A senior retirement residence, also referred to as an assisted living center, is typically a privately owned facility dedicated to senior adult independent living. Individuals in good health can live fuller, more active lives.

A retirement home is not the same thing as a nursing home. Residents are ambulatory and still in good health, able to go about their daily lives. Nursing homes provide prolonged medical care to disabled and infirm seniors. For seniors who wish to live on their own, a retirement home can be a good option. Seniors can live an independent lifestyle, plus have the added benefit of an entire retirement community for support. A senior retirement residence provides comfort, connections, and support in a unique environment. 

 A retirement community allows seniors to live in private condos, apartments, townhouses or stand-alone structures. This promotes independence while offering an active social environment. However, many of these facilities are not subsidized and are private pay.

While choosing a retirement option is easy, being able to afford it may be less so. Financing for this type of facility can be a real challenge, and residents often must pay the many costs and fees out of pocket. Nursing home care can be paid for through private insurance, personal funds, Medicare and other government subsidies.

While many senior adults may have had dreams of retiring to the sunny south, or to a lakeside cottage, the reality is that they won’t be able to afford such luxury, and will be compelled to seek an alternative way of living. In today’s world, the average age of retirement is 63; the average length of retirement is 18 years. Most people are unprepared for retirement, however, with a mere 4% of seniors financially prepared to retire. 63% of the senior population in the country today are financially dependent on more than their own savings and need to rely on social security, charity or family members to support them in their ‘golden’ years.

About one-third of retirement age adults experience difficulty finding a place to live, even in a senior retirement residence. Subsidized senior housing is available for many people with insufficient income. Government programs such as U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provide those with low incomes the opportunity to stay within government-sanctioned apartments, townhomes, and more. 

The cost per month on average in the state of Kansas is $795; in Missouri, it’s higher, at $899. There is no established minimum (or maximum) standard for monthly senior retirement residence costs. Each facility sets its own price, so senior adults must keep this in mind when considering their options.

A senior retirement residence is more than a building with windows and doors. It could be the next chapter in a senior’s life –choose accordingly in order to ensure a greater control over both your lifestyle and your needs. The importance of preparation in advance cannot be overstated. Individuals of all ages must educate themselves about the costs of retirement, and how those costs will unfold across the years. Compare facility types, monthly state medians, government supplement opportunities, and more to ensure success.

When you are looking for more information about a senior retirement residence for yourself or a family member, now or in the future, the staff at Clover Care Home is prepared to meet with you at your convenience to discuss what we can offer you. Give us a call today at 913-991-2605 or visit us online.