Comparing the Benefits of Senior Living to a 55+ Community

Choosing where to live as you age becomes one of the most important decisions we face. With so many options available, how can you determine whether a senior living community (sometimes referred to as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) or Life Plan Communities) or a 55+ community better suits your needs and lifestyle? 

At Homestead Village, we understand the importance of making an informed choice that enhances your quality of life. Our team is ready to discuss all your options with you and help you understand the key differences, pros, and cons between senior living in a CCRC vs. living in a 55+ community in Lancaster, PA. We’ll help you find the perfect fit for the next chapter in your life. 

The Facts About Senior Living 

Senior living communities are specifically designed to cater to the needs of those 62 and older, offering various levels of care and support. This means you’ll receive the assistance you need, when you need it, while maintaining your independence. At Homestead Village, we provide a range of services and amenities to ensure you thrive where you are. 

Types of Senior Living Communities 

• Independent Living in a 55+ Community: Ideal for those who can live independently but prefer the convenience of community amenities. These often include social activities and some sort of HOA or landscaping contract.  While options in 55+ communities allow for ownership of single-family or duplex-style homes or apartments, they do not offer more expansive amenities, services, healthcare support, or a continuum of care provided by senior living communities.  

• Assisted Living/Personal Care Homes: These communities help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management. Before moving to a stand-alone personal care home, it’s important to research staffing levels, contract language, and policies such as what happens if a resident exhausts their financial resources. At Homestead Village, Personal Care is one step in our continuum, and we are the only community in the Lancaster area where you can receive personal care services for short- or long-term periods directly in your independent living apartment through the Supportive Services program.  If a resident finds themselves in financial hardship, they are never asked to leave and are supported by our endowment fund for benevolent care.   

• Memory Care: Specially designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, offering structured environments with trained staff to help residents in their everyday lives. There are just a few stand-alone memory care centers in Lancaster county, and they often have waiting lists.  

• Skilled Nursing Care & Rehabilitation: Skilled nursing offers services for people who need more medical care than assisted living communities can provide. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) may offer services like medications, medical equipment, and social services. Rehabilitation is short-term, in-patient care helping people return to home. Homestead Village offers both rehabilitation and skilled nursing care in a home-like setting making it comfortable for both the residents and their families.  

• Continuing Care Retirement Communities: Homestead Village offers a full range of services from independent living through skilled nursing care and rehabilitation.  We offer a wide range of independent living apartments and homes. Plus, if you or a loved one requires care, we can provide personal care in your apartment or make a plan to transition to skilled nursing and memory care as needed. Homestead Village Home Care Services can also provide support if needed.  

Common Services and Amenities Offered 

Many senior living options provide a range of services and amenities, such as nutritious meal plans, housekeeping, laundry services, transportation for appointments and outings, fitness programs, and social activities and events. Homestead Village offers many life enrichment opportunities, especially due to our location near both Downtown Lancaster and the beautiful rural areas – giving you the best of both worlds: the bustling city and the rolling countryside. Our residents not only enjoy the wide range of activities and offerings within their community but spend much of their time traveling and venturing into the natural surroundings and cultural events beyond Homestead Village.  

Health and Wellness Support 

One of the significant advantages of senior living communities is the availability of on-site healthcare services. Residents have easy access to medical support, including nursing staff, therapy services (both in-patient and out-patient), and wellness programs tailored to their needs. This immediate access to care provides peace of mind for residents and their families. 55+ communities do not offer healthcare services, which can mean higher costs to bring in-home care or eventually moving to a senior living community. This is why senior living communities provide an advantage over 55+ communities, where health and wellness are a priority and not an after-thought.  

Making the Right Choice 

Deciding between senior living and a 55+ community isn’t easy. Each option offers distinct advantages tailored to different preferences and requirements, the biggest being that senior living (or CCRC) communities offer the convenience of one move, versus multiple in your future years. 

At Homestead Village, our team is ready to help you explore all your options. Your next chapter awaits—choose the one that best fits your vision of a fulfilling and enriching life. Reach out to us today!