5 Benefits of Moving into an Independent Living Facility
Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on December 14, 2017
5 Benefits of Moving into an Independent Living Facility
Senior housing, retirement living communities, and retirement homes are all terms used to describe independent living communities. These communities focus on seniors aged 55 and older that still desire an independent, active lifestyle without worrying about the various tasks of owning a home. There are many things to consider before making the decision to move into an independent living facility:
- Can you manage your own medicine?
- Can you manage your own personal care?
- Do your financial resources allow you to budget for a monthly living cost at an independent living facility?
- Do you wish to remain in your community or ‘retire’ in a milder climate?
- Will you choose to live close to or far away from family?
- Is it a good time to sell your home?
- What sort of assistant services are offered through the community?
- Are there any restrictions regarding your pets or your possessions (ex. outdoor grills)?
- What living style would be best for you? (Townhome, apartment, a single living unit, etc.)
- Are you considered active and healthy and do you wish to maintain this active lifestyle?
While making the move into an independent living community will not be an easy choice, there are many benefits to include in the “pro” list of your weighted decision!
5 Benefits of Independent Living
1. Keeping Connected
The loneliness that stems from the passing of close relatives and friends or losing a sense of purpose after retirement can lead to serious health consequences among seniors. Effects of senior loneliness include increased medicinal needs, higher risk of suicide and depression, and a decreased ability to properly interact in social situations. Being a part of an independent living community allows seniors to enjoy various social activities, live near others at a similar stage of life, and lean on new friends to combat loneliness and find comfort in grief.
2. Enjoy Retirement without being ‘Tired’
If you are still an active, independent senior you can enjoy your earned retirement by passing off tedious tasks to a maintenance team at your independent living community. No more house projects, yard work, or annoyances of taking care of a standard home.
3. Safety and Security
Ensuring the safety and security of their residents is paramount to all independent living communities. To provide peace of mind to both residents and their loved ones, administrators may hire a security team and install security cameras in the parking lots, hallways, and elevators. The architecture of the communities themselves is also taken into consideration, with many constructed specifically for an older age population. Design choices such as walk-in bathtubs/showers, carpeted hallways and rooms, and one level style apartments with no stairs eliminate potential obstacles and help prevent falls.
4. Focus on Family and Friends
Living in a retirement community by no means hinders residents from visiting family and friends. Inviting them over is no hassle either as many communities have large common rooms for social gatherings. You'll never have to worry about the state of your home when guests pay a visit! Time spent together can simply be enjoyed.
5. A New Experience to Enjoy
Although change is not the easiest thing to do at times, it is always good to look at the positives and benefits of trying something new. Like every other stage of life, new experiences can bring new opportunities! Contact Senior Living Link to get started today looking for your new home in an independent living community.