Finding the right retirement community is one of the most important decisions many seniors face today. There are so many factors to consider—including the social support structure and senior care options available in a given community—that the choice can feel overwhelming.
However, beyond a great location, comprehensive levels of care, and desirable amenities, many seniors and their families are also adding abundant faith and fellowship opportunities to their list of criteria for finding the best place to spend retirement. They also have a lot of options when it comes to faith-based retirement communities that fit their spiritual needs.
Faith-based retirement communities offer a unique and enriching environment for older adults, emphasizing an approach to retirement living and senior care that glorifies God and supports spiritual growth. At Calvary Homes, we are proud to be part of a faith-based senior living community that integrates Christian values into daily lives, providing compassionate care and services that enhance the well-being of our residents. Our community includes worship services, bible studies, and other religious services that nourish the spirit, while our levels of care, from personal care to dedicated memory care, ensure that residents receive the support they need in a setting that honors their faith.
Is A Faith-Based Retirement Community A Better Choice For Your Spiritual Needs?
It’s true that we all have spiritual needs, and those can become harder to fulfill as we age and face things like health challenges, loss, potential memory issues, and other difficult life experiences. Faith-based retirement communities like ours intentionally focus on creating opportunities for residents to connect with our Lord Jesus Christ to be more resilient in facing any challenge.
With that in mind, here are five advantages to think about as you consider a faith-based community like Calvary Homes for your retirement.
1 – Shared Values
While many retirement communities embrace the beliefs of their residents by providing church services, offering Bible studies, and observing religious holidays, faith-based communities celebrate faith as the core of what we do every day. Faith is present in every decision, large and small, from our mission statement to our plans for daily activities, to the way we connect and interact with residents and each other.
Sharing values such as joy, compassion, stewardship, fellowship, and community has become a way of life that religious communities like ours eagerly share with others. It’s not uncommon for residents to experience deeper, more nourishing relationships with staff and fellow residents in faith-based senior living communities.
2 – Solace and Support in a Time of Transition and Uncertainty
The decision to move to a senior care or retirement community is one of life’s biggest transitions and one that is likely to bring up many difficult emotions, such as sadness, fear, and uncertainty. Many seniors turn to their faith for solace and support during times like these. A faith-based community offers many opportunities to strengthen and deepen that faith while providing comfort and familiarity during difficult transitions.
Faith-based communities can also be a great option for those who are just discovering their faith and those who haven’t embraced spirituality up to this point. Faith-based retirement communities’ accepting and uplifting environment can provide hope and create meaningful connections with others—even when worries abound.
3 – Opportunities to Get Involved
Faith-based retirement communities provide residents with numerous opportunities for active participation in their spiritual and social lives. These communities often host a variety of worship services, prayer groups, holiday celebrations, and other faith-centered activities that foster a deep sense of belonging and purpose. Residents are not only participants but are also encouraged to take on active roles within these events. Whether it’s through preaching, teaching, or facilitating group discussions, there are many ways for individuals to share their faith and wisdom with others.
In addition to these activities, residents can engage in Bible studies, direct or sing in choirs, or take part in other performances that uplift the community spirit. Many also find fulfillment in playing musical instruments, managing audio and video equipment, or helping to organize and run community events. Moreover, faith-based communities often offer opportunities to serve others directly by escorting fellow residents to activities and ensuring that everyone feels included and valued. These roles not only enrich the lives of those who serve but also contribute to a vibrant, supportive community where faith is lived out daily.
Continuing to feel a sense of purpose by using our spiritual gifts can help seniors feel more vibrant and healthy in all aspects of life, fulfilling spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and even physical needs.
4 – A Sense of Community and Belonging
When leaving their private homes to move to a retirement community, seniors often face a sense of disconnection from familiar surroundings and those they love. Faith-based communities can help fill this gap, providing meaningful connections with others who share their faith and honor the traditions that go with it.
This fosters a sense of real connection and belonging that is vital to overall health, a sense of well-being, and fulfillment. That sense of belonging can be the difference between feeling lost and alone or feeling like part of a vibrant community where everyone is looking out for everyone else.
5 – All-Inclusive Atmosphere
While faith-based retirement communities are often affiliated with Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, or Jewish religions, you don’t need to be a practicing member of a particular faith to join the community. In fact, many faith-based retirement communities welcome differing points of view, fostering an environment where residents and staff can learn from one another and share their experiences. Even those who do not believe in God are welcome to join these communities without pressure to change their perspective.
In these faith-based senior living communities, faith is not merely a set of rules to follow but is embraced as a way of life. It includes compassion for others, a deep connection with the community, and a commitment to aspire to something greater than ourselves. Faith-based retirement communities offer a unique environment where values are shared, gifts are appreciated and encouraged, and hope and solace are provided in difficult times. Choosing a community that aligns with your faith can lead to a deeply satisfying and fulfilling retirement.
Ready to Explore Faith-Based Retirement Communities? Start with Calvary Homes!
If you’re considering faith-based retirement communities in the Lancaster, PA, area for you or someone you love, we invite you to discover what Calvary Homes has to offer. We are a full-service, community-focused, Christian-based retirement community that has been enriching the lives of seniors since 1963.
Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published on 7-27-2020. It has since been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.