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Independent living is a housing choice for adults. It’s for people who don’t need assistance with personal care or daily tasks like eating, dressing, and bathing. To live independently, you need to feel secure in your home, have the ability to take care of daily responsibilities on your own, have access to transportation and other services you need on a regular basis, and be able to afford rent. Whether you are thinking about moving into an independent living community or are just curious about what independent living is all about, this guide has everything you need to know. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Independent Living?
Many seniors prefer to live on their own in an independent living community. Independent living communities are designed for seniors who want to maintain as much autonomy and control over their daily lives as possible while receiving assistance and support with the tasks they might find challenging, like cooking and medication management. If you’re thinking about moving into an independent living community, you’re in charge of your own schedule, meals, housekeeping, and much more. However, you may also have access to services and support that can help you with tasks you’re unable to do on your own.
Why Live Independently?
There are a lot of great reasons to choose independent living. First, it’s a great way to stay in your own home for as long as possible. Most seniors who move for the first time go straight to a nursing home. It’s also a great way to stay close to friends and family. You don’t have to give up your autonomy, but you get support when you need it.
What’s Included in Independent Living?
You can expect that independent living communities will offer many different services and amenities, depending on the location and level of care desired. Most communities will have transportation services, exercise classes, educational programs, and more. You may have access to a community kitchen or a chef who will prepare meals for you. In addition to the basics, your search is the most important part. You should visit several communities, and talk to current residents to get a feel for what life is really like. Ask questions, and be honest with yourself. If something isn’t a good fit, it’s best to move on and keep looking!
How to Find the Right Place for You
Before you start looking for an independent living community, make a list of what you want and don’t want in your next home. What kind of location is most convenient for your daily needs? Do you have any special healthcare needs that you’ll want to make sure are accommodated? How much are you able to afford? Be sure to review online reviews before you make a decision. While it may seem common sense, it’s easy to be swayed by beautiful pictures or promises of the best care ever. It’s important to make the decision that feels best for you.
Who Can Live in an Independent Living Community?
In general, you need to be at least 55 years old to live in an independent living community. Some communities may also have a minimum age requirement for people with disabilities. However, you should check with the specific communities that you’re considering to make sure you meet the minimum requirements. While independent living communities are geared toward adults, there are some that are designed specifically for seniors. You may also find communities that are designed to accommodate adults with special needs, including physical or cognitive impairments.
What to Be Aware of When Considering Independent Living
There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking into independent living communities. First, you may have to pay more for the support you get. While living on your own can be cheap and convenient, living in an assisted living community can be more expensive. In addition, you may have to contribute to the cost of repairs that occur on a regular basis. This is something to keep in mind when considering how much you can afford to pay each month.
Wrapping up
If you are a senior who wants to stay in their own home for as long as possible, or who has special needs and wants to live near family and friends but still get assistance and support, an independent living community could be a great option. With an independent living community, you can live as independently as you want, but also receive assistance and support when needed. The best way to find the right independent living community for you is to do research and visit several communities to get a feel for what life is like in each one. Now that you know what independent living is, you can make an informed decision about whether this housing choice is right for you.