Perception vs. Reality of a Retirement Community

While it’s true that retirement communities were once perceived as nursing homes for the elderly, the reality is that these communities are active, lively, and designed for residents to connect with others while pursuing their own passions and goals.

Once you’ve retired, you’re ready to put your hard working years behind you and spend your time doing what you love most. And you’re ready to do so in an engaging neighborhood where you have access to all the resources you need to live the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.

Senior living communities, like Searstone, serve as a convenient, worry-free environment that allow residents to spend less time doing chores and more time with family, and on hobbies they enjoy. Communities focus on giving residents the privacy of living on their own, with the convenience of meals onsite, an active lifestyle with a robust social calendar, and access to healthcare.

In the wake of COVID-19, residents have felt more comfortable at Searstone than ever. They’re reaping benefits that they otherwise would not have access to if they had chosen to stay home and age in place. They don’t have to go out and risk getting sick — everything they need is right on the grounds for them, with delicious meals delivered right to their doors. Searstone employees are finding ways to surprise and delight residents with events like virtual concerts and other exciting ways for them to stay connected.

Perception: Retirement communities are just for the elderly.

Years ago, retirement communities were regarded as a place for the elderly to live when they needed to be cared for around the clock. This isn’t the case in the current day and age. While healthcare is certainly one of the main reasons residents join a senior living community, there is so much more to it.

After retirement, people want to enjoy a lifestyle of personal growth and opportunity, all in a lively and engaging setting. Whether your goal is to take up new hobbies or meet new people, a retirement community will offer you many opportunities to do so.

Searstone offers engaging programs focused on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness: Social, Intellectual, Spiritual, Environmental, Physical, Nutritional, Outreach, and Cultural. Residents can achieve their health and wellness goals within the state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor swimming pool and spa, and salon and massage area.

Perception: You should wait until you’re older.

You may believe you should wait as long as you can until you move into a retirement community, but current residents of Searstone disagree. In fact, many of them wish they’d taken the leap and moved in sooner.

Residents enjoy being part of a tight-knit community. They make friends with their neighbors, join groups and programs, engage in their favorite hobbies and learn new ones, and live the life they’ve always wanted to live. At Searstone, you’ll have the freedom to come and go as you please.

Another common reason for moving sooner rather than later is for your health. While you may be in great health now, there is a possibility you may require more care in the future. Having healthcare on site can be a game-changer when it comes to treatment. Rather than driving or arranging rides to various appointments, you’ll be very close to the health center. This can also end up saving you in medical bills down the line.

Perception: There isn’t a lot of space.

You may be envisioning a small space to move into, but many senior living communities offer large apartments or homes, with Searstone offering some of the largest homes in the area.

At The Highview, there will be several different floor plans so you can choose the right one for your needs. There will be 152 Independent Living apartments, varying between one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and two-bedroom with den floor plan options that average 1,425 square feet.

Each will be equipped with a new kitchen area, as well as spacious open floor plans and ample storage throughout. You’ll also have a washer and dryer within your apartment and regular housekeeping service. Residences at The Highview will also feature smart home technology for control over your lighting, HCAV and more – all with the click, swipe or your voice from anywhere on campus or off.

In addition, residents will also enjoy a blend of residential living and neighborhood convenience with walkable spaces, concierge services, transportation services, reserved underground parking, and easy access to retail and restaurants.

Perception: Homes aren’t selling right now.

In light of recent events, there’s a misconception that the real estate market has crashed and that homes are not selling. The reality, however, is that the real estate market is doing just fine. People are still looking for homes, and homes are still selling.

Real estate is considered an essential business, so agents adapted to the current environment, pivoted quickly, and continued to serve homebuyers’ and sellers’ needs. According to David Jones, CEO of Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, observes that homes are selling at a normal pace after monitoring them closely for the past couple of months. Inventory of homes for sale is lower in April 2020 than it has been, which is great news for sellers. You don’t have to worry that your home won’t sell in today’s current market – many people are still ready to buy.

The new expansion at Searstone has so much to offer, and the location of Cary, North Carolina has even more. As one of the best retirement communities for active adults, The Highview could be right for you or your loved one.

After understanding more about Searstone, it’s a good idea to inquire quickly. Priority deposits are being accepted now, which provide a package of benefits. Priority Membership will be coming to a close soon, so the time to act is now as these benefits won’t be available much longer.

Please visit our website or call us at 919-234-0339 to learn more about living the senior living lifestyle at The Highview at Searstone.