Busting the Top Five Myths About Life Plan Communities
As you plan for a secure, vibrant retirement, you may be seeing lots of advertisements for “Life Plan Communities.” But what exactly does this term mean?
Simply put, a Life Plan Community like The Village at Germantown combines independent retirement living and access to multiple levels of care on a single campus. But that’s only part of the story. These energetic communities also offer adult learning opportunities, trips and activities, sought-after amenities and healthy, delicious dining options.
However, if you asked ten people what they think about Life Plan Communities, you’ll likely get ten different answers. That’s because there are lots of myths surrounding this modern retirement living option. Let’s look at five of these myths now.
Myth #1: Active, Healthy People Don’t Belong in Life Plan Communities
Does the phrase “Life Plan Community” conjure up images of folks sitting around reminiscing about old times? It’s time to put that stereotype to rest.
In reality, the active seniors who live in these communities are known for filling their days with socializing, playing sports, attending lectures and enjoying numerous other engaging activities. And because chores like home maintenance and yard work are taken care of, many residents find they finally have time to pursue their true passions, and even cultivate some new ones.
At The Village at Germantown, there are numerous opportunities to learn, teach, grow and contribute. For example, our residents with green thumbs are always hard at work tending our community garden or setting up beautiful floral displays. You’ll also find our talented Village Choir preparing for their next concert, or our Loops of Love Club knitting colorful creations for charity.
No wonder the number one thing that seniors say after they make their move is “I wish I’d done this sooner!”
Myth #2: I’ll Lose My Independence
One of biggest myths about Life Plan Communities is that staff members control the lives of residents, dictating what folks can and cannot do. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, one of the hallmarks of community living is the opportunity to focus on what you enjoy most, without the stressors that come with owning a home. Plus in many communities, clubs and activities are resident driven—and that’s particularly true at The Village.
As for staff members, their job isn’t telling you how to live … it’s helping you live your best life. At our Germantown senior living community, we call it a servant heart. Here, employees deeply understand and value the contributions and life experience of our residents, and they’re eager to go the extra mile to ensure top-tier service and a fulfilling lifestyle. So you can enjoy everything our 29-acre community and the greater Memphis area have to offer.
Myth # 3: Senior Living Apartments Are Tiny and Out of Date
You won’t find boring “cookie-cutter” homes at most Life Plan Communities (and definitely not at The Village at Germantown!) Instead, you’ll find diverse floor plans with loads of space to decorate, entertain and enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle.
Modern senior living residences at The Village at Germantown offer more choices than ever—from square footage to flooring, cabinetry and more. Their many features include elegant foyers, granite countertops, state-of-the-art appliances and open-concept living and dining areas. Walk-in closets and abundant storage are also common, as well as patios and balconies that provide a friendly backdrop for gatherings with family and friends. And if you like the idea of having a garage and a yard, many retirement communities, including The Village at Germantown, also offer stand-alone homes in neighborhood settings.
If you still need convincing, check out the abundance of floor plans in our Germantown senior living community. Our one- and two-bedroom apartments offer an ideal setting for entertaining or relaxing after a full day of activities. If you want a bit of extra space, our well-appointed villas feature two-bedroom plus den floor plans with vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light and maintenance-free lawns.
Myth # 4: Folks in Life Plan Communities Are Lonely and Isolated
Amazingly, the opposite is true. A report by the Mather Institute’s Age Well Study found that social and emotional wellness for seniors is higher in Life Plan Communities than in the greater population of older adults. (Bonus: social connections also reduce the risk of high blood pressure and other physical ailments.)
Life Plan Communities make coming together for socialization easy—and at The Village, neighbors quickly become family. Folks here can choose from a variety of activities, events and clubs from art to Zumba. Resort-like amenities include a swimming pool and fitness center, cinema, library, walking paths, gourmet dining venues and so much more. All shared with some of the most engaging, friendly people you’ll ever meet.
Myth #5: Only The Wealthy Can Afford a Life Plan Community
Life Plan Communities are more affordable than you might realize—and in many cases, they’re less expensive than staying in your current home. Think about the monthly and yearly costs you pay right now. Chances are, they include:
- Rent or mortgage
- Property taxes and insurance
- Home maintenance and repair
- Utilities, cable and internet
- Lawn services and landscaping
When you move into a Life Plan Community, these costs are often included in your monthly fee. You also get to enjoy amenities like health and fitness centers, mouth-watering dining venues, live entertainment and transportation services.
Even more importantly, multiple levels of care are provided right on campus. So you won’t have to worry about a disruptive off-site move if your health needs change.
How Do I Know if a Life Plan Community Is Right for Me?
Choosing a Life Plan Community is a big decision. Here at The Village, our counselors have years of experience helping folks find an affordable path to a lifetime of freedom, wellness and security.
We’d love to show you around and chat about your vision for retirement living. Give us a call at 901-737-4242 today to schedule your visit.