If you value independence in your senior years, ensuring your lifestyle and environment are well-equipped to fit your changing needs is essential. This is why an independent living community is an excellent choice. These facilities provide additional support to ensure you enjoy your privacy while assuring a comfortable and healthy life in your later years.
Most people believe that independent living for seniors is not suitable for those who want to live life their way. It helps to know that this popular myth often deters older adults from making the right choice. Read on to learn the truth about these facilities, what makes a community the best, and how to select the right that meets your needs to make an informed decision.
8 Signs of a Top-Notch Independent Living Facility
Health and Wellness
The best independent living communities have excellent health and wellness programs, including medication management, physical therapy, emergency care, and more. They have qualified specialists and staff to ensure your physical and mental well-being.
Friendly and Competent Staff
The staff at a senior independent living facility helps enable an optimal experience for the residents. They will create a safe, relaxed atmosphere, cater to your needs, and help you feel at home. Having dedicated, caring, and hardworking people is essential to ensure you enjoy your golden years. They will prioritize your dignity and offer the love and respect you rightly deserve. Ensure the facility you want to move into has a helpful, understanding, and loving staff.
Amenities
Senior communities offer verified amenities and services. It helps to know which aspects make a facility a top-notch place. In addition to the living environment, health care, food, and workout programs ask about housekeeping and laundry, accommodation for pets, on-site salons, and other amenities to make your experience a quality one. Also, understand if they are included in the price or are available for an additional cost.
Pleasant Living Spaces
A top-quality independent living community presents a positive impression of the physical space. It should be senior-friendly with an easy-to-navigate layout. It must look and feel clean and be well-maintained, warm, and inviting. When you look at it, you should be able to imagine spending your senior years there.
Attractive Dining Options
A good independent living community should provide a pleasing dining experience. This includes delicious and nutritious food and the chance to forge relationships with other residents through socialization. Check the dining environment in the facility and ask about freedom of options and special dietary restrictions. Also, ensure you have the choice to eat in your apartment if needed.
Activities
One of the significant advantages of independent living facilities is the chance to be in a community with like-minded people. This could mean participating in events and activities that promote connection and fun. Top-grade facilities prioritize this aspect to meet residents’ physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual needs. They ensure access to essential things such as book clubs, walking clubs, exercise routines, movie and game nights, birthday and seasonal celebrations, yoga, and more. This way, you can enjoy an active and healthy life.
Range of Care Levels
Moving into a desirable senior living community is exciting and can help ease any future transition to assisted living facilities or skilled nursing homes, depending on your health. They support seamless transition planning by offering different types of care. In addition, they will also help you understand the options for aging in place and ensure you make an informed choice that suits your needs.
Transportation
Best independent living communities understand the urge to remain connected to the outside world. This is why they often arrange outings. In addition, they will ensure you make it to your doctor’s appointments regularly by providing a transportation facility if you need help reaching the destination.
The Biggest Lies About Independent Living
Independent Living Is Pricier Than Living in Your Home.
Some seniors do not consider the possibility of an independent living community because they assume it is too expensive. However, living alone in your house can be financially more demanding. You must manage property taxes, insurance, utilities, and home repairs. In addition, you may need a caregiver if your health demands it. These factors may lead to a stressful life after retirement.
An independent living facility is ideal if you can manage most daily tasks but need access to professional assistance. Planning for retirement will make this transition feasible. You need not worry about household chores and will have access to various excellent amenities such as medical assistance, dining options, engaging activities, exercise programs, and more.
An Independent Lifestyle Means Living Without Assistance.
Many seniors believe that maintaining their independence is linked to staying in their homes, even if it means physically demanding work, isolation, and financial burdens. Contrary to this widespread belief, moving into an independent living facility is better if you value your privacy, health, and comfort. Doing so will reduce the burden of home management, offer more socialization opportunities, and provide professional support.
Senior Communities Do Not Support Prolonged Independence.
Independence and community living go hand-in-hand. The availability of qualified staff and the possibility of living a socially and physically active life in your later years encourages you to enjoy your retired life. Embrace the support you get after moving into an independent living facility to experience an enriched and purposeful life. It helps to know that you do not always have to be around other residents.
4 Essentials to Prolonging Independence in Your Senior Years
Nutrition
Nutritional needs evolve with age, which is why it is crucial to understand the changes and approach nourishment accordingly. From muscle and bone mass to risks of chronic diseases and other health conditions, focusing on issues related to the body is wise. Doing so will increase the chances of an independent life later.
Here are some crucial things you need to follow:
- Understand how your nutritional needs differ from those of a younger person.
- Include protein and fiber in your diet.
- Hydrate yourself adequately.
- Avoid excess sugar and salt.
Ongoing Physical Activity
Physical activity life is critical to healthy aging. Exercise is a vital element in prolonging your independence. It helps to:
- Prevent cognitive decline and chronic diseases
- Prevent bone loss
- Relieve stiffness and osteoarthritis pain
- Enhance your immunity power
- Improve mental well-being
Social Connection
Research indicates that social connection is paramount to human health, especially during aging. It reduces the chances of isolation and loneliness, often leading to anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, cognitive decline, and more.
Brain Exercises
You can improve memory functions and cognitive abilities through education, games, and puzzles. Engage yourself in activities that challenge you to learn new skills, prolonging independence. Trivia games, jigsaw puzzles, card games, and word puzzles are fun and cognitively stimulating options.
Choose the Best Independent Living Facility in West Hartford
The Holiday Retirement offers an excellent community where you can spend your golden years in good health and comfort, enjoying your privacy. Our independent living facility prioritizes your physical, mental, and emotional health. We ensure you are engaged, active, and have peace of mind. Our qualified staff will cater to your needs to help you lead the desired life after retirement without worrying about safety, nutritious meals, hygiene, or socialization.
We also offer assisted living and skilled nursing options with the best healthcare and support system to make your life as easy and comfortable as possible.
For more details about our independent living facility in West Hartford, please complete our online form to schedule a tour of our facility. You may also call us at 1-860-233-8202 if you have any questions.
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