What Is Independent Living?
There is an old idea that “retirement homes” are places for seniors with severe health problems, and living there is a last resort. These notions are not only untrue, but their outdated perception may keep today’s aging adults from truly understanding the outstanding options they now have for living arrangements.
The best age or time in life to make a change in living arrangements can vary from person to person. However, no matter what brings on the idea, exploring options for senior living communities can be an eye-opening experience. Today’s seniors face a lot of choices in level of care, activities and housing! Many seniors and their families now even recognize that making a move sooner, rather than later, can help to increase the benefits gained through these carefully created communities.
With any change in living situation, it is helpful to have as much information as possible. The more information that is available, the easier it is to make decisions, understand the choices and to make a selection that will be right for the long-term.
What is Independent Living?
Independent living is often the first choice for seniors who are ready to move out of their homes. So, what is independent living? This term applies to any housing arrangement designed specifically for older adults who do not require a lot of support in the activities of daily living. Housing in independent living communities varies from apartment-style living to single-family homes. There are shared amenities, community activities and services provided to all residents, and peer connections are greatly encouraged. Some of the top reasons seniors move into independent living include:
- No more home maintenance or chores
- Easily managed monthly expenses
- Safety and security
- Easy access to friends and neighbors
- Everything in one place
Independent Living Services
So, what does independent living provide? First and foremost, this type of community allows aging adults to maintain their independence. Independence creates opportunities for seniors to gain a sense of purpose through activities they enjoy, setting and reaching goals, contributing to the lives of family and friends and making choices to improve their health. At Moweaqua Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, residents can free their time and energy for fun and friendship because housekeeping, landscaping, flat-linen service, scheduled transportation and maintenance are all provided! Other independent living services at Tutera Senior Living & Health Care independent living communities include:
- Lifelong learning opportunities, such as seminars, lectures and classes
- Creative expression through art, music, writing, dancing and singing
- Fitness classes that are adapted for seniors and all fitness levels, ranging from yoga to water aerobics and weight training
In addition to a wide range of services, many independent living communities, like Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community, also provide residents with recreational activities and open spaces to participate in community activities and connect with their peers. At Tiffany Springs, the culture and environment are crafted to focus on the physical health and mental wellness of each resident. Friends and neighbors come together to fill their calendars with:
- Guest speaker events
- Happy hours
- Educational classes
- Volunteer opportunities
- Book clubs
- Travel groups
- Gardening
- WiiTM bowling
- Community councils
- Bridge and bingo
- Fitness and yoga classes
- Singing and dancing
About Tutera Senior Living & Health Care
At Tutera Senior Living & Health Care, our independent living residents are encouraged to reach for the stars! With no more hassles of homeownership, residents can spend their time, energy and resources on the family and friends they love and the activities they enjoy. At every turn, we show our residents that their next great adventure is still to come! To keep our residents ready for those adventures, Tutera Senior Living utilizes the EmpowerMe Wellness program. This unique approach to care integrates a focus on emotional, intellectual and physical needs. The EmpowerMe Wellness program provides on-site therapy and rehabilitation services, including:
Physical Therapy. This service helps residents recover from an injury, illness or surgery that impacts strength, ambulation, fall risk or that requires pain management.
Occupational Therapy. This therapy helps residents to regain and maintain the ability to complete activities of daily living, such as dressing, writing or bathing.
Speech Therapy. During the recovery of strokes and other conditions that affect the voice, language, eating, swallowing, etc., speech therapy helps residents to return to their previous level of ability.
Personal Training. This amazing service helps residents to build strength and balance and maintain independence through individual or small group wellness sessions.
Ready to explore Tutera Senior Living options near you? Try our community finder to filter by location and by level of care! Have questions about our communities, our care or our services? We are here to talk any time! Contact us today to learn more.
Learn more by clicking on the community links below:
The Atriums Senior Living Community
Carnegie Village Senior Living Community
Mission Chateau Senior Living Community
Moweaqua Rehabilitation & Health Care Center
St. Paul's Senior Community
Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community
Victory Hills Senior Living Community