Are you beginning to explore all the different senior living options there may be? If so, you might not realize how many possibilities there are to choose from. Each type is based on the needs and services required. But if you’re looking for a place to live that supports your independent lifestyle, while having the convenience of everything you want right outside your door, Independent Living may be a perfect fit.
What is Independent Living?
Independent Living provides housing in an active and vibrant community as either a stand-alone service or it may be part of other living options such as a life plan community which can include assisted living or memory care. It is designed for those who are able to take care of themselves but may be looking for a lifestyle that is more convenient and stress free. In addition, it brings all of the desired amenities and activities for its residents into one on-site location. It attracts and encourages an active and engaged lifestyle.
Why people move to Independent Living
There are many reasons people may have for wanting to move from their existing home to make a new home in a community. The following are the most common:
- Their current family home may present too many obstacles for them to comfortably live and the renovation costs are too high.
- As the family size has changed over the years, they may no longer need or want to maintain such a large unused space.
- They may want to live in a community where it’s easier to socialize and make new friends.
- Tired of home repairs and upkeep, they may want a maintenance-free lifestyle to free up their time and to save money.
- They may want to move into a community that is secured 24/7 and they like the idea that someone is available if help is needed.
If you find yourself agreeing with even a few of these reasons, you may be interested in learning more about Independent Living communities. They are not all the same but here are a few criteria you’ll want to make sure is offered in any that you might be considering.
What to look for in an Independent Living community
1. Your own apartment home
You will want your own space to create your home. Make sure the community offers the opportunity to choose from different floor plans and layouts, including one and two bedroom options with lots of natural light and that include a deck or patio. You’ll also want a full-sized kitchen and the kind of space that you’ll be proud to call your home.
2. Beautiful and inviting common areas
Beyond your individual apartment, you’ll want to look for communities that offer beautifully landscaped outdoor areas to take a walk, sit and read a book or just enjoy the fresh air. Look for warm and inviting common spaces such as a library or seating area with a fireplace, where you can share a glass of wine or a conversation with your neighbors and friends.
3. Activities and amenities
Your choice for an Independent Living community should offer a full social calendar so you will have many opportunities to choose from. Heated swimming pools, fully appointed gyms, art studios, walking paths, classrooms and salons are just a few of the possibilities you might find.
4. Dining options
For the times when you want to take a break from cooking or would enjoy meeting friends for dinner, look for communities that offer delicious food and also choices that may range from fine dining to a more casual environment. The priority, of course, is that the food is delicious, fresh and nutritious.
5. Transportation
If you find you’ve become less interested in navigating traffic or if you’re considering getting rid of your car, you’ll want to ask if the community offers scheduled transportation. Many will take you to appointments, shopping or to theaters and other entertainment or social events.
6. Maintenance-free lifestyle
Ranking near the top of the reasons many retirees want to move into Independent Living is the desire to let someone else handle all the chores and upkeep that come with homeownership. Not only does it free up your time but it eliminates any surprise and expensive repairs.
7. Services available
Independent Living communities often offer additional services you might be interested in. Make sure to ask if they have housekeeping or laundry services. And do they provide any home care if you’re rehabilitating or need temporary assistance? If not, can you bring someone in?
8. Safety and security
Most residents also appreciate finding an Independent Living community that offers 24/7 security for both the grounds and homes. It can be quite a relief to know that someone else is keeping an eye on everything.
If Independent Living is for you, why wait?
It’s not uncommon for people who chose an Independent Living community to say that their only regret is that they didn’t move in sooner. Once they’ve realized the freedom and easy lifestyle waiting for them, they wish they would have taken advantage of it much earlier.
They found what you will – that the services and amenities offered helped them engage and experience a fullness in life. Taking part in fitness and exercise classes, recreational games and social excursions leave many wishing there were a few more hours in their day. The convenience and natural opportunities for making friends also create such a true sense of home.
We’d be happy to welcome you to Ingleside
Independent Living at Ingleside offers all of the above and more as we take pride in creating a welcoming and beautiful place for you to call home.
We’re here to encourage and support your retirement life to be everything you want it to be. We’d be happy to discuss with you our communities and services and to help you create your new home.
Please call (202) 905-0018 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personalized tour today.