A retirement community is a term that covers a range of residential settings, from independent living to assisted living to long-term care. Although retirement communities are advertised as places where residents can live independently and receive ongoing medical care, there are some common misconceptions about how this type of housing works. Here we’ll debunk five of them:
It’s Nothing But A Big Old-People Vacation Home
Retirement communities are not just for old people. They can be a great choice for many people, including those who want to stay active and independent, but who also require more support than they’re able to provide themselves. Retirement communities can provide the regular access to healthcare professionals that many need without the hassle of another move or building an entirely new community from scratch (and starting over). Plus, with so many other people who face similar challenges, you never have to feel alone in your struggles or victories!
You Can’t Host Social Events
You can host social events at a retirement community. Most communities allow their residents to host large gatherings, such as annual holiday parties and other celebrations. However, most limit the number of guests that can attend these gatherings. These rules vary from one community to another but are typically pretty generous (75 people or less). If you want to host an event with more than that number of guests, you must check with your specific community, as each may have different policies.
Retirement communities are also great places for small intimate group get-togethers like book clubs or bridge clubs – make sure you schedule these activities during non-peak hours so as not to disturb other residents who might be trying to sleep or watch TV during certain times of day (usually evenings).
It’s Boring
This is a common misconception, but it’s simply not true. Retirement communities can be a lot of fun because they offer many activities and amenities for residents. You can stay active in your community by joining many clubs and activities.
For example, if you like to play tennis or golf or want to take a nice walk through the park, you’ll have plenty of opportunities at most retirement communities. You might even meet new people with similar interests and hobbies to yours! Or perhaps your favorite pastime is going out with friends on Friday night—dozens of dining options are available within walking distance from all types of retirement communities, so no matter what kind of foodie you are (or aren’t), there will always be something on the menu that makes everyone happy around table!
They’re Too Institutional
Most people think they’re too institutional. They think the community is a hospital; however, it is not. The community is an adult living place where you can be yourself and act in a community of peers who share common interests. It’s not like a hospital where you go to die. Many residents are there because they want to live out their golden years as independently as possible—and that means having all their needs met in one convenient location while having access to recreational activities and social events with other people their age.
The Homes Are Tiny And Ugly
The truth is that many retirement communities have well-designed living spaces with plenty of room to relax and enjoy your golden years. And if you’re concerned about aesthetics, most communities offer a range of floor plans to pick the one that best suits your taste and needs. Plus, since they’re professionally managed, there won’t be anything left undone—from landscaping to maintenance to housekeeping services—so all you need to do is enjoy yourself!
