Is Independent Living Right for Me?

Whether you’re retired or it’s now closing in on the horizon, the life you’ve dreamed of is finally within reach. You’ve worked hard and enjoyed a successful career. You may have raised children. And you gladly took on the responsibility for your family and your home. But retirement is time for you. And you’ve made plans to enjoy every minute.

Yet those plans will be greatly influenced by where you live.

If you might enjoy a life free from some of the more tiring tasks of home ownership, consider moving to an Independent Living community. If you’re just beginning your research, these questions may help you decide whether this type of living could not only support your retirement but give it a great boost as well.

8 questions to discover if Independent Living might be the answer

1. Has your home become too large, too much work or too expensive to care for?
2. Are you tired of home maintenance repairs and upkeep?
3. Would you like more friends and a more active social life?
4. Are you driving less or happy to leave the driving up to someone else?
5. Would you like to have on-site dining options for times when you don’t feel like cooking?
6. If you had more activities to choose from, would you participate?
7. Do you live alone and are beginning to feel isolated and lonely?
8. Would you like to live where there is 24/7 security?

Retirement and Independent Living go hand in hand

What type of retirement have you envisioned? Have you daydreamed about the freedom to spend your time as you want? Will you be off visiting grandchildren or finally seeing the sights? Are you looking forward to quiet evenings with a good book and a great bottle of wine? If your dreams include any of these retirement goals, you may want to consider how making your home in an Independent Living community could support your wonderful new life.

Goal #1

A maintenance-free lifestyle. No more upkeep tasks or surprise expenses.

Goal #2

To travel and see the world. A lock-and-leave lifestyle could make this happen so you don’t have to worry.

Goal #3

A full social life and the time to enjoy it. Meeting new people with similar experiences or hearing their own fascinating stories can add such fullness to one’s life.

Goal #4

Staying or getting back into physical shape. Is it finally time to fulfill your promise to regularly visit the gym and create an exercise plan?

Goal #5

Focus on a healthier lifestyle. You want to find a way to be involved in engaging activities for both your body and your mind.

What Independent Living is not?

While you’re trying to discover whether an Independent Living community might be the right place for you, it’s also important to understand what it is not. Here are a few examples of what you won’t find.

Independent Living is not…

1. A place where you go to slow down

There may be a rocking chair or two somewhere in an Independent Living community but they’re not considered an activity. The best communities offer a wide selection of amenities and a social calendar that has something for everyone.

2. Assisted living.

Independent Living is for those who are able to take care of themselves and aren’t in need of assistance on a daily basis. These residents are looking for a place to live that allows them the opportunity for a full social life and freedom from the headaches of home ownership.

3. A place where everyone eats the same thing at the same time

A quality community should offer restaurant-style dining and more than one choice when deciding where to eat, including fine and casual fare. The meals should also be prepared for the person ordering, meeting any of their dietary requirements.

4. A place where you are alone

Even though you may not need assistance, it’s still nice to know that people are there if something ever comes up. Also, ask any community you’re considering if they offer 24-hour security, which can greatly increase your peace of mind.

5. A place where you’re not in control.

You will have the same decision making in a community as you did at home, including how to spend your day. The great news though is that you won’t be responsible for any house repairs or maintenance.

What are you waiting for?

There are some retirees who plan to remain at home and then move to Assisted Living if they ever need help. But they may be missing out on so much, including the vibrant lifestyle that an Independent Living community can support.

It’s also not uncommon to find yourself living in the same home where you raised your family. It might not have been built with accessibility in mind and now that the children are grown, there may be rooms that you never enter. Are you climbing stairs every day to get to your bedroom or laundry room?

Imagine your new life in a community that could offer you a beautiful home surrounded by activities, amenities and endless opportunities to meet new friends. Residents who have been where you are, often say their only regret is that they waited so long to make the move.

Ingleside at Rock Creek Independent Living community

We invite you to come to see for yourself our bright and spacious apartment homes, first-class amenities, dining opportunities, theater and library. You’ll enjoy our 24-hour fitness center, health and wellness programs and exercise classes. Our year-round programs and events, guest speakers, dances and scheduled trips to events are only the beginning of your life well lived.

Please call (202) 905-0018 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personalized tour today.