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.
