Many older adults decide to take a step into the more stress-free life senior independent living provides. Nevertheless, it’s a huge step, and choosing the right community will impact greatly on your quality of life. So take your time and be as punctilious as necessary to settle on the best senior living community for you.
What’s senior independent living?
Senior independent living is targeted to adults over 55 or over 62, depending on the community. Many senior living communities provide independency for its residents while at the same time catering to some needs like home maintenance and doing the laundry. Plus, you won’t have to cook.
This type of senior housing is best for people who don’t require much assistance and just want to enjoy the activities and amenities provided within the community. It’s also a great place to socialize and prevent the isolation that often comes along with age.
How much does senior independent living cost?
If you’re eligible for government subsidized senior living, costs will be quite low in your case. You have to have a low income and few or no personal resources to qualify. However, if you have to pay full price, it can range from $1,600 to $9,000 depending on the services included and the state you live in.
Keep in mind that there are also additional expenses that can amount to $2,000 per month. These include laundry, housekeeping, Wi-Fi and parking space, among others.
Should I go for senior independent communities?
Leaving home to go to a senior community is quite a step, so you should only take it if you’re certain that it’s for the best. To move into a senior independent community you’ll need to be in good health and have full mobility. It’s also important that you’re able to manage your medication.
Still, these aren’t the only factors that should influence your decision. To change your lifestyle you need to want the security and be able to adapt to the restrictions these types of communities impose on residents.
How to choose a senior independent living community
Before you start presupposing, in a senior independent community you don’t have to live in a house that looks exactly like all your neighbours’ houses. You can find apartments, townhouses and condos as well. Now that that’s clear, let’s see how you can choose the right senior community for you:
Look for communities near home
Check which ones are closer to your family, otherwise there may be more time in between family visits, and that can be hard on anyone.
Visit the community
You have to be prepared and have your eyes wide open when the manager takes you on the tour of the facilities. Pay attention to cleanliness and safety inside the houses and in the common areas.
Consider the size of the community
This is entirely your call: do you prefer small communities in which you get to know all your neighbours or are you looking forward to seeing new faces on a daily basis?