Gourmet dining. Scenic views. Frequent beach trips. Spotless homes. Daily activities. Live music that comes to you. Does it sound like the stuff of retirement dreams? At the right Pompano Beach senior living community, it’s already a reality. Senior living isn’t what it used to be. Today’s seniors enjoy adventure, luxury, and whatever help they may need, all from the comfort of their stunning beach homes. The right communities are so impressive that seniors don’t just move when they need help; they move into independent living communities that nurture their adventurous spirits. Yet many seniors who learn of these benefits fear that the cost of senior living in Pompano Beach, Florida, is more than they can afford. So how much can you expect to pay? That depends.
The Cost of Senior Living: An Overview
The cost of senior living varies depending on the type of community you choose and the services it offers. In Florida, assisted living averages about $3,150 per month, though the best communities tend to charge more.
It’s important to keep in mind that senior living is an all-inclusive option. This means that many of your previous expenses may disappear. You’ll no longer have to worry about a mortgage and utilities, or need to pay for in-home care. Similarly, you’ll probably spend far less on entertainment because you’ll have so many activities to choose from, as well as an at-the-ready cadre of friends to hang out with. Quality communities offer a wide range of fine dining options, including special meals for vegetarians, as well as people with diabetes or other special needs. So you can probably eliminate all or most of your food budget.
Cost and Value: Two Sides of the Same Coin
When you factor in the expenses you’ll eliminate from your budget, senior living starts to look much more affordable. But there’s more to senior living than just a price tag. The right community improves your quality of life, and may even help you live longer. For example, the best communities offer healthy, nourishing food and regular exercise options. Exercise is linked to a longer life, and the right diet and exercise regimen can help you manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. It’s impossible to put a price tag on a better, longer life.
Some other benefits of senior living include:
- Getting the most out of retirement. You’ll have plenty of time for fun activities because you’ll no longer have to worry about meal planning, food prep, housecleaning, and home maintenance.
- A more connected retirement. You’ll live among a group of potential friends, with plenty of opportunities to get to know and love your neighbors.
- Help when you need it. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ll never be alone if something goes wrong. Don’t worry about falls, activities of daily living, or any other challenges of aging.
- Better relationships. You won’t have to rely on loved ones to provide transportation, entertainment, or care. Instead, invite them over to your gorgeous new home for some live music or yoga.
Living at Home vs. Moving
Many seniors considering a move to senior living forget about their most valuable asset — their home. Even if your mortgage is paid off, your house can be a significant drain on your resources, especially in an area like Pompano Beach, where property values and taxes are high. Factor in the expense of unanticipated home repairs and regular home maintenance and you're looking at a significant monthly bill. Selling your home removes a major expense, and can leave you with enough money to fund all or most of the costs of senior living. If you invest the money now, you might even be able to leave some of the remainder to your kids or grandkids. For help comparing the costs of home ownership to those of quality senior living communities, check out our free cost comparison calculator.
