Independent Living
Independent living for seniors refers to a housing complex designed exclusively for seniors. It typically refers to apartment accommodations – rental, condominium or life-lease.
When you’re doing your research, keep in mind that several terms – all meaning the same thing – are used, e.g. retirement communities, retirement homes, seniors housing.
The key difference between independent living and other options is the level of help available. Residents typically need little – if any assistance. They may however want fewer things to worry about, like housekeeping or outdoor maintenance.
And because seniors’ needs change as they age, they may also be looking for support services they will need in the future – to allow them to age in place. These may include:
- 24-hour emergency response
- social and recreation programs
- housekeeping
- meal preparation and/or communal dining
- shopping assistance and transportation.
Perhaps It’s Time to Look at an Independent Living Option
If maintaining your own home is becoming too much of a burden, cooking every meal – every day is becoming tedious and you can see the end of your driving career on the horizon, it may be time to think about an independent living option.
An independent living solution will give you freedom – and the time to enjoy it!
There are all sorts of options available, so think carefully about what you want and what you need. Take the time to shop around.
Make A Checklist
Finding an independent living residence will take time and research, but you’re headed in the right direction!
Use The Care Guide, as well as TheCareGuide.com, to identify your options and call ahead to schedule a tour of each one on your list.
After each visit, ask yourself these questions and make a note of your answers.
- Did you like the people you met?
If you weren’t comfortable with the staff or the residents, this probably isn’t the place for you.
- Was the staff friendly and approachable?
- One of the great benefits of an independent living residence is that you’ll have lots of neighbours – all at your age and stage of life.
Did the residents you spoke to, seem like people you’d want to be neighbours with? Ask them if they’re happy living there. . .and why?
- How far away is it from everything that’s familiar to you?
- If what you’re looking for is a total change of scene, you’re probably not concerned with having family and friends close by.
- Think carefully about your medical providers. . .do you want to be looking for new doctors, dentists, optometrists?
- Consider the future when you won’t be driving. Many independent living facilities offer transportation options for shopping, medical visits and field trips.
- Are you within walking distance of shops, pharmacies, restaurants?
- Can you afford it?
Choices and costs vary widely. Go over the monthly fixed costs and the menu of services that are available at extra cost. The last thing you need is financial anxiety.
Do you need help?
If you need help in your search, feel free to call us at 1-800-311-CARE [2273] or email us at info@thecareguide.com.