Thriving in Your Retirement: 7 Things to Know About Independent Living for Seniors

For the more than 50 million Americans who are over the age of 65 deciding where they are going to continue living can be a difficult task.

There are so many options available and factors to consider. It can be confusing to know what’s the best choice for you or your loved ones. You want to feel confident you’re making the right decision for everyone.

Independent living is a great choice for those senior citizens who want and are capable of living on their own but also want the option for some amenities.

Read on for your full guide into senior independent living and all it has to offer.

1. Gives Full Independence

One of the hardest things about getting older is losing your independence and becoming dependent on others. It’s something many people worry about and try to avoid happening as much as possible.

This is why independent living facilities are a great option for seniors. It allows those who are still capable to live on their own and do everything they can on their own.

One of the biggest blessings of this type of living situation is that the resident is making all of the decision on their own. There’s no requirement of participation in activities or checking in with anyone.

The senior can do as they please and take advantage (or not) of any of the aid resources available.

2. Customizable Living Spaces

Independent living facilities are definitely not a one size fits all situation. They can be fully customized to fit each individual needs and even most wants.

Seniors can take a look at the options to choose from a smaller space with very little maintenance required. Or they can choose a larger home where their family will still be able to come for visits.

Homes for independent living come in all different sizes in order to provide the ideal situation for each member.

The great thing about this type of community is that the senior gets to decide how much work they want to do and how much they don’t. There are accommodations to meet all levels.

3. Financial Support

There are all kinds of independent living services available to senior citizens across the country. Many different options aimed at making this situation work for as many people as possible.

One way that it’s made more accessible to seniors is the opportunity for financial assistance in living costs.

This assistance can go towards rent but can also be poured into other areas such as groceries or utilities. The programs available vary depending on the specific situation and also the local area.

Financial assistance can be given by both the government and the company who is running the facilities as well. It’s definitely worth looking into to see if you qualify for anything.

4. Help Available When Necessary

Most seniors want to stay as independent as they can for as long as possible. But there are just some things that they might not be able to do alone.

Independent senior living allows them to get the help they need with a lot of conveniences. Most facilities will have available amenities that the seniors can easily schedule at their pace.

These amenities include maintenance and cleaning teams to help with the upkeep of their home, transportation around the community and through the area, and easy access to medical providers.

The seniors won’t have to do any work to find, research, and hire these resources which makes it all the more convenient.

5. Provides Social Activities

Possibly the best amenity available in senior independent living communities is all of the entertainment options and social activities.

Most facilities have a main area that’s central to the community. It provides a place for groups to gather and events to be held. And normally all of these events are free to residents and they can even get transportation to and from.

These events might include game nights, book clubs, live music performances, or local performing groups.

Generally, there is a wide variety of options to meet needs and make sure there’s something for everyone. It allows the residents to have an active social life while not having to put in a lot of effort or travel far.

6. Builds Community

These social activities do more than just provide entertainment and something for the residents to spend their time doing. They help to build a community and develop relationships between those attending.

Feeling like you belong to a community and have people in your life who care about you is crucial to good mental health.

This is especially true for the aging population as it’s more likely that they can feel isolated from their old life. But building a new community can be difficult if you’re doing it on your own. This is why independent senior living is such a great option for many.

7. Provides Confidence and Security

Growing older and the changes that bring to a person can be a little bit scary. That’s true for watching your loved ones get older as well.

It’s hard to know how to best help without imposing or making things worse.

A senior independent living situation can be a great way for everyone to feel much more confident in the changes that are happening and that will come. Loved ones can have the assurance that their aging family will have access to quick help when necessary.

And seniors can feel safe with the same knowledge without giving up all of their freedoms.

These homes make the transition much easier and even more enjoyable.

Benefits of Independent Living for Seniors

Independent living is the best of both worlds for senior citizens. They get to enjoy their freedom and independence where they are able. But they also have easy access to help, entertainment, and transportation.

This type of living situation is also a huge benefit for family members. They can feel confident that their loved ones are in a safe environment but still have their independence as well.

If you’re interested in learning about our great independent living options, contact us today!