This post is sponsored and contributed by Saratoga Grove, a Patch Brand Partner.

Community Corner

Saratoga Grove

The Value of a Senior Community

(Saratoga Grove)

This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.


What a difference a generation makes! Seniors today don’t fit the image of spending their golden years with nothing more to do than pass the time in a rocking chair. Senior living looks very different, too. Today, senior communities offer lifestyle options to suit today’s active and engaged seniors.

The decision to move from your home to an independent living community is a big one. There’s much to consider, and it’s essential to weigh each option’s pros and cons. Should you remain living at home? Or is it time to move into a community?

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One of the main factors for many seniors is cost. Some people worry that an independent living community is an expensive option. While there is certainly a cost, there is also a cost to living at home. The average rent in the United States is $1,200 a month. Even if you’ve paid off your mortgage, there are still property taxes to keep in mind. Monthly utilities—electricity, water, heat—are all part of living at home. The average cost for utilities in the US is approximately $500 per month, or $6,000 a year. The cost of food varies for everyone, but as a rule of thumb, expect to spend a minimum of $250 per person per month, which adds up to $3,000 a year for each person. Transportation costs can vary, but for people who operate a vehicle and don’t take public transportation, gas costs around $250 a month, or about $3,000 a year.

The tally, so far, is about $26,000 a year, covering just the necessities. It doesn’t include housekeeping, laundry, eating out, entertainment, unexpected expenses, or trips. Saratoga Grove offers various accommodations and amenities to suit individual lifestyles and needs, and most of the associated costs such as utilities, meals, weekly housecleaning services, maintenance, transportation to many local places, and a long list of other amenities all included in your rent; you’re free to spend your money on whatever you fancy. Depending on the service level you want and the type of home you’d like to live in, the costs vary, but there are several options.

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There are many benefits to living at a senior community. You will be free from home maintenance or repairs; no more snow shoveling, mowing the lawn, or fixing the dishwasher! A move to Saratoga Grove comes with a maintenance-free lifestyle. You’ll have a beauty salon and barbershop right on campus, as well as a calendar of life-enriching activities, such as live entertainment, fitness programs, and social gatherings. Saratoga Grove also provides 24-hour security in a safe environment. From having staff onsite around the clock to fire suppression systems and an emergency call system, seniors can feel safe living alone.

If you’re considering whether or not to move to Saratoga Grove, we invite you to visit us to learn more. Contact us at SG@provlife.com or (630) 971-1995 or visit our web site at www.SaratogaGrove.com.


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This post is sponsored and contributed by Saratoga Grove, a Patch Brand Partner.