Follow Cindy Linkedin Facebook
Email Cindy Email
Other
Jan 5, 2015

Homeownership: A Blessing Or A Burden?

Sponsored Content provided by Cindy Stancil - President , Liberty Senior Living Management Services, LLC

The holidays are over. For many of us, the preparation and chaos that go along with the season are about to be replaced by the packing up of decorations. January gives us time to refocus, relax and get back into the comfortable, well-known pace of our daily lives. 

In January I am reminded that all the little things that have to be done before the holidays can make us lose sight of what’s important. The true meaning of the holidays is about the relationships we have in our lives, not the material things, regardless of the hours that we spend shopping for that perfect gift.

Whether hosting family and friends or traveling to visit loved ones, the preparation takes effort. Cleaning the house and doing yard work can be a huge distraction; plus appliances only seem to break at the most inconvenient times.  

The holidays and the idea of homeownership always bring me back to a conversation I have with potential residents: Do you own your house? Or does your house own you?

People often describe the joy of homeownership. Instead I would offer that not owning a home can deliver more freedom: the freedom to travel, the freedom to escape the drudgery of maintaining a yard, the freedom to spend valuable time with loved ones.  

Residents at Brightmore of Wilmington or Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall never have to mow the grass or worry about maintaining their homes. If something breaks, they just call the on-site maintenance department. Moreover, the residents in the Independent Living communities receive weekly housekeeping services and one meal per day. Residents of the assisted living and memory care communities get three meals a day and many other amenities. 

It makes me wonder why people don’t jump at the chance to be a resident, especially considering the scheduled transportation services, flexible meal times and menus, library and fitness center. Carolina Bay is particularly exciting, since it will have independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled care facilities when it’s done.

Typically, people say that homeownership is a symbol of personal independence, and that continuing care retirement communities are too expensive.

The notion that cost is a barrier is a misconception, but I’ll go into more detail about that in a future article. Regarding homeownership, however, I think owning a home can be a burden. Not owning a home creates an opportunity to pursue new interests, learn and explore, travel to new places or relax in our favorite destinations. I’ve also heard many residents describe the newfound sense of freedom they have found after cashing in on a lifetime’s worth of equity.

A person’s entire identity can become inexorably tied to a house, which is really just an inanimate object in the scheme of things. Letting go of the objects that own us can deliver a higher level of personal freedom and more time to spend with our loved ones, working on the relationships that matter the most.

Cindy Stancil is President of Liberty Senior Living Management Services, LLC.  Leveraging 30 years of experience in senior and assisted living, Stancil manages operations at four senior living campuses under the Liberty Senior Living umbrella, including Brightmore of Wilmington, Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall, and Kempton of Wilmington. Liberty Senior Living Management Services LLC is a division of Liberty Healthcare Companies, a locally owned and operated company that provides a comprehensive approach to patient care. To learn more, contact Cindy Stancil at 910-332-1783, by email at [email protected], or visit www.BrightmoreofWilmington.com.    

Lhs carolinabay 300x250
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Headshotrosaliecalarco 1182131047

Beware of Online Holiday Shopping Scams

Untitleddesign13

The Benefits of Choosing Local Partners in Construction

Jim Hundley - Thomas Construction Group
Jenniferadams

Refreshing Water (and Sewer) in Wrightsville Beach

Jennifer Adams - Cape Fear Public Utility Authority

Trending News

New Retail, Office Hub To Open In Hampstead

Emma Dill - May 23, 2025

2025 Coastal Entrepreneur Of The Year Announced, Category Winners Recognized

Cece Nunn - May 22, 2025

Endowment Officials Offer Insights On Current Initiatives, Grant Plans

Rickie Houston - May 22, 2025

Pender Commerce Park Building Changes Hands For $23.5M

Emma Dill - May 22, 2025

Nest Realty Finds New Place To Roost In Carolina Beach

Cece Nunn - May 23, 2025

In The Current Issue

Creating A Full-time Fishing Gig

His busy season for charters is April through November. During those months, he’ll typically do charters about five to six days a week, taki...


Projects Give Town A Sand Infusion

Town officials said the improved channel will enhance navigation for both commercial and recreational boaters, along with the advantages of...


CEA Emerging Company Winner: A Patient Way To Boost Research

Synaptigen launched officially in December, taking its name from synaptogenesis, the process of forming new synapses....

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season