When seniors hear the term “independent living,” they often think about avoiding a move to assisted living or a nursing home. However, independent living communities offer much more than just carefree living.
Residents enjoy restaurant-style meals, housekeeping services, and maintenance services that are included in their monthly fee. Plus, onsite recreational spaces and planned programming keep life fun.
Convenience
Independent living communities are designed with senior residents in mind. Generally, they have age rules to ensure all the residents are over 55. This allows the community to remain a safe and comfortable space for the residents.
The term independent living often has a blurry definition. For example, in some CCRC or rental retirement communities, seniors may call themselves “independent” but require care services that prevent them from moving into assisted living or a nursing home.
Socialization
Independent communities like Westminster Manor allow residents to socialize with peers in a safe and secure environment. This socialization is often an integral part of the overall experience and can help to enhance cognitive and emotional well-being.
By living in an independent community, you can escape the continual responsibilities of homeownership and free up your time to spend on activities you love. The options, whether exploring a new hobby or enjoying a leisurely meal with friends, are limitless. You can relax knowing that a team can handle your housekeeping and maintenance needs.
Health and Wellness
Continuing a healthy lifestyle is one of the biggest draws to independent living. Residents can take advantage of onsite wellness amenities like fitness centers and pools or enroll in classes that offer cooking demonstrations and painting workshops.
Often, older adults choose to move into independent living because they are ready for the daily responsibilities of home ownership to be reduced. This could be as simple as a large house becoming harder to manage or a desire for less maintenance work.
Security
It’s essential to think about the security features offered in independent living. Elders who live alone may face safety risks such as falls or scams. Still, a community that offers residents the ability to interact socially with others, maintain their homes regularly, and enjoy zero-step living in a space designed for accessibility can help alleviate these concerns.
Maintenance
Independent living communities offer a lifestyle free from the burden of home maintenance. For example, community amenities may include weekly housekeeping and a whole laundry service, while onsite maintenance teams are ready to assist with any repairs.
With these chores taken care of, seniors have the time to spend on things they enjoy most. The extra freedom can make for a more fulfilling retirement experience, whether pursuing a new hobby or spending more time with family.
In addition, when people move into a senior living community sooner rather than later, they build strong relationships with staff members familiar with their needs and provide personalized care. This leads to a more comfortable and satisfying life so seniors can embrace aging in place sooner.
