1.) Fear of Loss of Independence
We all want to run our own lives. Especially in retirement, we don’t want regimentation. We want to do things our own way, whether that’s for life’s major functions or the finer details. However, with age, sometimes personal needs increase and independence is strained. Our loved ones and senior community staff do not want to take away independence, but they are obliged to see to our needs.
Life at an Independent Living senior community is a lot like life in a condo. You don’t have to paint the siding, clean the gutters, or fix leaky faucets. You’ll cook your own meals, unless you prefer to eat in the restaurant on a given evening. Transportation and activities are available, but optional. Make your own bed and wash your clothes if you wish, but services for such tasks are usually available. Furnish and decorate your apartment to your taste. You still want to drive? Go ahead. (You’ll have parking space.) In short, you’re independent.
Assisted Living raises the level of service by degree. Depending on individual needs, it will likely vary and could include all meals, outings and entertainment, transportation, help with keeping appointments, full-day scheduling, and up to 24-hour available assistance. In Memory Care and Skilled Nursing settings, care is nearly constant. Independence wanes, but not because of the senior living community setting.
2.) Fear of Running Out of Money
Quality senior living isn’t cheap, especially if nursing care is involved. Assess your resources realistically. Add up those pensions, Social Security payouts, the likely surplus from selling your home, your current retirement funds and bank balances.
Now get detailed cost breakdowns from the management of your potential senior communities. (Shop around, just as if you were buying a private home.) Look into costs at various levels of care, as care level might rise over time. Know going in how costs match up with your resources. Keep in mind that staying in your home or apartment isn’t free; calculate your cost of staying put – including food, utilities, maintenance, insurance and taxes -- and compare it with the cost of the senior community, which may include many of those things you’re currently paying separately for.
Ask the communities you’re interested in about their financial approval process. Will you complete a financial application and receive approval prior to moving in? Ask them what happens if your financial resources dwindle so you can make an informed decision about your next chapter and how it relates to your savings portfolio.

Life at a senior living community means you're surrounded by peers and friends.
3.) Fear of Loneliness
Loneliness is probably the most groundless of all the fears. Advancing age typically means an ever-shrinking circle of friends and acquaintances. Many older adults still in their own homes find themselves isolated, whereas living at a senior community brings an abundance of peers to your social circle. A fresh start in a setting surrounded by potential new friends undoubtedly creates opportunity to enhance one’s social life.