Independent living communities can be an excellent alternative for seniors who want to downsize their homes and enjoy the benefits of retirement. These communities provide many amenities for seniors who can still maintain their daily tasks but are looking for a different living environment. We’ll explore the benefits of independent living and how to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
What is Independent Living?
Independent living allows seniors to live independently without having to worry about home maintenance tasks and other homeowner duties. Dining options and housekeeping are available so residents can have the worry-free life they deserve. Each resident has a private living space with access to activities, events, and programs that everyone can enjoy.
Is Independent Living Right for Me?
Many people are unsure if the transition to independent living is right for them. While everyone’s circumstances are different, there are some common underlying reasons why you may want to consider independent living.
Your Home is Too Large
You may look around the home you raised your children in and realize it is now too big for your needs. Many seniors no longer need multiple bedrooms and can no longer handle maintaining a large property. For this group, downsizing to an independent living community makes sense.
You Don’t Want to Worry About Maintenance
Taking care of household items when they break or worrying about outside maintenance can become too much to handle. At an independent living community, these chores are handled for you, so you don’t have to worry.
You Want to Be More Social
Remaining social during your golden years is extremely important, as studies show that nearly one-fourth of adults ages 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.[1] Being isolated can lead to depression and other health problems. At an independent living facility, seniors can interact with their peers while enjoying various activities. Many group activities are available on-site, and frequent trips are planned for residents.
You Want to Remain Independent and Age in Peace
Some seniors worry that if they move to an independent living community, they will have their freedoms taken away. But usually the opposite is true. Independent living communities allow seniors to age in place and maintain their independence. They can choose any level of activity that they can do. Some seniors enjoy being able to cook their meals, while others like meals being prepared for them. At an independent living facility, seniors control their activities and can decide what they feel comfortable doing and what areas they may need help.
Benefits of Independent Living
Many benefits come with living in an independent living community. Besides maintenance-free living and plenty of social opportunities, seniors can feel confident living in a safe environment. Independent living communities have safety patrols, alarms, and other measures to ensure residents are in good hands. Measures, such as grab bars and other safety features, are also taken inside individual homes if residents need them.
Independent living communities also alleviate the burden of multiple bills as many utilities are included in the base price. Residents can adjust their living plan at an independent living facility should their needs change.
Independent Living Options with Encore Communities
If you are considering a move to an independent living, Encore Communities is here to help. We provide two options: our Laurel Cove Community in Shoreline, WA, and our Country Meadows location in Silverdale, WA.
Our Laurel Cove Community offers studio and one-bedroom apartment options. Wi-Fi, cable, and housekeeping services are available, as is an on-site chef who prepares nutritious meals. Free transportation is provided so seniors can explore the local area.
At Country Meadows, seniors can choose from spacious one-—and two-bedroom cottages. Full kitchens are available, or seniors can take advantage of meal delivery services. Weekly housekeeping, transportation, and a community clubhouse with a heated pool and spa are among the many amenities Country Meadows offers.
Contact Encore Communities today to learn more about how our living options can be the next step in your life.
Sources:
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.
