this article, look for the
comfort, freedom and peace of mind that come from making informed choices.
“Statistics show
that retirement community residents live healthier and longer lives than
those living alone.”
That doesn’t sound like rocket science; we need people. A resident
commented, “If I knew how many of my friends lived here, I would have
moved in years ago.” As one resident says, “I have to admit, it was
lonely sometimes at home, now there is always something enjoyable to do.”
Whether you want to participate in all of the social activities and
outings or read a good book in the quiet of your apartment, the choice
is yours.
“I love telling
stories and reminiscing but it’s not always easy when they’re thirty years
younger than me,” remarks a resident. A retirement community, by its very
nature, allows people to interact with people their own age
affording greater empathy and identification. Memories and recollections
are complimented when two people can truly share the depth and breathe of
events. Somewhat tongue-in-cheek yet true, is the adage that retirement
communities provide a “constant reservoir of friends.”
“I never have to
worry about home upkeep or shoveling again,”
said a smiling resident. Now you can choose what you would like to spend
time doing: cooking in your apartment, patio gardening, traveling,
learning to paint or play the piano; all of the things you never felt you
had time to do before. The choice is yours.
Keeping the mind,
body and spirit healthy is the goal of many retirement communities.
“When I moved here, it was very impressive to see how many care about my
wellbeing,” a resident reported. Your choice of personal wellness
goals are supported by a retirement community’s team who are all rooting
for you. “Wellness programs” are growing initiatives in retirement
communities to ensure balance, increased strength and awareness of
changes.
Many retirement
communities provide a spiritual component through pastoral visits or
Sunday services that keep your hope and faith strong through all times of
life.
Retirement communities
offer various forms of financial protections like “life care” or
“endowments” that protect your financial future regardless of your
health. A “life care” type contract also provides the potential for tax
deductions for prepaid medical expenses. If you don’t feel the need for
long term health care coverage, many communities offer rental programs, so
again the choice is yours as to which option works best for you.
“When my wife had her
stroke, it was so convenient to visit her several times a day. I couldn’t
do that if I had to drive each way,” commented a resident. Should a care
need arise, retirement communities can provide professional and caring
services, all in the comfort of your “community.”
The choice is yours
regarding your lifestyle and many elements need to be considered in making
your decision. Should you decide that a retirement community is right for
you, there are many elements, such as the ones listed here, that need to
be considered and weighed, so that you can feel confident about your
choice.
For more information contact Alexian
Village at 414-357-5105. |
