Ready for Independent Living? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions
It’s a big decision when it comes to planning for your future at any age. But, especially as you enter into your retirement years, thinking about what you need and want out of life becomes even more important. The thought of potentially losing your independence and leaving the home you love can be stressful. However, you don’t have to lose your freedom. Independent living offers an alternative option for older adults to eliminate household responsibilities while still maintaining their freedom.
When is the right time to start looking at independent living options? There’s no right answer. But, with these five questions to ask about independent living facilities, you can determine what’s right for you and when you should start to consider all that independent living has to offer:
- How easy is it for you to maintain your current home?
Maintaining your home might be something that has always given you pride over the years. But as you age, it’s essential to acknowledge any limitations you have. Especially in a home with a large yard, multiple levels, or a lot of unused space, you could be exerting too much time and energy keeping up with your home. Home-maintenance costs can add up as your home ages, and as an empty nester, you might start to realize a large home is more than you want and need. Independent living apartments don’t require any maintenance or upkeep, so you can make the space your own and start enjoying it right away. - Have you recently lost your spouse or significant other?
Life can change quickly. One day you’re trying to wrangle your children and pets, and the next, you find yourself living alone in a large empty house. It’s not uncommon to feel lonely as your house grows empty over time. Independent living is designed to promote socialization and interaction between residents. When thinking of questions to ask about independent living facilities, consider learning about any services or activities they offer to engage you socially and challenge you mentally. - How is your overall health?
Many seniors think they have to wait until their health declines to consider moving into a senior living community. Making such a major life move is easier if you’re still in good health. The services, activities and emphasis on overall well-being at an independent living community can help you maintain your health and independence longer. Plus, many senior living communities offer varying levels of senior care that can support your needs if your health changes in the future. - How easy is it for you to get around?
While the location of your home might have served you well over the years, you might find as your friends and family move away, it’s more challenging to get around on your own. If you have to drive to attend social engagements, visit family and friends, or go grocery shopping, you might start to feel the burden that bears. If driving at night or to unfamiliar places is becoming a challenge, you might need to rely more on public transportation to get around. At independent living communities, many of the amenities you need are offered right on campus, and for doctor’s appointments or other social engagements, you can use scheduled transportation options. - Would you like more time to follow your passions?
When you’re busy maintaining a home, grocery shopping, paying bills and managing your household, it can be hard to find time for anything else. Especially as you age, you may prefer to fill your time doing whatever makes you the happiest. Independent living grants you the opportunity to pursue your interests, hobbies and new ventures in a safe and supportive environment. When thinking of questions to ask about independent living facilities, find out what hobbies are available to explore. It might be a good time to take up painting, focus on your fitness goals, learn to cook or create an herb garden.
Making a major life change in your retirement years can be intimidating, but it can also be a fresh start. You deserve to make the most of your retirement years, and by knowing what questions to ask independent living facilities, you can find the right one to fit your needs, goals and interests, now and well into the future.
Explore Independent Living Options in Dallas, Texas
At Monticello West, independent senior living residents enjoy various services and amenities for a carefree lifestyle. The worries of home maintenance become a thing of the past as you allow our helpful staff to handle everything you need. Plus, you can enjoy a true plan for your future, ensuring you get the most out of each phase of your retirement years.
Learn more about our independent living apartments and schedule a visit so you and your loved one can experience all our Dallas, TX, senior living community has to offer.
