The Benefits of Shared Living for Seniors

Sharing is a life skill taught to most of us from a young age. It’s an essential component in human interaction and invaluable to our well-being. Humans are inherently social creatures, and often, sharing forms the basis of that connection. Aging doesn’t change any of this, and yet, unfortunately, over time, many of us find ourselves lacking the opportunities we once had to share our passions, our skills, our opinions, and our lives with others. But there is a solution. Here are the benefits of shared living for seniors. 

The facts about shared living for seniors 

When discussing shared living for seniors, space is shared with a roommate, typically in an assisted living setting, a type of senior living that offers support with activities like personal care and medication management as needed. Options for shared living for seniors include the following: 

Shared living in a residential home  

Here, there are fewer residents than in a large community, and seniors with physical or cognitive limitations might find an assisted living setting in a residential home easier to navigate as well. Not to mention, in this home-like environment, residents enjoy familiar daily activities such as getting the mail, going for a walk, and helping with household chores. 

Shared spaces in assisted living communities 

Companion apartments can often be found in assisted living. A benefit of an assisted living community is amenities like restaurant-style dining, beautiful common areas to gather with friends and family, planned activities, a theater, library, computer room, fitness or wellness center, hair salons, and on-site staff. 

Assisted living companion living  

This option for shared living for seniors in assisted living features semi-private suites, with each resident having their own private bedroom while sharing the bathroom and living room. Residents enjoy all the features mentioned above in an assisted living community as well.  

Download our Life Is Better When Shared Guide! 

Benefits of shared living for seniors 

You’ll find many benefits of shared living for seniors that can enhance the well-being of you or your loved one, including the following: 

• Opportunities for social connection – Residents don’t have to worry about loneliness or social isolation in shared living for seniors. Communities like ours offer fun and engaging options like social events, exercise programs, classes, clubs, live music and entertainment, opportunities for creative expression, game nights, group outings, religious services, and volunteer opportunities. Moreover, prompting by a roommate or the cue of seeing them head out to join in activities can help seniors who have become withdrawn to re-engage more easily.  
• The stability of a regular daily routine – Unstructured time can lead to feelings of anxiousness, depression, and a lack of purpose. However, life in communities like ours features a more structured routine with windows of time for meals, activities, and services. Having a roommate can also help if you’re doing these things together.  
• Conveniences that make life easier – Another benefit of shared living for seniors is having home maintenance, housekeeping, meals, and scheduled transportation provided. Plus, everything is just outside your door, along with additional amenities like a fitness center, library, beautiful grounds, and common areas ideal for socializing with neighbors, friends, and family. 
• Significant cost savings – According to the most recent Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living for a private, one-bedroom is $4,500. However, shared living for seniors costs significantly less. In fact, depending on where you or your loved one lives, a shared space could save you thousands of dollars each year on rent and care costs. 
• Peace of mind – The comfort that comes from knowing neighbors and caring staff are always nearby is one of the greatest benefits of shared living for seniors. Plus, in our communities, the dignity and privacy of residents are always maintained while offering support for added peace of mind. 

To learn more about shared senior living, download our Life Is Better When Shared Guide today!