Senior Living - A New Beginning

By Green View Commons - Branford, CT’s Newest 55+ Apartment Community

As the days of summer begin shorten, it is natural to start thinking about winter, snow and all that has to be done to prepare the home for colder weather. Among the millions of baby boomers in America who were born between 1946 and 1964, that urge gets stronger every day as they turn retirement age in droves. They’re looking around at the big, nearly empty suburban homes they bought in an earlier phase of their lives, and they’re concluding it’s time to move to smaller, simpler quarters.

Now more than ever, seniors are choosing 55 and over communities where they can enjoy a rich, secure and senior-oriented lifestyle while still enjoying the independence and freedom of a typical neighborhood - a move that is not only a new address but a new beginning. Some seniors find renting is a better deal, emotionally and financially. Renters also don’t have to worry about faulty furnaces, fallen trees or property taxes. Most 55+ communities provide maintenance and landscaping services, freeing residents from the worry of household maintenance, lawn care or snow removal. The necessary labor associated with home-ownership is negated and the time residents would have spent on chores can now be spent on pursuing leisure activities. Different lifestyle changes can also prompt seniors to embrace 55+ communities; empty nest syndrome, cost of upkeep, or death of a spouse. This change of address can provide peace of mind to seniors and their families alike.

When is the right time to consider a 55+ community

It’s worth considering when a retiree feels the desire to join a more adult-oriented community. Many younger retirees don’t require skilled nursing or assisted living care and prefer the conveniences of independent living.

55+ and over communities are relatively new, and are therefore built to safer specifications and offer more conveniences than a traditional single-story homes that seniors are coming from. Modern energy-saving features, such as better insulation, new windows, efficient heating systems, and new energy efficient appliances can mean lower utility bills. Better safety measures, including elevators, give residents more confidence in their new home. Seniors also look for safe communities with available parking, adequate transportation options and access to grocery stores, doctors and community activities.

Advantages of renting vs owning

· Deciding to sell the family home can be a difficult experience for seniors. There are memories associated with it as well as an emotional tie. However, for the active senior, letting go can also be liberating.

· You have fewer responsibilities.

· Someone else will handle repairs.

· There is only a short-term commitment needed.

· There are not a lot of other costs.

· You can invest down payment and maintenance money into other investments.

When you rent, you have fewer responsibilities. It isn’t your home, so you have less to worry about. In addition, you can expect your landlord to handle the repairs.

When you rent, you generally pay just a security deposit upfront.

If you do have money, but choose to rent, you will have other options for investments. There is no demand for a large investment with a rental.

Retirement can be an exciting time for seniors who no longer wish to live in a private home.

The Green View Commons apartment complex offers active 55+ seniors beautiful, affordable homes with many sought after amenities, all in walking distance to Branford’s Center. For more information, call JFA Management at (203) 481-3910 or visit www.jfamanagement.com.