Transitioning to an Independent Living Community: What to Expect
Moving into an Independent Living community can be an exciting occasion for many older adults. You can live with like-minded people, make new friends, socialize, and enjoy helpful services and amenities.
However, planning your move into Independent Living can require planning and preparation. Here’s what you can expect when the time comes to kickstart your retirement years:
A Planning and Preparation Phase
Moving into an Independent Living community typically doesn’t happen overnight. There can be a planning and preparation phase that may take several weeks, months, or even years.
Planning and preparation first involves research, which can require you to tour various senior living communities and find one that suits your needs for atmosphere, amenities, and location. Financial planning is also essential, as you’ll need to assess monthly fees and other related expenses.
Many seniors start downsizing their possessions in preparation for their move. While most highly regarded Independent Living communities have spacious apartments and cottages, you may wish to move with fewer possessions for convenience.
An Adjustment Period
As excited as you likely are about moving into a comfortable apartment or cottage, making new friends, and enjoying social activities, there may still be an adjustment period. Be patient with yourself as you become familiar with your chosen community’s amenities, layout, rules, and schedules.
During this period, you may like to take the time to get to know your neighbors so you can start building friendships. Most communities make this process easy by planning social events.
High-Quality Accommodation Options
While leaving the comfort and familiarity of your own home can be daunting, you may be pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and welcome you feel in the accommodations of leading senior living communities.
Most communities offer spacious, comfortable apartments and cottages with kitchens, bathrooms, and washer and dry connections. Cottages often have garages and offices.
Fun Activities and Events
Being a resident in a leading senior living community isn’t just about having a comfortable and safe place to call home. You can also expect fun activities and events. Many of these may allow for a smooth and stress-free transition.
Activities and events are often open for residents and their loved ones. They also present many opportunities to make new friends.
Your Health and Wellness to Be Prioritized
Independent Living communities enable residents to live independently. Still, help is always available when it’s needed.
Many established communities are central to healthcare providers. You may even have access to emergency response systems for peace of mind. Most communities also prioritize delicious and well-balanced meals to help their residents get the nutrients they need to thrive.
Helpful Services
While Independent Living residents are encouraged to maintain their freedom and autonomy, they aren’t without support and convenient services to make everyday life a little easier.
Most standout communities make a multitude of services available to their residents, such as housekeeping, property maintenance, concierge, and scheduled transportation. You may enjoy a far more seamless transition into a senior living community if you have a variety of support options available to you.
Maintaining Family and Friend Connections
Moving into an Independent Living community doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to your family, friends, and support networks. Your relationships and friendships can remain intact. In fact, most standout communities welcome the guests of their residents to spend time in their communities. There are plenty of social spaces and communal areas for residents to enjoy time with their loved ones.
Learn More About Independent Living at Lakestone Terrace Senior Living
Transitioning into an Independent Living community may be more straightforward than you think. If the time has come to explore this option, schedule a tour of Lakestone Terrace Senior Living today. We welcome you to ask questions and learn more about our community so you can make your decision with confidence.
