Retirement Place Reviews - Would you rather stay in your big house alone or have the company of senior citizens in retirement apartments?

Would you rather stay in your big house alone or have the company of senior citizens in retirement apartments?

lol..Mr edd...my mother has 2 bathrooms and 1 bedroom...lol in the apartments most people are 60yrs and upwards...they really do have fun if they want to...or quiet times in there own space When i say Retirement Flats...the only difference is that they have the emergency buttons inall the rooms and a onboard carer..on the outside you wouldnt know they were just for the retired...its not like a retirement home right ok...pretend your 90yrs old ...isnt it better than an old folks home if your a couple its ok thinking its best to live alone ..but when your patner dies and you have no family or friends left near you..its a very sorry life...i moved my mother a long way to live near me in one of those flats...because i lived with her and i missed my family its been a struggle for 10 months...now she loves it and wishes when dad was alive they had did it together

Public Comments

The Big House
I've heard that old people (senior citizens) don't really like to hang around other old people all the time. They want to be around young and middle-aged people just like everyone else. So I don't think most elderly like to be in retirement communities. They just go there because they were forced to go there by their families or they have nowhere else to go. But ideally, old people want to be around their families.
I'm not a spring chicken but if I was surrounded by seniors I would think I passed on and was ln H#$$
If I was capable, I'd want to live on my own for as long as possible. If I needed assistance, I think I'd like the community living.
I'd rather be alone in the apartments.
myself since i have always lived alone i would stay in my big house --- being a lone does not bother me == sharing a bathroom would!!!
I think I would like the retirement apt. My mom is in one and loves it. Really nice small apt, so not a lot of housework, it's private when she wants to be alone, but plenty of things going on when she feels like being around people or doing something. 24 hr nurse if needed. She has made lots of new friends, says she feels younger than she has in years.
The big house until my health declines then I will not mind moving into senior housing. I have many friends in the seniors units and they are quite happy there. But it is not for me at this time.
Definitely in my house alone. But, I'd probably sell it and get a smaller place if my husband passes away before I do.
I think it is what you make of it. I worked at a nursing home for a while and was amazed at the difference in how people handled it. Some just settled right in; this was what was going on in thier lives now, and so they were going to give it thier best shot. They would get involved in what interested them, be alone in thier rooms if they chose, laughed talked with others, became a part of the experience. Then there were those who looked upon the whole senior living thing as a death sentence. So for them it became just that, they were morose,snotty, didn't want to participate, no social activities. Those were the folks that were the hardest to deal with, so sad but unable to cheer them up either. I have decided to be like the first example, what ever life hands me, I will go with it as best I can.
I'd much rather stay in the big house. Just because my neighbors in a retirement community would be in my age bracket does not mean I would want very many of them as friends!
I am nearly a senior, and I must say that I would MUCH rather be at home with my dogs (or a cat later, if I can no longer walk a dog) than in an apartment building with a bunch of other people just like me - I would feel as though I wasn't part of my community any more - segregated and ignored. My plan is to eventually downsize to a smaller home, and hopefully, if I need help, utilize the services of an Area Agency on Aging, or Council on Aging, or pay privately for assistance as long as I can. I would only go kicking, screaming, and biting to a place like that. But, then, I've never been much of a "joiner".
If I am ever alone and my house is too much for me I hope to go someplace nice and ahve the company of others.
I have 3784 sq feet in my home, and most "rooms" at a retirement home are less than 500 sq feet. Though they have a lot of comforts there, I prefer the expanse and total privacy of my own home...When I get to the point I cannot care for myself, then a decision will have to be made....Alone is not always bad, as I never get on my own nerves, and and am free to piddle with my projects out in my shop, or just sit and contemplate....
I currently live in a 1200+ sq ft, 2 BR,. 2BA condo and love it! Sometimes I think I would like company; others I'm certain NOT! I've lived without adult companionship in-home since 1974...only my children, and even them not since 1995. What I would like would be to live nearer close friends...we are somewhat scattered and it always necessitates a car drive or a plane ride! lol Also I really do prefer diversely aged neighborhoods....;-)
I live in a senior complex. I would much rather own a home again but I like my apartment. The rent is reasonable compared to the cost of other places which have doubled in some towns just this past year. This place is situated within walking distance of many stores and for those who don't have cars, it is ideal. I do have my car and do not look forward to the time when I have to stop driving.
My House
I hope I still have my wits about me when it is time to make that decision. Taking care of a big house and living alone does not appeal to me. Neither does living in a retirement apartment with only senior citizens around. I would rather live right here with my husband for my lifetime. Alone.... that's the key word here. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
I'm not there yet,but think that if I faced the decision--I would rather be living in/around other seniors. I like conversation and I think the activities would be fun.
The big house, I make noise.
definitely the company
congregate living does not appeal to me....even with the enticement of bingo 3 times a week, lol. I will live in my own big house until I am dragged from it kicking,screaming and cursing like a sailor. I've worked in these types of places and they are mind-numbing. I don't do "cut and paste" activities now nor do I play Bingo (God forbid) why in the world would I want to do this when I'm older?
I can't honestly answer that. I mean as far as being 100% sure. Right now I'd prefere being in my own home. Kind of had it with people. LOL Give me my dog and birds and leave me alone. But it could very easily be a phase I'm just going through. Plus it depends on the retirement community.......I've worked in some where they were having such a grand time I was ready to sign up.....others where I probably would have rather died than go.
All alone. Maybe I would let someone stay at the other end of the building. I can't help it. I am a very private person. I need my space and my independance. I would rather die than to give it up. Not everyone is like me though and that might be a good thing......for them.
I live in a small house that my grandfather built. Hopefully, I can stay here for many years. If I want to be around people, I will try to push myself away from the keyboard, but I like my online company!
I prefer my home, I am a private person and while I enjoy the company of others the thought of the neighbor lady knowing when I go and come and what I had for dinner depresses me. Although I enjoy neighbors, I would rather they are not that close. Plus I prefer a little age diversity. I can participate in activities of my choosing and still be home.
I love my house and garden, this is my place, and where I want to be at this time in my life. There may come a time when I would like to be somewhere where I don't have to work as hard as I do now, or when I am not able to, and would like a retirement apartment, but hopefully that is a long ways up the road yet.
I want to stay in my house alone. I am very social and I like company and to be where there is something going on but then when I leave I want to go home and have my privacy. I hate gossip and nosy people, so a retirement village is out. I had to be in a Health and Rehabilitation Center (Nursing Home) for 3 months. Most of the residents were the most hateful people I had ever met. Plus they all go to bed right after supper. I hate that !!!!!! I am just getting started that time of night !!!!
My Grandmother and her husband lived in one of these homes... BIG $$$... It was a senior Payton place... just like high school!! It was a hoot! She did enjoy it there I must say. Kept her on her toes if you know what I mean! There was lots to do, a cafeteria, salon, barber shop, gift shop... small food items... I haven't gotten there quite yet... But I don't think I would want to be totally alone at that stage of life, to much can happen! Good Question, have a Star!
As soon as my kids are all gone and I graduate I intend to sell my house and a seniors complex is looking better all the time!!
Maintenance is a looming factor as to what I do later on. As long as my mate is here home is what I like best. Even though it is just the right size for me to keep up inside I don't know about a roof in 10-15 yrs. etc. We have most everything updated and hoping it lasts a lifetime. I like my privacy and am up at weird hours so a house is nice. But I could do an apartment as long as I could be alone when I wanted.
I would rather stay in my house because my children and grandchildren frequently visit in droves.
I'd want to be in the "Big House" and rent the bedrooms out, so I could have people to talk to ( only friendly people; not ones that want to 'keep to themselves')
I may not be qualified to answer.. but here is my opinion... Change is always difficult. No one likes to move from a place they are comfortable and have good memories. Space and a lack of rules represents independence everyone desires. However, I would tend to agree with MYDEARSIE... I think that after a person adjusts to a change, such as moving to an apartment, they find good things about it as well. I think after becoming accustomed to a different lifestyle, it might actually be a good thing. Many facilities offer services that are a convenience, and can make it a fun and enjoyable place to live.
OK, you asked for my answer here it is. A big house and me alone....Well the older I get the more I want to be on my toes. So me at 90? Well 90 isn't that old compared to 95, now that is old. I like activities and company. So here I am in this big house, alone, what to do, don't want to live in a retirement home or apartment...so, rent out rooms, and get a small community of my own going. Younger folks coming in and helping us older folks out and paying them for the service...got company, young folks around, old folks around, anyone for checkers, or shall we meet in the kitchen for a snack and hot tottie? You are only only as old as you act. So let's keep it active, happy, and chase each other around the table for exercise. Eh,heeee.....
Having worked with the elderly I can tell you many of them will fight to the end to maintain their independence. The hardest thing for them to give up is driving and their cars, the second hardest thing is to give up their home. I think people should realize there is a difference between retirement apartments and nursing homes. A retirement apartment is a place where the person lives alone, but has access to emergency medical assistance if needed. People who live there are called residents. There are also assisted living places where there is staff to provide three meals per day, and assistance with cleaning, laundry and pill administration. A nursing home is where the person usually shares a room with another patient. Almost everything is done for them. As an individual I would prefer to stay in my big house until I am no longer able to live on my own. But then I would go to a retirement center. Retirement centers, and assisted living communities have separate little apartments, they provide social and recreational activities. My inlaws recently took a two day bus trip. They bowl, have movies, have visiting entertainment and really seem to enjoy their live style. We asked them if they would like to be in their own place again and it was a resounding NO because they feel safe and secure.
Well, I sold my "big" house (3400 sq ft) and bought a small house because I did not want to live in an apartment environment! I am in my late 60's and have a terminal disease, so time is not an issue for me. I have help come to the house and a nurse (only as needed) and an aide for bathing etc., so I do not plan a trip to any kind of retirement facility as I feel I already own one. And it is very peaceful on my own, with no distractions from "other floors"! As long as friends continue to visit, and I have books to read, the TV and the Internet keep me happy! CJ
I'm not a senior yet, but I know that I would rather be in the company of other seniors than being alone by myself. I would get too lonely and depressed all alone.
I think about all the options; not just house vs. senior apartments, but also multigeneration living-like sharing a house with other family members or friends, living in a condo with neighbors of various ages, selling my house and living on a boat for awhile before moving to a senior apartment...:) It's great reading all the responses here, every answer made me think a bit. My experience with two of my neighbors, my grandparents, great-aunts, and now my parents and my husband's parents has taught me a few hard lessons-the main lessons are that it really helps to be flexible and to think about some of the 'what ifs' before being forced to make a change due to illness or infirmity. Today is my husband's 57th birthday. (First gift of the day is me staying quiet and playing around here so that he can sleep in). I think we'll stay in a house as long as we are both living and capable of managing a house. We've day-dreamed about buying a large plot of land and building a main house with several smaller duplexes or houses for our parents, children, other relatives or friends.....kind of like a family compound. We haven't settled on where yet....but who knows, maybe we will be able to do it some day.
When the time comes I will move to a retirement apartment or assisted living.
Not a senior yet. I envision myself staying in my home. It is pretty big for one person but I like the neighborhood, my yard and the big picture windows that let in the sun. Later if it gets to be too much, I'd like a sunny second floor condo located in a town center type locale where I can walk when I am unable to drive. I like to be where the action is.
I would rather be in a senior apartment. Then my kids cant move in all the time. Looking at them now.