If you are searching the phrase “What Is Independent Living?” while trying to understand the differences between different types of retirement homes, this article should help!
There are no doubts about it, we all age, and when it starts to happen it is time to start thinking about changing up our living arrangements. Sometimes responsibilities can become too much, and it could mean that we are alone and without a way to get around, which implies that we could use some companionship with those who are our age. Independent living facilities may be the answer, depending on your situation a retirement home may be better.
In order to deal with the stress that comes with the changes you may encounter, you need to ensure that you can continue with their independence while settling into a new home. It is wise to think a head and begin planning. This gives you the time and space to learn to deal with it.
Exactly What Does Independent Living Consist Of?
Independent living is simply a housing arrangement for seniors who are 55 or older. There are a few exceptions to this. Housing for seniors will vary in types such free standing homes, retirement communities, and apartment living. Senior housing will have a friendly atmosphere, more compact, they are equipped to let seniors get around easily and all groundwork and/or maintenance is done for them.
Most communities for independent living will offer residents various activities and programs, other services, as well as amenities. Independent living housing often has a recreational center and/or clubhouse that will allow seniors to interact with other people. Independent living also has community participation in crafts, holiday gatherings, movie nights, arts, and other types of activities.
The housing may have facilities like fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, a variety of clubs and interest groups. There are other services such as on-site spas, daily meals, housekeeping, laundry services and barber & beauty shops.
After all, independent living facilities are focused on those who are 55 and older, designed and created to give an atmosphere of independent living, but with assistance available where it is needed. Hiring in-home aids is also an option for those who feel that they need it.
How Is Independent Living Any Different Than Other Senior Living?
The difference between other senior housing and independent living is the level that a resident may need assistance. If the resident needs 24-hour assistance with activities such as bathing, using the bathroom, eating, getting dressed, or have certain medical needs this may be saying that they would work for assisted living housing.
Independent Living, Is It Right For Me?
Whenever a senior has to make a chance in their living arrangements, it may feel as if their world is caving in, like they are losing their independence. However, independent living is just that, it is all about making it much easier to stay independent. Knowing your limitations are keeping you from leading your regular life and facing that they could have quality life with a bit of assistance will let them be independent longer.
Find Out By Answering These Four Questions:
Am I keeping my home up as good, as I use to or is it getting harder for me to do?
Keeping your home up and running is part of your pride, but when age sets in it can become overwhelming, becoming more of a burden that is dragging you down. For instance, you have a home that has a yard that needs constant attention or extra rooms that aren’t needed but still have to be cleaned and dusted every now and again. Maybe there are issues accessing your home because of stairs or steep inclines like driveways, which keep you from getting out as much as you want, which leaves you isolated.
There may even be the possibility that the neighborhood isn’t as safe as it used to be, which prevents you from walking around like you did before, or prevents you from getting out. You could eliminate some of these challenges by hiring help or remodeling. If you are looking for independent living without all the stress of upkeep, then you may need an independent living facility, which means more freedom and time, with flexibility to enjoy your senior years.
Have I been connecting with my friends and family as much as I would like too?
Those who are isolated will have a bigger risk of depression and/or mental health issues. This may happen for different reasons, like becoming mobile which making getting around harder and/or not being able to drive yourself as you used to.
Maybe your neighbors and/or friends don’t have time anymore to come around, or you just don’t feel safe in your neighborhood any longer. Although being able to send messages and chat using the Internet is helpful, it doesn’t replace face-to-face contact.
At independent living facilities will give you networks of peers that your social life has lacked, as well as provide structured activities like field trips, arts & crafts, sports and more.
Is getting around getting harder for me?
You are in a home that is located where driving is harder for you to get out and socialize or visiting family and friends, even to do your shopping. If driving is trouble and you have to use public transportation or it is hard for friends and family to get to your home. Even have troubles getting to the doctor.
They have on-site amenities and most will offer options for convenient transportation for outside activities.
Is my health declining (and/or my spouses)?
Take into consideration your health condition and understand what your health may be like in the future is a vital measure that will need to be taken. If the current condition of your health can let you know what to expect down the road, like a condition that will get worse instead of better over time.
These conditions allow for planning ahead which is a wise thing to do. It isn’t just your health to think about either, your spouse will need the same thing and you should plan out your living arrangements together for the future.
Ask Yourselves The Following Questions:
- Do you both manage your medications and keep up with doctor’s appointments?
- Do you both still manage your daily living activities such as laundry, bathing, and cooking meals?
- Do you both or one of you have the ability to manage finances?
Independent living housing is for those who just need a small amount of help with daily living. Understanding what you need will help to decide what is best for you.
Independent Living In Surprise, Arizona
There will be a time in everyone’s lives where having a bit of help when needed will give you peace of mind. Having peace of mind isn’t just for you, it is for you friends and family knowing that you have trained staff to help with what you need. Having your own apartment with trained staff around makes retirement years enriched with socialization and activities.
Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona
Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-471-5086.
