What Is Independent Living?

Independent living is a lifestyle that lets individuals control and direct their own lives. It should not be confused with attendant care or personal assistance which can negate independence.

When moving into a new independent living community, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the layout and staff. Here are some helpful tips: 1. Stock up on supplies before move-in day.

Socialization

In retirement, a strong social support system can help you feel more comfortable and confident in making choices. Make sure you’ve got that network in place before moving into independent living.

Often, seniors choose a community that offers the services they will want later, such as communal meals or transportation. Visiting the facility before you move can help you understand what services will be available and what they cost.

Adults engage in anticipatory socialization, preparing for future life roles, such as cohabitating before marriage or reading infant care books before a baby arrives. This can also apply to retirement communities, which offer a variety of social activities and services designed to help you feel more connected and comfortable in your new home.

Communities that focus on wellness integrate joy and connection into daily programming, from putting greens and pool tables to card games and cooking demonstrations. Getting involved and meeting people will help you adjust to your new life faster.

Health and Wellness

Independent living communities are often equipped with recreation centers, clubs, and gyms that promote health and wellness. This is because these facilities can be a great alternative for those who feel isolated in their homes and are struggling to stay socially connected and active.

They offer a variety of physical and social group activities like card games, mahjong and organized entertainment that may be difficult to organize on one’s own, says Ouslander. Some facilities also offer onsite healthcare services and wellness amenities like massages and hair salons.

Continuing education classes, holiday gatherings and lecture series are also frequently featured in independent living programs. These events provide an opportunity for learning and friendship while ensuring that residents don’t get bored.

Transportation

Independent living is ideal for seniors who don’t want to maintain a home and enjoy the social engagement and convenience of being part of a community. They typically choose to sell their homes and use the equity they built up to pay for monthly membership fees that include meals, housekeeping and laundry services, and activities.

Transportation is the movement of people, goods and animals from one place to another. It includes air, land, rail, water, cable and pipeline transport as well as infrastructure like roads and bridges.

Many independent living facilities provide onsite amenities and transportation services to help residents get out and about for social activities, shopping or medical appointments. It’s important to learn about these options in advance of your movein date so you know what to expect. It can also be helpful to take a tour of the facility before moving in to familiarize yourself with the layout and staff. Often, these tours are offered on a regular basis.

Home Maintenance

Independent living provides the opportunity to live life on your terms without the hassles of home maintenance. You can focus on your hobbies and interests, avoiding the need to mow the lawn or make a trip to the hardware store.

Many independent living communities also include onsite recreational centers and clubhouses where you can socialize and discover new passions. These activities may range from holiday gatherings to lecture series, card games and arts and crafts.

When choosing an independent living community, you’ll want to ensure that it is affordable for your long-term goals. Be sure to tour several options and compare prices and services offered. Also, ask about staff training and qualifications as quality companies follow state and federal training requirements. In addition, they train their employees on customer service and aging process, including workplace safety. This helps ensure that you are receiving the highest level of care from qualified staff. This helps enable you to maintain your independence for as long as possible.