Making the move to an independent living community can be a major step in your life. It can also be a scary one. There are so many things to think about and plan for. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you through the process. This article covers everything you need to know about making the move to an independent living community.
What is an Independent Living Community?
An independent living community is a type of housing that focuses on providing services and supportive environments for older adults. There are many types of senior living communities. Some provide medical or medical-type services, while others provide recreational activities and activities to help seniors maintain a sense of socialization. But regardless of the type, all senior living communities are designed with the goal of providing support, offering services, and making living as easy as possible for seniors.
Seniors who choose to move into an independent living community will likely experience many benefits. People who live independently are happier, healthier, and have longer life spans. Many have found that a move into a senior living community has given them the freedom to travel more, work part-time, and spend more time with family and friends. In addition to these benefits, many seniors choose to live in an independent living community for the sense of independence and freedom it gives them.
Why do seniors move into independent living communities?
Seniors are making the transition to independent living because they want to stay active and engaged in their community. They also want to age in place and be able to live independently. Independent living communities provide seniors with the ability to continue doing what they love while giving them the support they need when it comes to some of their daily activities. The benefits of living in an independent living community are plenty.
- You’ll have the freedom to choose your own activities and interests.
- You’ll likely have more time for yourself and your family.
- You’ll find that your independence is easier to come by with services like transportation, meals on wheels, and housekeeping. If you’re thinking about making the move.
- Independence – Moving into an independent living community is often a step toward greater independence in your life.
- It gives you the freedom to choose your own activities, friends, and schedule.
- Health Benefits – Another major advantage of living in an independent living community is the health benefits it provides. Living in an independent living community often means having access to services, activities, and facilities with the goal of providing health benefits. Having these health benefits can be a big advantage because they can help you stay active and healthier throughout your life.
- Financial Benefits – You might be wondering whether moving into an independent living community will help you save money. The short answer is yes, but it depends on a few factors. If you’re able to live on your own, you’ll need to manage your budget and expenses carefully. You can do this by making sure you’re not overspending. Another way to save money is to take advantage of amenities offered by your senior living community. Some communities have activities and services that are free or have low fees.
Features of an Independent Living Community
Independent living communities are meant for seniors who want to live on their own. These communities provide support, but the residents are not required to participate in any programs.
Health and wellness services
Some seniors prefer to have the services of a doctor or other health provider on-site. Other seniors may not have access to a primary care physician or have concerns about the quality of care they may receive elsewhere. An on-site health services program at an independent living community can help you access the care you need when you need it.
On-site social services
Many seniors want to stay in contact with family and friends. An on-site social services program from an independent living community allows you to do this, providing assistance with activities such as visiting hours, community resources and more.
On-site transportation
You may also benefit from services like assistance with transportation or shopping for food, as well as help with housekeeping. Living in an independent living community can be difficult if you need help with daily activities like transportation. An on-site transportation program can help you get around town or get to medical appointments. Many communities also offer van trips to local restaurants, shopping trips, and other activities.
On-site meals on wheels
Having the option to eat meals on wheels may not seem like a big deal, but it is an important consideration for some seniors. Eating food prepared by someone else can be very unsettling for some seniors, who may prefer to prepare their own meals.
On-site housekeeping
Having someone else come to your home to perform basic housekeeping chores can make your independence more manageable. An independent living community may offer on-site housekeeping within its suite of services.
On-site activities
Doing things like cooking a meal, using the computer lab, or attending a class is often more enjoyable when you don’t have to do it alone. An on-site activities program can help you find a group to join or help you schedule activities that don’t require a large commitment. This is a great feature to look for within an independent living community.
Some activities to do in an independent living community
- Cooking – Cooking meals is a great way to help you maintain a healthy diet and stay active while doing it. (If cooking isn’t your thing, you can also arrange for pre-cooked food to be delivered to your home.) In addition to cooking your own meals, there may be a cooking class or other type of cooking activity offered by your community that you can participate in.
- Visiting – Having visitors come to your home once a week or every two weeks to bring you meals or help you do housekeeping can be very helpful.
- Computer lab – Learning new skills and technical skills is a great way to keep your mind active and engaged. There may be a computer lab, offered by your community, that you can use for free.
- Classes – There may be classes offered by your senior living community that you can take part in, such as dancing classes, art classes, or cooking classes.
When is the right time to move into an Independent Living Community?
Some basic things to look for when considering if an independent living community is ideal for your situation includes:
- You are still independent, but you are tired of taking care of the house and yard.
- You want to socialize more and make new friends with similar interests and lifestyles.
- You want to maintain your independence and choose how you live each day without the responsibility of maintaining a home or managing daily chores such as cooking, cleaning, or laundry.
- You want to reduce your responsibility by enjoying all the benefits our community offers yet retain independence in your lifestyle choices.
- You want to maintain a high level of fitness through exercise classes that suit your needs as well as having access to all areas within the community including heated pools, spas, walking tracks, and gyms at no extra cost
How much does it cost to Live in an Independent Living Community?
Living in an Independent Living community is usually more expensive than a private home, but less expensive than in a nursing home. The cost of Independent Living can vary widely depending on where you live. The price of your apartment might be cheaper in a town with a large senior population, but pricier if you choose to live in the city. Costs can also vary based on location within the community—an apartment overlooking the pool or courtyard might be more expensive than one facing another building or parking lot.
It’s important to remember that Independent Living is not assisted living and does not include specialized care for people with special needs, such as physical therapy or medical supervision; it’s simply an option for older adults who want to live alone without having to worry about all of the maintenance and chores that come with owning their own house (or those who just enjoy sharing space).
Rent prices can include utilities like cable TV and internet connections as well as access to common areas like pools/hot tubs/fitness centers (although sometimes they’re extra). Some services at an independent living community may also have transportation services available at no additional charge so residents don’t even need their own car! Some communities provide meals in their dining hall twice daily while others offer meal plans with discounts when you purchase them ahead of time–it really depends on what kind of amenities each community offers!
Conclusion
Thank you for reading! If you or a loved one is looking for an affordable option for retirement, an independent living community should be considered. They’re not just affordable – they’re a great way to stay healthy, live an active lifestyle, and meet new people!
About GreySteps
GreySteps is where you will learn how to find the best senior care options for yourself or loved ones. We provide guides and resources for independent living, long-term acute care hospitals, hospice and other senior care options.