Independent Living vs. Staying in Your Home

Is staying in your home your best move?
If you’re like most people over the age of 65, you plan to continue living at home for as long as possible. According to AARP, more than 87% of people over age 65 want to age in place. Many residents of senior independent living communities felt the same way about staying in their home until they realized it no longer fit their wants and needs.

They no longer needed all the space in their home and didn’t want the extra maintenance and expense that went with it. They saw their neighborhoods change and friends move away. Most importantly, they had to consider what would happen if their health needs changed.

If you or your spouse had to deal with a serious health issue, how would that affect your quality of life? Changing roles from full-time spouse to full-time caregiver can drain your energy reserves, not to mention your bank account.

The annual cost of care for a home health aide in the Chicago area is around $55,000. And if your health requires a move to a nursing home, the annual cost for a private room soars to over $112,000, according to the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.

The last thing you want is to wait until a health crisis forces you to make a move. With little time to consider your options, you could end up in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility that’s less than ideal. No one knows what the future may bring, but you can stay in control over when and where you’ll eventually move by planning for the what-ifs. A Life Plan Community like Sedgebrook, also known as a continuing care retirement community, is one option. Here’s why many seniors and their families think it’s the best option for them.

Today’s senior independent living communities aren’t like your grandparents’ retirement home.
The benefits of independent living for seniors are many. At Sedgebrook, residents have more freedom to live as they choose than they ever did at home. In fact, many residents say they wish they’d moved here sooner. They have more friends here than they have in their old neighborhood. They have more opportunities for fun, fitness and fulfillment. And they have an entire support system dedicated to making their lives easier, more enjoyable and more rewarding. They also go about their days with greater peace of mind, secure in the knowledge that a full continuum of care is available right here on campus, should they ever need it.

Compare your costs to ours. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Many people we talk to are under the false impression that a Life Plan Community like Sedgebrook is more than they can afford. But when they see all the life-enriching amenities and services included in our monthly fee, they begin to understand the value our community offers. As residents, they’ll never have to replace their furnace or repair a leaky roof. They won’t have to paint the house or shovel the driveway. And they can say goodbye to HOA fees and residential property taxes.

To help compare your costs to ours, use this worksheet to add up your monthly expenses. Be as accurate as possible. Average home maintenance costs, for example, are typically at least 1% of your home’s value. Then when you’re ready, schedule an appointment and a Lifestyle Counselor will show you how independent senior living costs at Sedgebrook compare to the expense of living at home. When you see the bottom line, you’ll see just how cost-effective — and sensible — moving to Sedgebrook really is.

To schedule your personal appointment, call (847) 876-2109 (847) 876-2109 or use our contact form.

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