As you get older, you may start to notice that you need more support doing everyday activities. As a way to help older people with chores and housework, you can consider a move to independent living services. Independent living allows you to have the freedom you would usually have while having the everyday chores taken care of for you.
What is independent living for seniors?
Independent living is a type of housing available for senior adults, generally for 55 and overs. They range from apartment-style homes to detached homes. The idea of independent living is to create a safer and easier environment for ageing adults with little to no maintenance to worry about.
Some independent facilities offer amnesties such as swimming pools, fitness centres, restaurants and housekeeping and laundry services. Independent housing allows you to move somewhere that makes life easier for you while still allowing independence. It is not typically suitable for individuals who need round-the-clock care.
Is independent living right for you?
You will be the only one to know if independent living is right for you. If you are struggling with doing the daily household chores or need a little help after an operation, independent living is available to help assist people into old age.
It is always worth keeping your options open and visiting a few independent living facilities before committing to a decision. Take the chance to meet people living within the facility, so you can make friends and get an insight into what it is like living in an independent facility.
The benefits of independent living
There are many benefits to independent living, here are a few of them:
Still have the independence to see friends and family
As most independent facilities are based on an estate with a small community, you may wonder if it is possible to have friends and family over as you would in your own private home. The answer is yes. You 100% have the freedom to have your friends and family visit your independent living home.
Easy to access the places you enjoy
You also have the freedom to access the places you enjoy, especially if the independent home is close or nearby. Sometimes moving to a new area gives you a new lease of life and gets you excited to explore new areas. Location is a very important factor when you move anywhere, so take careful consideration on where you find your enjoyment. For example, if it’s by the sea, or near nature, or if it’s more important to be close to family. Make sure that the independent living home can provide exactly what makes you happy.
Support with your health and doing the things you can no longer do
You must consider your current and future health, if you’re struggling to do household chores and general property maintenance, think about whether this is becoming more of a burden than it’s worth. At independent living facilities, most include a laundry service, gardeners and general handy people to help fix issues within your property.
However, if you do experience more health issues as you get older, you can arrange care for minor health issues or help administer medicines.
How to choose the right independent living facility for you
There are some important factors to consider when looking to move to independent living housing, such as the location, the house size, what activities they arrange, what the people are like, and the type of care provided. The close-knit community of most independent living facilities are a huge bonus for people who want to combat loneliness. When visiting and viewing properties, see if you can introduce yourself to some of the neighbours to get an idea of what it is like to live within the area.
The location should also play an important part in your decision making. Consider what your main priority is – is it about being close to friends and family, or is it about being closer to nature or the beach where you find most happiness?
There are many reasons why you should consider moving to independent living housing, especially if you are finding daily chores and activities more difficult. If you are considering moving to independent living housing, visit a few areas and speak to neighbours so you can see if it is the right option for you.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
