Cost of Independent Living in Shiloh: What to Expect
If you're one of the 51% of older American adults considering downsizing, you're in the right place. Running a large home during retirement is a drain on your time, energy, and resources. Now's the time to seize the day and enjoy your life!
Independent living is a great way to join a retirement community while maintaining independence. But what does this lifestyle involve? And what is the cost of independent living?
In this post, we will explain everything you need to know about independent living in Shiloh to help you narrow down your perfect retirement living options.
What Is Independent Living?
First, let's bust a few myths. Independent living is not a care home. There are no caregivers, and you will be completely independent.
Independent living gives your lifestyle an upgrade. You get a comfortable home, often including a second bedroom for when the grandkids come to stay. You can decorate it as you wish and come and go as you choose. But on-site, there are amenities galore that make life easier.
Independent living amenities include:
- Chef-prepared meals three times a day in the on-site restaurant
- Beautiful gardens to enjoy without doing any yardwork
- Packed activity calendar to enjoy with other residents
- Housekeeping and laundry services.
No doubt this sounds tempting. But the question is, how much does it all cost?
The Cost of Independent Living
Understanding independent living expenses is crucial when budgeting for retirement. According to the National Council on Aging, independent living costs were between $1,890 - $4,014 per month in 2023.
The good news is that independent living is the most affordable of all retirement living options. That's because it does not involve personal care, which is costly.
Further good news is that Illinois is one of the cheapest states in the country for senior housing. A Yahoo! Finance survey that examined assisted living ranked it the 7th most affordable state in the US.
The wide range of costs quoted above may be due to the following factors.
Community Amenities
It's true that you do not receive personal care services in independent living communities. However, community amenities do influence senior housing costs, with more extensive amenities costing more.
Some independent living communities are like resorts. They have multiple restaurants, spas, and swimming pools. However, they come with an extremely high price tag to match their offerings.
The most expensive option is not necessarily the best one for you. The key is to decide what amenities you would enjoy.
If you want to enjoy being outdoors but don't want to look after a yard, choose a community with beautiful grounds. If you enjoy socializing and community events, look for an activity calendar that has things that interest you.
Taking this approach will help you see through the hype and find an independent living community that truly enhances your life.
Included Services
When investigating affordable senior communities, make sure you understand what is included in the base price. Some may sound appealing until you realize that the benefits they are touting are actually additional costs.
For example, does the cost of independent living include:
- Housekeeping
- Activities
- Laundry
- Outings
If they are not included, that's not necessarily a dealbreaker. It's just important to know where you stand so you have calculated all the costs.
Size of Apartment
Depending on the community, there may be a wide range of independent living apartment options to choose from. Your choice will impact how much it costs. The larger the unit, the higher the cost you can expect to pay.
Some independent living communities offer relatively large homes, such as large apartments and cottages. However, for some seniors, these could negate some of the benefits of transitioning to a senior independent living community.
Larger homes require a lot of cleaning. You may also miss the chance to downsize and declutter. So why not seize the chance to move into a home of a manageable size and enjoy the freedom that comes from getting rid of things that you no longer need and are holding you back?
The added benefit? You'll save a few bucks, too.
Desirable Location
If you're looking in Shiloh, you're already looking in a very desirable location. The village has a low crime rate, and the great outdoors is right on your doorstep. However, there are other location-related factors that can impact the cost of independent living communities.
Proximity to the following can all make senior living options more expensive:
- Shopping malls
- Golf courses
- Cultural attractions
- Healthcare facilities
Effective Financial Planning for Aging Adults
It is very important to take the time to plan for your retirement. Doing so can ensure you can move to the independent living community you want and get on with enjoying life.
Some options include:
- Exploring long-term care insurance options
- Utilizing equity from your home
- Renting out your current home
Consulting a financial advisor who specializes in eldercare could help you make wise choices about long-term financing for accommodation in your golden years.
Financial Support for Independent Living
It is important to understand that a move to independent living is not about medical needs. It's a lifestyle choice designed to free you from the stress of running your own home.
There may be locally available benefits you can explore. These could include benefits for veterans and their spouses. You could also explore senior housing assistance programs and local grants.
Choose Addington Place of Shiloh for Outstanding Independent Living
The cost of independent living is generally lower than other retirement living options. But what the cost does not take into account is the value they can add to your life. Addington Place of Shiloh is the perfect spot to retire in style.
Our community is set in stunning grounds you can enjoy year-round without having to lift a rake or mow a lawn! We use the freshest ingredients to prepare mouthwatering meals, with no vegetable prep or dishwashing involved. Plus, there's always great company on hand, so you never need to feel lonely.
Why not visit us to discover what Addington Place of Shiloh has to offer? Contact us today to arrange a visit!