It's becoming more difficult to navigate the stairs at home. Or perhaps you've had it while maintaining your yard. Or you're lonely because you're living alone. Or perhaps you're simply trapped in your current situation. You've decided that it's time to make a change. It's not that you want to get out of your current situation. You have some memories associated with it. And you're aware that it won't be as simple as it was when you were younger. Still, staying put and "aging in place" does not seem particularly enticing.
But where should I go? You've heard the term "independent living," but aren't sure what it means. It seems reasonable, given that you can take care of yourself and that the main reason you're considering moving is to enjoy life more.
Independent life is a concept that has been defined.
The services and amenities available to independent living residents vary widely from one community to the next. Lower-cost apartments may have limited amenities, but higher-end complexes may have amenities such as a fitness center, onsite spa, swimming pool, or even a golf course. Even if residents cook for themselves most of the time, communities may provide dining facilities and/or a meal plan.
Medical and nursing care are not given since independent living individuals require little or no support with daily tasks, however, home help can typically be rented on an as-needed basis.
Consider the following questions to determine whether a certain independent living arrangement is good for you:
1. Do I like the community's facilities and services?
2. On my retirement income, can I afford the purchase price, rent, and monthly fees?
3. What is included and what is an additional cost?
4. Is there someone available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if I have an emergency?
5. Will I have to leave the community if I develop health problems in the future, or will I be able to stay on the property and get the health and support services I require? Do I think I'll be happy here?
People who want to live alone generally make lifestyle decisions. However, as you become older, it's necessary to think about your future requirements. Take this into consideration while determining which neighborhood is right for you.
What if your grown children refuse to participate?
But what if your older children believe you should reconsider your decision to live independently? "You're not that elderly," they may say, or "You don't require medical attention." Why would you want to relocate to a retirement community? It's not yet time." First and foremost, keep in mind that this is your choice. Then explore why your children might be apprehensive about you going out on your own.
1. They don't comprehend independent living and believe that because it's in a retirement home, you'll be paying for services you don't require.
2. They don't understand how it will keep you busy and socially engaged.
3. They don't realize how much of a hassle maintaining your current home has become for you.
4. They're attached to your current home, especially if they grew up in it, and don't want you to let it go.
5. They're having a hard time adjusting to the fact that you're getting older.
6. They believe independent living will be too expensive because they haven't properly compared it to your current living expenses or factored in the proceeds from selling your current home. They can even be worried about how this would affect their inheritance.
You can explain your reasons for moving to independent living, but if you don't think your adult kid would understand, remember that you don't have to persuade them. Don't allow them to persuade you to change your mind on something that, when it comes down to it, is more of a concern for them than it is for you.
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