Transitioning to a new stage of life can be a challenging experience, especially for seniors used to a certain way of life. Independent living is a lifestyle option that can help seniors move on to a new community and keep some of the independence they have gotten used to.
Let’s explore independent living, including a helpful guide for seniors looking to retire.
What Is Independent Living?
Independent living is a simple prospect—it’s a housing arrangement designed for older adults. An independent living lifestyle strives to balance support and independence by focusing on some aspects of daily living. This extra free time will enable you to focus on hobbies or new interests.
Your new community will provide a personalized space that you can retreat to after a day of socializing and trying new hobbies.
Your independent living lifestyle begins with a personalized apartment that includes:
- Varied floor plans for customized living
- Modern, open-concept living
- Spacious patios and balconies
- Ensuite bathrooms with safe and convenient features
Along with a personalized apartment, your new community will offer various amenities that you can enjoy during your well-earned retirement:
- Weekly light housekeeping and linen service
- Maintenance onsite 24/7 and security overnight
- Social hours and gatherings
- Health and wellness services
- Regular fitness and exercise classes
Any significant housing change later in life can make it seem like you’re losing your independence. Independent living is all about making your life easier.
An Independent Living Guide for Seniors
When considering a big lifestyle change, it can help to have a guide to assist in the transition. If your loved one is retiring and considering independent living, you should discuss how they feel about it.
Some questions to ask if you’re considering independent living include:
- Has maintaining your current home become an issue?
- How difficult is it to get around in your current community?
- How is your health, and would moving to an independent living community benefit you?
Retirement and moving are major life events, and you should take your time to consider all your options. Independent living can offer increased social opportunities and companionship with other people in similar stages of life.
Retirement is a time of adaptation and change, but giving yourself or your loved one the time and space to come to terms with their new lifestyle is essential.
Choosing an Independent Living Community
Finding the right community depends on your needs. It’s essential to consider:
- The people
- The size and location of the community
- Accessibility options
- Activities and amenities
Independent living is about your comfort, so considering your needs comes first. Getting in touch with friends or loved ones to get their advice can help. Visiting your potential new community is also helpful in becoming more familiar with the new environment.
Transitioning to Independent Living
The transition to independent living can take a bit of an adjustment. You’ll have to get used to your new surroundings, which is entirely normal. Proper guidance and assistance from dedicated staff can help contribute to a smooth transition.
Let’s look at some things you can do to make the transition easier.
Decorate Your New Home Ahead of Time
Visiting your new apartment early and putting up some familiar pictures can help ease the transition. A familiar space can assist with the initial adjustment period and get you used to your new surroundings faster.
Placing some of your favorite items around the apartment can provide that extra inspiration you need!
Pack in Advance
Moving can be challenging, and choosing what to pack can be a long process. That’s why packing in advance can save some stress and ensure you don’t leave any essential and sentimental items behind.
Leaving yourself more time to pack can prevent you from making hasty decisions about what to keep and what to throw away.
Do Your Homework
Get in touch with the staff at your new community and go through any questions or concerns you may have. Your comfort is a priority, and the dedicated staff will be happy to ensure that all your questions are answered.
Knowing what to expect and familiarity can make the eventual move less stressful.
Take Some Time to Relax
Don’t be too hard on yourself.
A transition to a new stage of life isn’t an overnight process, and the adjustment period is essential to move into your new community with a healthy mindset.
Don’t feel bad for taking a break and going through your emotions with loved ones.
Giving you or your loved one enough time to adjust is crucial. Independent living offers a smooth transition to an exciting new lifestyle.
An Exciting New Lifestyle
At the end of the day, it’s important to give you or your loved one the necessary time to come to terms with retirement and a move to independent living. A new community can be beneficial to gaining a brand new outlook on life.
Book a tour today if you’re interested in transitioning to an independent living lifestyle.
