The Top 7 Things You Don’t Have To Worry About in a Life Plan Community

The decision to move to a Life Plan Community (sometimes known as a continuing care community or CCRC) isn’t just about what you’re leaving behind; it’s about what you’re making space for. This choice means stepping into a future full of possibilities with a wealth of resources and opportunities located just outside your front door. 

Senior living provides peace of mind so you can worry less and experience more. Read on to discover seven stress-free retirement benefits you can experience with the move to a Life Plan Community. 

1. Finding Your People 

One of the most powerful benefits of a Life Plan Community is the antidote it provides to social isolation. People who create and maintain strong social connections as they age experience fewer health problems, such as cognitive decline, depression and heart disease. 

In a Life Plan Community, the rhythm of daily life is structured around social opportunities. You don’t have to worry about the hassles of scheduling meetups or dealing with transportation concerns when you want to see someone. Instead, you can enjoy natural daily encounters with neighbors in community spaces and during programs and events. Sharing meals in the dining room, stories on the patio, passion projects in the art room and laughs in the game room give you the opportunity to build meaningful friendships. 

Residents lead most clubs and committees in Life Plan Communities, which means you have an active voice in the events and programs that take place. Whether it’s through a gardening group, a bridge club or a volunteer drive for a local cause, you’ll find it easier to connect with like-minded people who share your values and interests. 

Sheila and Jerry, residents at Piedmont Gardens in Oakland, California, have found a wealth of like-minded residents through community groups that meet regularly and share interests and experiences. “What we received was truly a gift: lifelong friends who have become our village,” Sheila says. 

2. Discovering Ways to Learn and Grow

Staying curious and embracing lifelong learning are not only personally fulfilling pursuits; they also offer tangible long-term benefits as you age, including potentially preventing cognitive decline. A Life Plan Community actively encourages you to pursue personal growth in a way that is accessible by providing a wealth of experiences at your fingertips. 

You can join in learning opportunities, such as attending guest lectures provided by a local university, heading out to a museum with friends or joining a book club. If some of your lifelong dreams have been put on the back burner, you’ll have the gift of time to pursue the things you’re curious about. You can pick up a paintbrush in the art room or indulge your green thumb in the community garden because senior living provides the resources you need to rekindle old passions and cultivate new talents. 

Arminee, a resident at The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens in Fresno, California, didn’t have any artistic aspirations until she moved into the community and tried painting for the first time with a new neighbor. “I thought it would be a fun activity,” Arminee says. “I had no greater aspirations. It is a gift I had that I didn’t even know existed.” Now, she’s developed her skills and become prolific. Her paintings and sculptures are on display at the Fresno Art Museum and Fifth District Court of Appeal. 

3. Securing a Plan for Your Future

A Life Plan Community provides you with a robust support system, complete with health and wellness resources that provide peace of mind for you and the people you love. Residents benefit from a range of resources, including:

• Fitness classes

• Medical services, such as physical therapy

• Proactive health monitoring 

• Fresh, healthy meals prepared daily by community chefs using local ingredients

When you choose senior living, you’re also planning for the future, thanks to communities that offer a continuum of care, such as independent living, assisted living, memory support and more. Your needs are met as they evolve. This safety net eliminates the scrambling that can otherwise happen during a health crisis. You’re already supported if there’s an unexpected change in your care needs. 

Most communities also have detailed safety protocols and 24/7 emergency response plans, so you’re never alone in a time of need. If you have a minor health question or an urgent situation, someone is always nearby to assist you. 

4. Dealing with Endless To-Do Lists

Residents at Life Plan Communities consistently report feeling more independent and unburdened because they’re free from daily chores that otherwise consume time and energy. They don’t have to juggle a to-do list when it comes to maintaining a home. 

You no longer have to manage plumbing issues, roof leaks or snow shoveling. Community team members handle all of these tasks for you. Many communities also offer housekeeping services, so you don’t even have to worry about dusting and vacuuming unless you choose to. This freedom from daily responsibilities opens up each day, so you can pursue hobbies, engage in social events or simply relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. 

Stan and Jackie, residents at Rydal Park & Waters in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, have found plenty of time to devote to their philanthropic and personal projects since moving to the community. Stan says, “We have no intention of slowing down, so living at Rydal Park and Waters has given us the gifts of time and convenience, which are priceless to us. Who knows what hobby or career we will take up next? Only time will tell.”

5. Cooking When You Don’t Want To

As your body ages, your nutritional needs change. Eating a balanced diet can help prevent osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and more. 

A Life Plan Community provides dining options tailored to promote your well-being with health-focused menus that are prepared daily. They even accommodate specific dietary restrictions or preferences, so you have regular access to well-balanced meals without the planning or grocery shopping. Plus, community dining venues provide a perfect space to get to know neighbors and connect with good friends over a meal. 

You have the flexibility to cook when you want — or not at all. Independent living residences often include full kitchens, giving you the option to prepare your own food. The choice is yours: Whip up a favorite recipe or head to the dining venue for a full menu of options. 

6. Creating Financial Predictability

A key benefit provided by a Life Plan Community is simplified monthly billing. Monthly fees aren’t the same as paying rent or a mortgage. Instead, they cover a multitude of monthly expenses, including: 

• Chef-prepared meals

• Housekeeping services

• Utilities, including cable, internet and more

• Transportation

• Complete home maintenance

• Security services

• Fitness and wellness classes

• Opportunities for the body, mind and spirit

This consolidation means fewer surprise costs. You don’t have to worry about sudden maintenance issues or rising utility bills; they’re part of your monthly fee. You also have more reassurance about any future health care costs because many communities offer predictable, contracted rates for advanced care if the need arises. A simpler, more predictable monthly financial picture provides you with confidence when planning for the future. 

7. Enjoying a Stress-Free Retirement

The decision to move to a Life Plan Community means leaving behind some stress and gaining a lifestyle that supports wellness, purpose and joy as you age. The right community can free up your mental and physical energy, empowering you to pursue the things you care about while connecting with others in a significant way. 

“Initially, my son was hesitant when I decided to move to Rosewood,” Linda, a resident at Rosewood in Bakersfield, California, says. “But now he sees how happy and relaxed I am. Rosewood has given me the gift of time to do what I enjoy."

Discover how a Life Plan Community can help you experience a retirement defined not by what you have to do but by what you choose to do. Learn more in our guide, The Advantages of a Senior Living Community.