Life is full of curveballs and unexpected events, and that doesn’t change in retirement. What may be somewhat different is the wisdom you bring to this stage of life — and your ability to take proactive steps to manage your journey.
Personal independence and autonomy are sacred to most older adults, and with good reason. Living independently gives you a sense of control over your own destiny at a time of life when you’re experiencing a lot of change.
Making proactive choices about where and how you’ll live can empower you with an important sense of security and confidence. Where you live in retirement — like any other stage of life — has a direct impact on your quality of life.
Rather than sitting back and letting circumstances dictate where the road of life takes you, creating an intentional plan puts your future in your own hands.
That’s why senior independent living is a smart solution for many older adults. This type of community offers numerous benefits, like resources to help you retain your independence and promote your overall health. Some communities, including Riverside Senior Life, also offer other levels of care so you know where you can find additional help if you need it down the road.
What is senior independent living?
Decades ago, senior living communities were very different from modern communities that cater to a new generation of older adults. Historically, terms like “retirement community” and “nursing home” were used interchangeably (and not always favorably). Today, there are numerous distinct types of communities that serve older adults.
One of the biggest evolutions in senior living is the recognition that not all older adults need specialized care — or even any care at all. A growing segment of seniors is past retirement age, but nowhere near ready to slow down. Communities offering independent living for seniors are designed with active, healthy older adults in mind.
Active and eager to socialize, these residents may not be as attached to the idea of homeownership, and all of its responsibilities, as they once were. They may have an increased interest in protecting their health and aging gracefully. They’re attracted to the idea of lifestyle amenities and activities designed especially for seniors. They appreciate the importance of planning for the future while embracing the present.
In many communities, including Riverside Senior Life, independent living is one neighborhood within a community where other levels of care are available. That means a resident can move in and immediately begin taking advantage of all the services and amenities, then have access to additional care and support if their health changes over time.
How does senior living give residents more control?
In many ways, a move to an independent living community is as much a plan for the future as it is a decision that affects your short-term quality of life. Senior living communities work to keep their residents independent and autonomous through ongoing activities, wellness programming and more. These are just some of the benefits of independent living that build confidence while encouraging residents to live their best lives.
At the same time, independent living can provide a valuable safety net. When you’re a resident of a community that offers a continuum of care, if you get sick or injured, you don’t have to wonder where you’ll go to get back on your feet. You can do that in the community you already call home. That means you and your family can keep your focus on getting well. Similarly, if a medical condition worsens or arises, you already have resources in place, in a community filled with familiar faces you already know and trust.
Making a thoughtful choice about your living arrangements now means you don’t have to worry later. You’re in control of where you’ll live and who will provide your care from the start.
As an independent living resident, you also have greater control over your finances. With a regular monthly fee that covers nearly all of your living expenses, you can set a realistic budget with little — if any — variation from one month to the next. That means you’re not having to budget for weather fluctuations that affect your utility bills or tapping into your savings account to make unexpected home repairs.
Your ticket to travel
There’s nothing that says “independent” quite like the ability to drop everything and travel on a whim. When you take a call from a friend who’s eager for a visit or see an enticing commercial for a fun getaway destination on TV, how easily can you pack your bags and go? If you’re a resident of a senior living community, the answer is: very! You may need to check in with a neighbor to be sure your pets and plants get the attention they need, but otherwise, you can pack a bag and be on your way.
There’s no exterior maintenance or household chores to worry about. With regular housekeeping services, you may even come home to a place that’s tidier than you left it. And, best of all, 24-hour security means you have eyes on your home ensuring everything stays safe and sound while you’re gone. If you’re planning to fly, you can even arrange for an airport shuttle and leave your car safely at home.
What’s more, if you’re eager to travel and want some company, you have an entire neighborhood of potential travel companions to choose from. Some communities even organize regular trips for residents, so you can enjoy the pleasure of an exciting getaway without the onus of planning all the details.
Your roadmap to more independence
If all signs are pointing toward independent living as a smart next step for your retirement, you may find it helpful to take a step-by-step approach to planning for senior living as you set wheels in motion toward a new retirement lifestyle.
- Make a list of your wants and needs. Determine what features are must-haves in your new community and what amenities you would really enjoy. Think about whether you want the option of a freestanding home or prefer apartment living. Do you want access to a fitness center on site? What services are important to you? Do you need a garage for your vehicle, or do you need a community that offers local transportation? What kinds of health care services are offered within the community? Will you cook for yourself, or do you want to take advantage of a dining plan with chef-prepared meals?
- Evaluate your budget. Take a close look at all of your current expenses to determine what you can afford to spend, remembering that some current expenses (such as home maintenance) will be eliminated when you move into a new community. It’s a good idea to consult with a financial advisor at this stage, as well, since you may be eligible for tax benefits depending on the type of community you choose.
- Begin exploring options in your preferred location. Once you narrow down a geographic area, you can begin taking a closer look at the communities available in that area. Some will be easy to cross off the list because they don’t offer the features you’ve identified as must-haves. For those that remain, you can do some initial exploring with a phone call or by visiting the community website, but you’ll gain the most from scheduling time to visit in person.
If your roadmap leads you to the outskirts of Chicago, we invite you to visit us at Westwood, an independent living neighborhood within Riverside Senior Life Communities. Learn more about becoming a resident or contact us to schedule a tour.