Is a Life Plan Community for Me? 6 Common Questions and Concerns

If you’ve started thinking about the future, you may be wondering if the Fellowship Village independent living community is right for you. Any big change is daunting, and moving is among the most stressful life events. But if moving helps you live your best life without worrying, isn’t it worth it? Let’s tackle six of the most common questions and misconceptions about independent living.

Will I Lose My Independence?

Absolutely not! In fact, by taking control now, you’re ensuring you’re the one making important lifestyle choices, rather than leaving them to your family down the road. My wife and I are very independent, explains Fellowship Village resident Steve Pozarek. We like making our own decisions, and we’re still young enough to be able to do that right now. We were concerned that if we waited any longer to make this kind of change, the decisions wouldn’t necessarily be ours to make.

Residents choose the home option that best suits their needs and do exactly what they want, when they want. But they have the advantage of on-site facilities that make daily life feel more like a stay at a luxury resort. And thanks to maintenance-free living, you’ll have more time to do the things you enjoy.

Will I Feel Isolated?

Being part of a community is vital as we get older, and this sense of belonging is one of the main reasons residents love life at Fellowship Village. Whether you love golfing or gardening, it’s easy to meet up with people who share your interests. Get together with keen birders to track the fall migration along our wooded trails or fuel literary discussions with books from the well-stocked library. The expanding recreational facilities, which include a top-notch performing arts center, offer countless opportunities to socialize.

I’m Worried about Living in an Institutional Environment.

Our campus of 72 verdant acres, with tree-lined streets, beautifully maintained lawns and classic East Coast-inspired architecture has the feel of a charming small town. Independent living homes have high ceilings and desirable features like walk-in closets, porches and gas fireplaces in select properties. Whether you choose a modern apartment or a two-bedroom home with a den and attached garage, you’ll enjoy bright, open-plan spaces designed for entertaining and accessibility.

Helmed by executive chef Arthur Marston, our award-winning dining program is anything but institutional. Several stylish restaurants, including a contemporary tapas and cocktail lounge, serve creative, seasonal cuisine.

Should I Stay or Sell in this Economy?

With global financial volatility, the war in Ukraine, and erratic weather patterns, everything feels uncertain. It’s tempting to turn off the news and put off making decisions until things settle down. However, there are clear indications that if you’re considering selling your home in the next few years, you’ll get more bang for your buck now. The New York Times reports that while house prices are set to fall due to higher mortgage rates, the market is still strong. Joining a life plan community can lock in your monthly expenses to help you beat inflation as well as the high cost of long-term care should you need it.

Is a Life Plan Community a Good Value for the Money?

If you’re a homeowner, you already know how expensive it is to keep up your property now. And that’s not taking into account any remodeling you might want to do to safely and successfully age in place. At Fellowship Village, interior and exterior maintenance are included in the monthly fee, along with housekeeping services, basic utilities and on-site facilities, including the heated indoor/outdoor pool and the medical center.

The most valuable feature of all: our residents will receive long-term care should they ever need it. The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reports the average annual cost for a private room in a New Jersey nursing home is $145,818. That could be inching toward $200,000 within the next five years, even if inflation drops to 5%. Think you can get by with someone to help you with basic tasks like cooking or cleaning? You’d still be looking at more than $80,000 a year. With a life plan community, your needs are covered.

I Don’t Feel Old!

Most of our residents would agree and that’s why we call it an active adult community. You’re only as old as you feel isn’t just a cliché, it actually impacts your health. Recent research at Bar-Ilan University in Israel suggests those who don’t feel their age recover more effectively from injuries and disease. As part of our Bravo Wellness Program, your personal coach can help you devise a strategy to retain balance, flexibility and strength, whether you prefer a mellow yoga class or lifting weights. Fitness devotees will be in their element when our state-of-the-art mind-body Vibe Fitness Center opens in 2023.

Stay Active with FellowshipLIFE

Ready to learn more about the benefits of the active, maintenance-free lifestyle Fellowship Village residents enjoy? Call us at 908-580-3840. We’d love the chance to answer all of your questions!