Independent living communities offer you the freedom to enjoy life on your terms with access to a range of amenities and support services that make each day more convenient and fulfilling.
If you’re considering a move to an independent living community, you will likely want to ask some questions about this lifestyle. Thinking through these five factors can help you determine whether independent living is an optimal fit for you.
1. Your Current Needs
Independent living is a great choice for active older adults with minimal needs for assistance. Typically, individuals and couples who consider independent living are able to continue living in their current home but are simply looking to enhance their daily lives with the many perks independent living offers.
Consider your current needs and whether they’re well-aligned with independent living or a different living option, such as assisted living. Are you looking to live independently with a bit more support to make life easier and more enjoyable? Or would you benefit from a higher level of care and assistance? If you’re looking to live independently with some support, multiple options are available.
2. Your Ideal Lifestyle
Take a moment to consider what “the good life” means to you. What do you want a typical day or week in your life to look like in your next chapter? Maybe the good life offers more time to pursue passions such as sewing or woodworking, stay more active, or enjoy the company of others.
Ask yourself questions like:
- What amenities would you love to access?
- What type of programming would you enjoy?
- What environment would support your well-being?
- What level of home maintenance responsibility do you want?
- Do you want to be surrounded by a community of peers?
These considerations can help you determine if independent living is ideal for you and what type of community you should look for if you’re ready to make a move.
3. Future Care
As you look to your future, consider how your desires and practical needs may evolve. What might your needs look like in a year or five years from now? Although it’s impossible to know for sure, you can consult your family history and risk factors to make an informed prediction about the types of support you may need down the road.
Independent living may be perfect for you now, but will it be in the future? You won’t need to worry if you choose a community that includes a full continuum of care and can help you transition to another level of living if needed. Or you can join a continuing care at home program like WellAhead to help you remain in your current home as long as possible while providing for your future needs, whatever those may be.
4. Finances
As with any potential move, finances are an important consideration. Take a careful look at your current living costs, including your rent or mortgage payment (if you have one), utilities, and property maintenance costs. Consider other costs you may be able to eliminate by moving to an independent living community, such as a gym membership fee. If you want to sell your home, consider talking with a real estate agent to learn how much you might expect to pocket from the sale.
Now, you can compare your potential costs for an independent living community to your current costs. Be sure you understand the total expenses involved in independent living, including possible upfront costs and monthly fees, and then consider whether those costs fit your budget. Some people find they can actually save money by moving to independent living!
5. Community Options
Working through the above considerations will help you begin to form a picture of your ideal independent living community — one that fits your needs, preferences, and budget. You can learn more by exploring independent living communities, both online and in person. Compare amenities, services, locations, and programming to find options that check the right boxes.
Then, tour communities and speak with residents and team members to develop a feel for the campus and community life. In the end, the community you choose should align with your interests and lifestyle preferences and feel like a place you’re proud to call home.
Step into the Next Chapter of Your Life with Confidence
Moving to independent living can be an excellent decision for many healthy older adults. In fact, many of our community members wish they made the move sooner! By carefully evaluating your current needs, ideal lifestyle, future care requirements, financial considerations, and community options, you can make an informed decision that helps you enhance your quality of life.
As you explore senior living options and compare independent living communities, use our “Senior Living Community Evaluation Checklist” to find the ideal fit!
