Considering Independent Living? Compare the Benefits vs. Staying Home

Are you considering whether you want to stay in your existing home or move into an independent living community?

Perhaps it’s the fulfilling and active lifestyle that’s appealing or the lure of maintenance-free living that’s persuasive.

Whatever the reasons, deciding whether to stay in your existing home or to move into an independent living community is a big decision. But considering the benefits of each can help you make the right choice.

Benefits of independent living vs home

1. Your residence

Most people want the privacy and freedom of living in their own home and a sanctuary to return to and recharge. It’s also important that our home is comfortable and a reflection of our personality and preferences.

Advantages of staying in your current home:

• You’re already there
• No need to pack up or downsize your home
• You’re familiar with the neighborhood

Advantages of making an independent living community home:

• You’ll still have your own private residence
• You’ll be able to personalize your home as you wish to make it truly yours
• Decluttering and downsizing after decades can be a blessing in disguise
• Your home is designed for aging-in-place. There’s no need for expensive remodeling
• Your maintenance-free home better fits the lifestyle you desire

2. An independent lifestyle

People want to maintain their independence, no matter where they live. Along with the privacy and freedom of their own home, everyone wants to make their own choices and decisions.

Advantages of staying in your current home:

• You will continue to live as you do now, making your own choices
• You’re free to come and go
• You can participate in any activities you choose

Advantages of making an independent living community home:

• You’ll continue to live an independent life as you do now
• All choices are yours to make, including how you’ll spend your days
• You’ll be free to participate in any activities or join in with others at social events

One big difference if an independent living community becomes home? You’ll have many more choices to consider.

3. Access to friends and neighbors

Many older adults have remained in their current home for several years, possibly decades. One advantage can be the familiarity with their neighbors. But people move on and new families may move in. You may find you no longer have as much in common with those living next door.

Advantages of staying in your current home:

• You may still have easy access and strong relationships with your neighbors
• Your friends may also live nearby
• There may still be social events you can attend that are in close proximity

Advantages of making an independent living community home:

• It can be more difficult to meet new people as you grow older but a community is filled with residents that share much of your life experiences
• The common areas, programs and social gatherings provide a natural way to meet and make new friends
• New friendships often become lifelong relationships. Residents watch over each other

4. Access to healthy food when you desire

You know the importance of eating well in order to age well. But as you grow older, and after a lifetime of planning, shopping and cooking meals, it’s tempting to rely more on processed food or snacking. You may even find yourself skipping meals altogether.

Advantages of staying in your current home:

• You’re likely familiar with your local grocery store or farmer’s market
• You may still enjoy cooking
• If you live alone, neighbors may invite you over to share a meal

Advantages of making an independent living community home:

• You’ll have the option of someone else doing the work when you’re not in the mood to cook
• You’ll still have a full-sized kitchen to cook meals when you want
• Any special dietary needs you may have are easily accommodated
• You’ll always have someone to share a meal with if you like

5. Access to exercise and engaging activities

A key to aging well is to stay active. We also need to be engaged with others. But as we grow older, we may find that to become more difficult. Staying physically and socially active can become more difficult if you don’t have access to a gym, classes or equipment.

Advantages of staying in your current home:

• You may live in a neighborhood that promotes outdoor activities and walking trails
• You may have excellent transportation options to get to a gym or recreation center if you no longer drive

Advantages of making an independent living community home:

• You’ll walk out your front door to the fitness center or to take a yoga or meditation class
• You’ll have easy access to sporting games, clubs, art studios and other group activities in the community
• You’ll have a monthly calendar of activities to choose from – all planned for the residents. And if they take place off-site, transportation is provided

Ingleside at King Farm Independent Living

If you’re considering the benefits of independent living vs home, we believe the winner to be the community that offers the most advantages. At Ingleside at King Farm Independent Living, you’ll find everything you need to live an enriched lifestyle with our activities, social events and healthy dining programs.

You’ll also find a private home that offers open and inviting spaces, walk-in closets and well-equipped kitchens. You’ll have the choice of the floorplan that works best for you. You’re also encouraged to personalize your home so it will be a unique expression of your own style.

We believe you’ll love our well-planned community, created to provide all the possibilities you’re looking for:

• Maintenance-free living
• Staffed fitness center
• Indoor heated pool and spa
• Cultural Arts Center
• New library
• Art studio
• Game room
• Classes, clubs and programs
• Meditation space and Yoga studio
• Spa/salon with massage room
• Spiritual, musical and theatrical programs

Along with scheduled transportation to medical appointments, shopping, concerts and other events, you’ll have easy access to the shuttle system that loops to the Metro as well as walking paths that lead to The King Farm Village Center, just a few blocks away.

Please visit our website or call (240) 414-8557 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personalized tour today.