If you’re like many older adults, you may have been intrigued by all the advantages and benefits that an independent living community can provide.
You might have friends who have already made an independent living community their home or are making their plans to do so. Or you may have even visited or toured one and left thinking that you would love to have that lifestyle. But perhaps you feel that it’s not yet time to make your move.
If so, you may want to ask yourself – what you are waiting for.
When to move to independent living
The best time to make an independent living community your new home is now.
When you consider everything they offer and how much easier your life can become, you’ll find it’s hard to justify why you would want to put it off. Take a moment and compare your current lifestyle with a typical day in a great community:
1. Do you have the responsibilities of home ownership?
You know the drill. Maintaining a house is a never-ending chore. Exterior and interior, winter and summer you’re left with doing the work or finding a reputable company to take your place.
What you’ll discover at an independent living community: They take care of everything, leaving you with all the extra free time to fill as you wish while someone else does the work.
2. Has your neighborhood changed?
When you moved there, it might have been the perfect fit. Were you a young family looking for a good school district or nearby parks so the kids could play? But today, you may feel as though you no longer fit in.
What you’ll discover at an independent living community: The entire community has been designed with you in mind. It offers a wide variety of activities and amenities on-site and you’ll be surrounded by those with similar life experiences.
3. Is it convenient to get to amenities and social events?
You may not live near the activities that you like to participate in and find yourself spending more time in the car than at the actual social event. Are you beginning to pass on opportunities because it’s difficult to get there?
What you’ll discover at an independent living community: It couldn’t be more convenient than to walk out your front door to join others in an activity, take a swim or get some exercise.
4. Could you use a break from cooking dinner every night?
It’s understandable that you might be ready for a break from the kitchen, at least every once in a while. But you’re also trying to eat healthy and grabbing a snack or skipping the meal altogether isn’t what you want to do.
What you’ll discover at an independent living community: When you want to cook, you’ll have your full-sized kitchen in your residence. For those other times, walk over to the dining room or café located on-site and enjoy your meal with friends.
5. Are you able to stay physically and cognitively in shape?
You know the importance of exercise and staying in shape but can you easily get to the gym or join others in mind stimulating lectures or games? Most people don’t have the equipment or opportunities in their own home.
What you’ll discover at an independent living community: Most communities provide a fitness center and exercise equipment. There may be someone there to instruct you as well. And there will be plenty of opportunities to keep your brain in shape, socialize and have fun.
6. Would you like more friends or a more active social life?
Meeting and making new friends is not always easy as we grow older. You may find fewer opportunities to meet people naturally. But you know the importance of socialization and avoiding isolation.
What you’ll discover at an independent living community: You can be as active as you choose and meeting people will not only come easy, but you’ll instantly discover how much you all have in common.
7. Do you feel safe and secure?
Neighborhoods change and sometimes living alone can make you feel a little afraid. You may begin worrying what would happen if you fell or became ill and had no one to call.
What you’ll discover at an independent living community: Look for communities that provide security personnel or are gated. Ask about any individual alarms and safety measures that may be available.
8. Would you like to drive less but not miss out on activities?
Have you been thinking about giving up the keys and leaving the hassle of driving to someone else, yet you don’t want to miss out on getting where you want or need to go?
What you’ll discover at an independent living community: Many communities offer scheduled transportation so you can make your medical appointments, go shopping or to entertainment options.
Ingleside’s Senior Living
If you’re considering whether a senior living community could be the perfect support for you or your parents to live the highest quality of life, we hope you found these decorating tips helpful.
We also invite you to visit one of our Ingleside communities. We believe it’s even easier to enjoy life with the benefits that we offer, including:
- Maintenance-free lifestyle
- Chef-prepared meals in our elegant dining rooms or casual cafés
- Fully equipped fitness centers
- Heated indoor swimming pools
- Art studios
- Libraries
- Beautiful walking trails
For information on Westminster at Lake Ridge senior living community located in Lake Ridge, Virginia, please call 703-420-7105 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
For information on Ingleside at King Farm senior living community located in Rockville, Maryland, please call 240-414-8557 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
For information on Ingleside at Rock Creek senior living community located in Washington, DC, please call 202-846-2651 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.