The most important part of the question, “what is independent living for seniors?” is the word “independent.”
As your loved ones, or even you yourself, age, maintaining independence is a catchphrase that can be called out in near battle-like tones. It’s understandable. After all, seniors are full-fledged adults who having been leading their own lives for many decades.
Which is why independent living communities for seniors are such a vital option for people who want to live vibrant, healthy, lives and stay … independent.
But, Really, What is Independent Living for Seniors?
Independent living for seniors is generally defined as living in a community that is specifically for adults, ages 62+, who don’t need significant help with daily activities such as dressing and bathing and getting around (mobility).
Options for independent living situations range from private, individual apartments to friendship suites.
It’s easy to mix up independent living and assisted living. The difference is that assisted living is for people who have more challenges, who do need help bathing or remembering to take medication or help in and out of bed.
But if you or your loved one is still out of bed every morning, up with the birds, and out and about, loving the landscape as the seasons change, there’s real benefits of moving to an independent living community like we have on our Country Meadows campuses.
The Immediate Benefits of Making the Move
Mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, cleaning the (now too big for your needs) house, figuring out what to make for dinner every night…all of those tasks are now in the hands of staff.
You are free to do whatever you want with your day the first day you wake up in your new home. (Although, you might still have some unpacking to do.) This is independent living.
Senior independent living offers an apartment combined with all the services and programs offered by that community. Meals, laundry, housekeeping and maintenance are generally included as part of your rent or monthly fees.
Besides the practical considerations, independent living puts you or your loved one in a community with people of similar age, and lived-life experiences, where social connections and friendships flourish naturally. Social events, fitness and wellness activities and trips off-campus for cultural exploration (or just plain fun!) are all part of life in senior communities. Even Happy Hours!
Many senior independent living campuses allow pets.
Just to acknowledge a frustrating reality – that with aging can come more medical concerns – the best communities that offer independent living have medical staff on site 24-hour a day in case of emergencies.
So, while even thinking “what is independent living for seniors, and is it for me or my loved one?” can feel like giving up independence, it’s really just wondering if it’s time to move out of the place you’ve called home and creating a new one. One where you have time, community, and professional staff to back you up when needed.
Actually Making the Move
Once you’ve gone from “what is independent living for seniors” to “I’m moving into a senior independent living community” what’s next?
The actual move, and it can feel like a lot. There’s sorting and packing and downsizing and all of the practical and physical things that go along with a move.
There’s also the stress of this BIG transition. Fortunately, that’s manageable.
Barbara Markway Ph.D., in Psychology Today, wrote about ten simple ways to manage the stress of moving. Of these, three really stand out. First, start the sorting and packing sooner than you think you need to. If you’ve chosen a great apartment floorplan, and are waiting for that type of unit to be available, start de-cluttering and downsizing now.
But, Markaway suggests, leave a spot in your current home that’s a sanctuary. It’s the place you go to unwind and enjoy being you in the midst of the chaos. Just make sure it a spot that can be packed at the last minute. While you’re at it, think about where your sanctuary spot will be in your new home.
Which brings up the third “to do” of the many moving “to dos.” Make a list of all the good and fun things you are looking forward to in your new home, living independently, as a senior.
Once you get there it’s going to be great!
Country Meadows Retirement Communities offers independent living, in neighborhood locations in Pennsylvania and in Frederick, Md. We have a vibrant community life and a wide range of amenities including professionally prepared meals, scheduled transportation and convenient housekeeping and laundry service.
Each community has a team of local experts to help answer questions you may have about Country Meadows, or senior living in general. Call our friendly co-workers and ask them – what is independent living for seniors like at Country Meadows? Or schedule a tour today!
