Ready for Independent Living? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions
As an older adult, making any change in your living arrangements can require significant consideration. The thought of potentially losing your independence and leaving your home can seem stressful. However, independent living offers an option for older adults to eliminate homeowner responsibilities while still maintaining their freedom and independence.
How do you know if you’re ready for such a big change? By asking yourself these five questions about independent living facilities and learning more about what’s important to you, you can determine if now is the right time to take the leap and start the next chapter of your retirement.
- How easy is it for you to maintain your current home?
While maintaining your home may have been something you enjoyed over the years, it’s important to acknowledge your limitations as you age. If you have a multilevel home, a large yard, or a lot of unused space, you might find it cumbersome to maintain on your own. Home maintenance costs can add up over time, especially if you hire people to help maintain your property. As an empty nester, you might realize that you would prefer a space that doesn’t require much maintenance or upkeep, like an independent living apartment. - Have you recently lost your spouse or significant other?
It’s not uncommon to feel comfortable in your own home when you share it with the people you love. However, as your adult children move or your significant other passes away, you might find yourself feeling lonely in such a large space. While interacting on the phone or internet is helpful, it can’t replace the feeling of face-to-face connection. When thinking about questions to ask about independent living communities, consider finding out about any services or activities designed to promote interaction and socialization. - How is your overall health?
Many seniors think they have to wait until their health declines to start considering 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 planned outings put an emphasis on overall well-being at an independent living community and can help you maintain your health and independence for 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?
Your existing home may be in an area that requires you to drive to attend social activities, visit family or friends, or go shopping. As you age, you might find it more challenging to drive, especially at night, and so you might rely on public transportation or family members to help you get around. Independent living offers many on-site amenities that give you access to the things you need without ever leaving the campus. Also, some independent living communities provide scheduled transportation options to make it easier to attend doctor’s appointments and other outside activities. - 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 change in your retirement years can be scary, but with change comes new opportunities. Do your research and come up with questions to ask about independent living facilities. Find independent living communities that match your interests and goals for yourself now and well into the future.
Explore Independent Living Options in Dallas, Texas
At Autumn Leaves in Dallas, you’ll enjoy lively, comfortable independent living apartments with the freedom and flexibility you need to live life to the fullest. Leave the stress of home maintenance behind, as you enjoy social opportunities and a variety of senior living services and amenities for an engaging, easy lifestyle. And if you ever do need short- or long-term care, we have assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services all on-site … offering tremendous peace of mind for you and your family.
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.
