When to Make the Move
The demand for quality senior living and health care options has never been higher. As a result, you’ll find a varied range of senior living options beginning with independent living communities. They are a great choice for seniors who are ready to enjoy every moment without having to deal with life’s little hassles. Freeing residents from preparing meals, driving to appointments, and maintaining a home, independent living offers the perfect opportunity to socialize, relax, pursue interests, and be included in a friendly community of active people.
Since this type of community doesn’t offer routine help with the activities of daily living like dressing, eating or mobility, those in search of more supportive services should consider an assisted living community.
Location
As you begin your independent living search for the perfect location, take a moment to consider what makes a neighborhood ideal for you.
Pull up a map and see where your potential senior community lies. Is it close to the stores you like? Is it in a quiet neighborhood, on a charming countryside, or on a busy, urban street? Will you still be close to family members and friends? If not, are there highways and routes that make it easily accessible?
If you plan on keeping your car, the location may be less of a priority. For those who prefer not to or are unable to drive, find a community that offers transportation so you can still go to appointments and outings whenever you like. Different communities offer varying levels of transportation services, so make sure to learn about important details, including service radius and additional costs.
Cost
Rental-based senior living communities offer the best value and the most choice. If you’re living on a fixed income, look at your monthly budget.
The money saved on home expenses, such as mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, home repairs and upgrades, automobiles, and lawn maintenance, usually outweighs the costs of an independent living community.
For example, rent at one Tutera Senior Living Community covers:
- All utilities
- Dining Dollars
- High-speed, fiber-based Wi-Fi
- 24-hour security
- Full interior and exterior maintenance and repair
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Pool and Jacuzzi
- Transportation service
- Lifestyle and leisure programs and activities
- Emergency call system
If value is your main priority, compare all floor plans, and expect more square footage and in-apartment amenities to increase the monthly cost. Your move can become more cost-efficient if you take advantage of time-sensitive move-in incentives.
Services and Amenities
Here’s where independent living shines. When comparing communities side by side, your choices may seem as though they offer virtually the same services and amenities. If this happens, visit each community so you can discover the small details about their services and amenities that make a big difference. The perfect time to do this is at an open house or community event where you can taste their food and enjoy a free class or activity. You can get all your questions answered during a personal tour.
Dining
The joy of cooking seems to lessen as we age. It can be difficult to prepare and eat three square meals a day, and ensuring they are nutritionally balanced, too, is even harder.
Whether you or your parent loves to cook, likes to frequent favorite restaurants, or is excited by the idea of chef-prepared meals daily, independent living has something for everyone.
Some communities offer varying meal plans, menus, and dining venues. When you visit, ask to see sample menus and visit the dining areas and bistros.
Also, consider how often you may want to eat outside of the community or cook your own meals. Take the time to visit potential communities to view their menu, sit in their dining areas, and experience their cuisine firsthand. After all, eating food you love, even if it’s just once a week, can enhance your quality of life.
Community Culture
As we age, socializing may become more difficult. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, independent living gives plenty of different ways to find new friendships and nurture existing ones. Through clubs, classes, events, and activities, some communities aim to always have a reason to get out and be with like-minded people. Many communities even host happy hours that make for a fun and relaxing environment for everyone.
Staying social throughout our lives keeps us emotionally, intellectually and physically healthier. Research from the National Institute on Aging indicates that social isolation constitutes a major risk factor for older adults.
11 million, or 28% of people aged 65 and older, lived alone in 2018, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
If you or your parent feels lonely or mourns a loss, a community of caring individuals can support and uplift you to make a world of difference.
When you’re visiting a community, you’ll easily notice how friendly the staff and residents are. Don’t be afraid to stop, say hello and ask them questions.
The Time to Look Is Now
Some seniors don’t think they’re “ready” to move to a senior community but don’t let that stop you from exploring your options now. Come see what it’s like. That way, when you decide to make a move based on an unexpected event in your life, you’re armed with the information you need to make a good decision without pressure.
So many times, seniors visit a Tutera community and fall in love with the friendliness, the ease, and the carefree lifestyle they discover here. And because we offer help with downsizing and selling your home, the move is easier than you think.
Visiting a Tutera community in person is the best way to compare location, cost, services and amenities, dining, and community culture. So give us a call to schedule a personal tour or visit our website to find out about our next event.