When you're pricing senior living communities, the initial learning curve can be a little confusing. If you're coming from a home that's already paid off, the price of senior living communities can seem daunting. Bear in mind, however, first impressions are seldom what they seem to be. Once you have the full details at your disposal, you may find that senior living communities are actually not as expensive as they initially seem when you factor in the amenities and care they provide; the comfort and security residents feel when they've found a great environment in which they can call home often pays for itself.

At 10 Wilmington Place, we've heard many of our residents' fears about the cost of living in the Golden Years. As such, we'd like to take this time to help dispel the expense myths surrounding great senior living communities.

Myth #1: There are Tons of Hidden Costs

Sure, some communities do lure you in with a super low price tag, only to exacerbate the price when you're ready to sign. Reputable communities don't participate in this practice. When you find a great community, the staff will be upfront with the costs from the very beginning. If you're ever unsure, ask questions! You should feel completely comfortable asking any questions that may arise, whether they're related to money or anything else. After all, the community could become your new home!

If you don't feel at ease asking questions in the very beginning, that may not be the right community for you.

Myth #2: You'll Still Have to Pay for Amenities, Meals and Activities

This myth goes hand in hand with Myth #1. Some communities will charge for creature comforts, but there are many great places that aren't looking for ways to exploit your monthly payment.

At 10 Wilmington Place, for example, your monthly payment includes access to all of our amenities, including (but not limited to) the following:

• Meals
• Housekeeping
• Lawn care
• Repairs (plumbing, roofing, electrical)
• Utilities
• Security services
• Entertainment (music, concerts, games, movies)
• Fitness center
• Transportation to scheduled outings and activities

Additionally, there is no HOA fee due at 10 Wilmington Place, which is a cost people often forget to factor in when they're shopping for a new home in their Golden Years.

The easiest way to determine how much a potential new community will benefit you monetarily is to lay your expenses next to each other. With a side-by-side comparison, you'll be able to see what you're paying on your own versus what's included in the cost of a great community. When you add it all up, you may be surprised at the result.

Myth #3: You Get What You Pay For

While this may be true in many facets of life, due diligence really pays off in the end when you're searching for a new home. The initial market price of one community may exclude all of the things that attracted you in the first place, which can easily bolster the bill once you start adding on features. Alternatively, an excellent community, which already includes all of its amenities in its pricing, may seem high at first glance, but when you actually analyze the cost, the option that appears more expensive at first could really be the better value.

Beyond this, there are many intangible benefits to finding a great community that you simply can't put a price tag on. Finding a place that supports your health and growth, while allowing you to make a few great friends along the way, is priceless.

Are you trying to weigh your options when it comes to senior care? If the task of determining whether a senior living community is better for your budget than in-home healthcare, be sure to download our Affordable Living Cost Analysis Worksheet to help you better understand the benefits that 10 Wilmington Place can provide. Let us know if you have any questions!