When you think about all those years you saved up for your retirement, it is amazing how quickly it all went. Even more amazing are some of the things that you never planned for. Selling your home in Islington Village and travelling abroad, or living out of an RV with your spouse for a while, is really only the first step in the retirement phase. The reality is that retirement can last for almost as long as your time working did, but with penalties as the years go by.
One of those penalties is inevitably one's health. There are many people who are retired but have reached an age where health problems are becoming an issue. Although living in a condo on some Puerto Vallarta real estate would be the most desirable option, they find that they no longer want to risk being in a foreign country when potential health issues could pose a major problem. At the same time, they feel too young for a nursing home. What is the alternative?
Well one which many people in their senior years are opting for is life in an assisted living home. We know, the title does not sound too attractive, but you need to take it for what it is worth. That is to say, the term living is only a label. It doesn't mean that you have conceded to age, just that there is an acknowledgment you are getting older and maybe it is time to leave Liberty Village condos behind in order to make sure the rest of your retired years are as comfortable living. In fact, you might think of it as this is living, instead of assisted living.
Why is that? Well, you will quickly find that health monitoring aside, life is a lot easier in one of these residences than it ever was when you owned your own property. Sure you may have group cognitive behavioural therapy in Oakville once a week and a nurse will be around to make sure you take your medication, but think of what else you will get help with. For starters, there are all the daily chores. No more laundry, no more cleaning, it all gets done for you. Isn't that something you would have loved to have thirty years ago!
If the benefits of assisted living don't sell you on it all the way, think of your own safety as well. Many retirees too proud to acknowledge a need for help have accidents and it can be days before anyone finds them. When someone is checking on you regularly, this risk is eliminated.
Finally, remember that there are all types of assisted living residences. Some resemble Etobicoke waterfront condos, others downtown apartments. There is sure to be something that appeals to your definition of a home.
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