The idea of abandoning their home and relocating to an independent living community is a terrifying one for many elderly adults. Making the transition to senior living used to imply losing your independence and transferring into a nursing home, just to have your loved ones forget about you. Today, there are many options available, such as independent living communities, where you can enjoy your freedom while receiving assistance with a variety of everyday tasks that become a bit more challenging as you grow older.
The greatest advantage is that you have complete control over how often or how rarely you use the in-house services, and you aren’t required to pay for anything you don’t need or want! So if you or your dear one is concerned about the transition to independent living communities, here we address five common fears, misconceptions, and the truth about them.
Fear of Losing Freedom and Autonomy
When you join an independent living community, you will receive assistance with housekeeping, cooking, and other tasks that only get harder with age. Senior living affords you more time so you can devote your days to enjoying yourself rather than doing the usual chores. By taking advantage of all the recreational and socialization opportunities offered on-site as well as complimentary transport to all the places you want to visit in the neighborhood, you can comfortably live a maintenance-free lifestyle!
Fear of Mundanity and Boredom
You will never feel bored nowadays with all the top-notch activities and facilities available at retirement communities! The range of amenities includes musical entertainment, planned excursions, exercise programs, pool sessions and so much more. Many communities even hold monthly meetings to gather your opinions on the types of events and programs you would like to take part in. There are now more options than simply backgammon and bingo, but they are still offered too.
Fear of Becoming Depressed and Sick
Feeling lonely and disconnected, at any age, is what causes depression and sickness. Conversely, the meaningful social interaction that a retirement community affords is what’s essential to good health. In reality, Independent living offers social connections with like-minded peers that enhance the quality of life on a level that staying alone at home would not match.
Fear of Losing Precious Relationships
Independent living actually makes it easier to both build new friendships and nurture existing relationships. Your loved ones are always welcome to come down and participate in a variety of programs and festivities with you. There are private eating areas and communal spaces readily accessible for friends and family to meet you for special events or private dinners. You can also take advantage of the free transportation service to visit them regularly.
Fear of Expensive Fees
Although budgeting for an independent living community might seem like a difficult endeavor, when you sum up all the expenses that retirement communities normally cover in their entirely-inclusive rental fees, it works out to be fairly reasonable. Relocating to an independent living community can wind up saving you funds over time if you include the costs of hiring at-home help and maintaining an old house that will require modifications to enable safe aging-in-place, such as installing grip bars and wheelchair ramps.
