For some seniors, making the move to an independent living facility may not be easy because they may be under the assumption that they will not have their privacy and be able to come and go as they please. But nothing could be further than the truth! Independent living care in Washington gives seniors the freedom they crave and the privacy they deserve while providing activities and access to home care and other essential services. If your loved one is considering this type of facility, it’s necessary to understand what is included and how it can help seniors have a fulfilled life. We will explore the many benefits that independent living facilities can provide and what Encore Communities offers for seniors interested in this type of environment.
How Seniors Benefit from Independent Living Communities
Independence is essential for many seniors who still want to be active. Choosing to call an independent living facility home allows seniors to thrive in a community with their peers and stay active while receiving many benefits.
Allows for Socialization
Isolation and loneliness are real problems for senior citizens, as many have seen their friends move or pass away. Research shows that feeling alone can lead to depression, cognitive decline, and heart disease. [1] Living in an independent living facility allows seniors to socialize with their peers. Independent living facilities offer frequent events and outings that residents can take advantage of. They can choose the types of activities they want to participate in to form new relationships and stay active.
Safe Independence
Many seniors crave being independent but need to do so safely. Independent living communities are often equipped with ramps, grab bars, and other features that allow seniors to be on their own while helping them prevent falls and other injuries.
Independent living facilities also have security systems in place to prevent seniors from becoming the victims of crime. Often, family members will worry about their loved one’s safety if they are left alone in their homes. At an independent living facility, they have peace of mind knowing that precautions are being taken to keep their loved ones safe.
Promotes Physical Well-Being
Many independent living facilities offer exercise programs to help seniors stay healthy. They can also take advantage of nutritiously prepared meals. These can help seniors remain healthy while still living on their own. Some seniors may not want to cook healthy meals if they prepare food for themselves. At an independent living facility, they can have meals prepared for them and enjoy them in a community dining area.
Assistance with Chores
Seniors can opt for help with daily chores within their private residences at their independent living facility. Seniors who want to live independently but may not want to or be able to clean their homes thoroughly can take advantage of this type of amenity.
Available Transportation
Many seniors want to be able to go out on their own but may no longer have a vehicle or be able to drive. Independent living facilities will provide transportation so seniors can choose to go out whenever they want. They also don’t have to feel like they are burdening their loved ones by asking them for a ride. This is also convenient when seniors have to go to medical appointments.
Explore Independent Living Care in Washington at Encore Communities
Encore Communities offers independent living care in Washington in two different communities. Our Country Meadows location in Silverdale, WA, offers spacious one and two-bedroom cottages. Seniors can take advantage of meal delivery or use the included kitchens. Weekly housekeeping, transportation, and a community clubhouse with a heated pool and spa are just some amenities offered here.
At our Laurel Cove Community in Shoreline, WA, residents can choose from a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Each includes cable, Wi-Fi, and housekeeping services. There is also a chef on staff to provide three nutritious meals daily. Around-the-clock call systems and medication assistants are valuable amenities that seniors can access while living in the Laurel Cove Community.
No matter which independent living community you choose, residents have access to care in the privacy of their home and bathing, dressing, and grooming assistance. There are also home wellness assessments to ensure that seniors are in the correct type of living facility.
Please contact Encore Communities to learn more about our independent living care opportunities in Washington.
Sources:
[1] https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.