Should You Make the Move to Independent Living?

Posted by Shawn Simpson // April 22, 2022

Should You Make the Move to Independent Living? The place where you live is more than four walls and a roof. It’s where you settle in after a long day, where you celebrate with friends and family, and where you feel safest and most comfortable. So, what happens when your family home no longer fits the bill? When your home no longer meets your needs, but you’re not ready to give up your privacy and autonomy, there’s another option: independent senior living. If you’re curious about independent living but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, here’s an outline of what you need to know.

What Is Independent Living?

Many people assume that senior housing is only for people who can no longer care for themselves. Modern Retirement notes that while that is the case for assisted living, where older adults can get help with everything from personal care to housekeeping, independent living caters to self-sufficient seniors in pursuit of an easy life. Instead of helping with grooming bathing, and other daily living tasks, seniors in independent living gain access to amenities such as home and lawn maintenance, transportation, and meal preparation, freeing up their time for the important things in life — like taking advantage of on-site communal spaces and social activities.

However, while most assisted living facilities offer similar services, independent living varies
widely. While budget-minded communities offer basic amenities in modest apartments, upscale
communities cater to seniors’ every whim, with amenities ranging from beauticians and personal
shoppers to golf courses and indoor swimming pools. If you’re not sure what type of community
is right for you, the best way to find out is to schedule tours, work with advisors, and get a feel
for the options.

What if My Needs Change and I Need Assisted Living?

Some independent living communities also include different on-site assisted living or skilled care
wings. That way, if your needs evolve, you don’t have to move somewhere new in order to get
the care you need. If you anticipate needing a community that offers independent as well as
assisted living, take the time to tour some of the many Omaha assisted living communities and
read reviews and learn more about payment options.

How Do I Know if Independent Living Is Right for Me?

Still unsure if independent living is the right fit for your lifestyle? Aging in place in your current
home can be made more comfortable by decluttering, getting organized, or even downsizing,
which is where a professional organizer can come in.
On the other hand, while many seniors imagine themselves aging in place, U.S. News & World
Report points out that staying at home comes with a lot of hidden challenges. If you answer
“Yes” to one or more of these questions, you may benefit from a move to independent living.

●You feel lonely or isolated at home and want to expand your social life?
● Is home maintenance and yard work trouble
● Would you like a helper, but don’t have family who can step in?
● Does the home need remodeling but it is too expensive?
● Are you struggling to get around now that you don’t drive?

Can I Afford Independent Living?

Many seniors worry that independent living is too expensive. However, compared to the costs of
staying home, moving to senior housing could actually save money.
Even if your home is paid off, aging in place means paying for property taxes, maintenance and
repairs, and the costs to remodel your house for safer senior living. Independent living units, on

the other hand, are designed with a senior’s needs in mind and don’t come with any surprise
bills. Instead, you’ll pay a flat monthly rent and community fees in exchange for worry-free living.
The costs of independent living can be substantial, so you may want to sell your current home
to help offset these expenses. When you’re ready to sell your home for the maximum price,
connect with the skilled real estate professionals from Styl Properties.

Choosing the Right Independent Living Community

If you ultimately decide that living alone is not right for you, it’s time to start looking at retirement
communities. Making a decision starts with knowing what you need.
Next, look at the amenities offered by your preferred location. Even within the same price range,
offerings can vary wildly. If living an active lifestyle is important to you, look for things such as an
on-site fitness center and activities calendar with hikes, workout classes, and similar outings on
the schedule. If your ideal retirement involves pampering, ask about services, such as spas,
salons, and massages, during your tour.
Location is another key factor, and you will want to choose a community that’s in a safe
neighborhood and convenient for you and your family.

Evaluating Your Short List

When you narrow your list down to a few communities that you think might meet your needs,
schedule a tour. You will not only want to confirm that it does fit the bill, but also that there are
no red flags that should send you looking elsewhere.

Something to consider as you stroll the hallways is the noise level. Is it chaotic? Loud hallways
and open areas may not be as restful as a location that is a bit more low-key. Pay careful
attention to how the staff talks to residents, too. Listen for signs of respect, such as if they
respond promptly and address each individual by name.

You’ll also want to keep an eye out for areas that look unclean. While a stray plate on a dining
room table is likely nothing to worry about, if the tables, chairs, and floors have obviously not
been cleaned for days, that’s a bad sign.