Thinking beyond the condo

Aging can be a touchy subject: there’s no easy way to bring up your parent’s plans for the future, especially if it means they have to consider major lifestyle changes like moving out of their family home.

You may have ambitions of being proactive, but finding the right moment to broach the subject may never seem to arise – everyday topics like doctors’ appointments, daily responsibilities, and everything else that life throws your way take precedence. Once again, the conversation gets put off for another week, when things will hopefully “slow down”, and you can find the time and headspace to sit down and talk.

Even if you and your parents have had the talk, and they’ve started the process of downsizing, there’s still more questions than answers: what comes next? Where do we go from here?

For many older adults, especially those who are still active and independent, moving directly from the family home to a seniors’ community can feel like too drastic a change: sure, it’s practical to move to a space that is accessible and reduces daily responsibilities, but the stigma surrounding older adult communities can be pervasive, and many worry they’ll find something that’s cold, institutional, hospital-like, and even limits their autonomy.

As our understanding of aging evolves, so does our view of what these years can look like. Today's older adults are redefining what it means to age well, and increasingly, communities like United Active Living are becoming places people aspire to call home. With opportunities to pursue interests, build friendships, and embrace new experiences, community living is becoming a lifestyle choice worth looking forward to.

Even so, some older adults may prefer to move into a condo or adult apartment as an intermediate step between their family home and community living, embracing a more accessible, maintenance-free lifestyle while maintaining their independence and living on their own terms. However, this approach may mean navigating more than one move in a relatively short period of time.

What’s the trade off?

Sometimes, it’s helpful to step back and compare the options side-by-side, what does each option offer? What are the key benefits and drawbacks, and ultimately: which will give your loved one the lifestyle they align with?

Initially, purchasing or renting a condo may seem like the logical next step. Outdoor maintenance, such as snow removal, landscaping, and certain repairs, is generally covered by condo fees. Many buildings also offer convenient features, such as elevators, making it easier to bring in groceries and reducing the physical demands and potential risks associated with navigating stairs or slippery walkways. Common amenities, such as games rooms and fitness areas, can also provide opportunities for recreation and social interaction.

While some condo buildings organize social activities and events, these offerings may be less consistent and are often resident-led, meaning opportunities for connection can depend on the level of involvement and interest among neighbours within the building.

Overall, there are many benefits to condo living; however, for the most part, you are still responsible for typical household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and managing day-to-day needs.

Social opportunities are also largely self-directed, relying on your own initiative to maintain friendships, establish routines, and to plan and seek out activities.

As your needs change over time, you may find that additional support or services are required, which may mean arranging outside assistance or considering another living arrangement.

Rethinking the options for older adult living

Today, life in a seniors’ community looks a lot like condo living. A variety of suite options allows you to choose a layout that suits your preferences and lifestyle, from studios to spacious two-bedroom suites with full kitchens.

Like condo living, exterior maintenance is taken care of, meaning no more shovelling snow or mowing the lawn. Most communities also offer fitness studios, lounges, and inviting common spaces where you can connect with others.

The appeal isn't simply having fewer chores or more activities close to home. It's what that freedom makes possible. More time to pursue interests, connect with others, and say yes to experiences that might otherwise be easy to put off. Just as importantly, there's no prescribed way to spend your days. Whether you're someone who likes a full calendar or prefers a quieter pace, the choice remains yours.

Perhaps one of the greatest advantages is the flexibility to stay in the community as your needs change. With additional support and care services available within the community, you may be able to avoid the disruption of moving as your circumstances evolve. You can maintain your independence, come and go as you please, enjoy the lifestyle you choose and have the reassurance of knowing that additional services and support are there when you need them.

Looking beyond the cost

When comparing condo living with an older adult community, it's important to look beyond the purchase price or monthly rent and consider the overall cost of day-to-day living.

With a condo, expenses can include mortgage payments or rent, monthly condo fees, property taxes, utilities, insurance and additional costs for repairs or maintenance not covered by the condo corporation. You may also need to budget separately for housekeeping, meal preparation, fitness and recreation, dining out, entertainment, and social activities.

In a seniors’ community, many of these expenses may be combined into one monthly fee. Depending on the community, this can include accommodation, utilities, maintenance, housekeeping, dining, and access to amenities and activities. While the monthly cost may initially seem higher, it's important to consider what is included and the additional expenses you may no longer need to manage separately.

Ultimately, comparing the total cost of each lifestyle can give you a much clearer picture of the value you're receiving and help you make an informed decision about what works best for your budget and priorities.

A closer look

No matter where you are in your journey, taking the time to explore what's available can help you feel more confident about your next move. For many, visiting multiple communities is the best way to get a better sense of the options, experience the lifestyle firsthand, and discover how it might fit with your personal goals and preferences.

We invite you to book a tour at any of our communities, meet the people, explore the amenities and see for yourself what community living has to offer. You may discover that your next chapter looks even better than you imagined!