Moving to a senior living community is a big step and you may be concerned that it automatically means losing independence. While making the decision to move can be difficult, moving to an Independent Living community just may be the start of a new, inspiring chapter of your life — filled with new friendships and great adventures. Independent Living may not be something you’ve heard of before. When thinking of senior living, nursing homes or assisted living communities are usually the first things you think of. But maybe you’re too young and too active for those places. That’s where Independent Living comes in. 

WHAT IS INDEPENDENT LIVING?

Independent Living is all about making it easier to enjoy the things that make you happy, which will then enable you to live on your own for as long as possible! Enjoy Apartment, Villa or Cottage style living without the hassle of maintaining a home or property. The all-inclusive rent typically covers utilities, meals, housekeeping, transportation and activities. That means one payment covers it all. 

Activities like yoga, gardening, painting, bingo, bible study, billiards, swimming, sports and field trips —just to name a few— are considered everyday fun. As an added bonus, properties that have a home care agency on-site can offer personal assistance for things like medication management or assistance with bathing or dressing in the privacy of one’s apartment. Independent Living genuinely offers peace of mind for all, with senior friendly apartments and a 24-hour emergency call system. If you drive and want to keep your car, that’s just fine. However, if you don’t have your own car, or just don’t feel like driving, don’t worry! Independent Living communities provide scheduled transportation services. Remember, Independent Living is all about maintaining independence, not giving it up.

WHO IS INDEPENDENT LIVING FOR?

Is the upkeep and maintenance of your home beginning to feel overwhelming? Is it time to downsize? Do you have to rely on family and friends to take you places? Have you lost a spouse? Are you feeling lonely? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions then you will be excited to find out more about retirement living. The quickest and easiest way to create a network of friends who are at the same stage in life and share similar interests is to join a senior living community. You will enjoy daily nutritious meals with friends in a restaurant style atmosphere while engaging in great conversation. Discussions over breakfast usually include smiles and nods over which activities or events are of interest that day. For those that are looking for a quieter time, you can read in the library, get a manicure, see a movie at the on-site movie theater or even just sit in one of the many common areas to relax or people watch.  

Proper nutrition is essential for good health. Like most seniors who grew up with sit down family dinners, the idea of eating a meal alone is not appealing. In addition, as we age and our metabolism naturally slows down causing loss of appetite, seniors tend to eat less. But living in the right environment with chef prepared meals, amenities and the opportunity to socialize is a game changer!  It has been proven that seniors who share a meal time tend to sit longer and eat more. Socializing is equally important to one’s well-being both emotionally and physically. 

Independent Living is ideal for seniors who are overall self-sufficient and generally need little or no assistance with activities of daily living. The average age of most residents is 75+, with some communities accepting those under 55+ with disabilities. Independent Living is the perfect setting for someone who appreciates and/or benefits from the option of not having to cook, drive, maintain a home or do housekeeping.  However, if cooking is something you love and enjoy, many apartments come with full kitchens. 

Are you concerned your family won’t visit you? Well, don’t be! One of the ways Independent Living communities try to bring families together is through community events with activities appropriate for children. Your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have so much fun; they’ll be in a hurry to visit again! Family visits become much more frequent and enjoyable for everyone involved. And don’t forget you can come and go as you please. So you are able to go on visits of your own! Do you have a pet that is part of the family and you want to bring them with you? Luckily, most Independent Living communities realize how important the companionship with your pet is and are pet-friendly.

Independent Living communities are determined to create a happy, fun, safe and active lifestyle designed just for you. If you’d like some more information, please contact Mom’s Care Plan. We are here to help guide you and assist you in finding the right Independent Living community. And, if you’re still not sure if Independent Living is the best option for you, we would be happy to find the place that is.

No matter how healthy, independent or active your loved one may be, one bad fall could change everything. Someone living on their own may have to change their living arrangement, while someone already of poor health may have a tougher time recovering after a fall. Let's take a look at some ways to help prevent your loved one from falling. 

One of the best things you can do for your loved one, regardless of their living situation, is to have them wear some kind of medical alert device that also provides fall detection. Today there are many on the market to choose from with competitive and affordable pricing. These systems are now so discreet, some look like a fitness watch, that even the most independent of seniors won't feel embarrassed to wear one. This ensures that they will have the help they need should they not be able to physically call for it themselves, or in some cases, hide that the fall ever happened. Unfortunately, some seniors are afraid of losing their independence or are embarrassed to admit to a fall.

Consider installing some safety devices for the home. Many falls happen in the bathroom and while going up and down the stairs. For the bathroom, a raised commode with handle bars, bathing bench, chair and shower grab bars are simple additions, as well as a non-slip mat to the shower floor. Make it so that all soaps and shampoos are within reach, as well as their towel or robe. For nightly restroom trips, invest in a nightlight with a motion sensor, to clearly light the way. To avoid going to the kitchen for a glass of water, buy a carafe or thermos to keep on the bedside table.

If the flight of stairs has become too difficult and installing a stair lift is not an option, you might want to try moving the bedroom downstairs. Even if there is no dedicated bedroom, bring down the mattress and make an area of the living quarters a makeshift bedroom. Daybeds are a great option as well! Having a clear floor space is very important. A tidy space is a safe space, so make sure there is nothing lying around that could be tripped over. Rearrange the furniture to make for optimal space, hide all electrical cords under furniture so there's no chance of tripping, have shoes tucked away in a closet and books, knitting or crocheting neatly organized in a convenient basket that is easily accessible. Putting remote controls, telephones, tissues and an extra pair of glasses all within reach may be a good idea also.

While items like area rugs may not keep the pathways clear, they may be a necessity, so make sure they wont slip or slide or roll up by using a non-slip mat underneath or some tape to keep it in place. Rearrange items in the kitchen so there won't be a need to reach for something on a high shelf. Express the importance of asking for help should something be out of reach.  If cozy slippers are worn by your loved one, try a pair with a back on them for a more secure fit. Slippers without a back can easily fall off and cause a fall. 

Another great option is to consider an Independent Living Community, where all of the above safety measures are already incorporated in a senior friendly environment. As an added bonus, some senior living properties have a home care agency on-site, offering personal assistance for things like medication management or assistance with bathing or dressing in the privacy of one’s apartment. There is peace of mind knowing that help is just a step outside your door and that there is a staff in place 24/7.  Additionally, here are ongoing daily opportunities to socialize and participate in on and off site activities. The social component is equally important to one’s well being both emotionally and physically. Activities like yoga, painting, bingo, bible study, billiards, swimming, sports and field trips just to name a few are considered every day fun. The greater Houston area has many such beautiful communities that make life easier to enjoy without the hassle of maintaining a home or property and without losing an ounce of independence! 

We hope these suggestions will keep your loved one safe and happy. Contact Mom’s Care Plan if you’d like more helpful fall prevention tips or would like a list of Independent Living communities that fit your budget. And please use our comment section to share any other suggestions you may have! Mom's Care Plan would love to hear from you!