Moving to an independent living community may make you or a loved one feel anxious or afraid, and that’s completely natural. You or a loved one may find the thought of relocating to an independent living community unsettling, intimidating, or even unappealing. It’s a significant change that calls for thorough planning and preparation, after all. However, most of the stress around the move to Independent Living is brought on by widespread misunderstandings about what it is, its benefits and drawbacks, and how it may affect your future. If you were planning your move to a retirement community, read on to learn the truths underlying these five myths about Independent Living!
My Relatives and Friends Can’t Visit Me
Relocating to an independent living community might not mean you’re right next to your old house and neighborhood, but independent living communities are very visitor-friendly, and families are always more than welcome! You can host visitors in your own apartment or suite, or mingle with them in the communal spaces of the community. You can easily visit your friends and family as you’re also free to travel from the retirement community as you please. Moreover, there are countless possibilities to make new friends in retirement communities.
Independent Living Communities are Too Standardized
You might be imagining boring halls, harsh fluorescent lighting, and identical bedrooms when you think about independent living communities. In actuality, however, residences can range from apartments with different floor plans to stylish, spacious suites that you can decorate to your heart’s content and host your visiting friends and family in!
The Food is Mundane and Not High-Quality
When it pertains to on-site dining options, you typically have several great alternatives, including restaurant-style meals with table service, communal dining rooms, and private dining rooms. There will be experienced chefs and a highly qualified kitchen crew preparing delectable, nourishing meals which include a range of menu options to suit diverse preferences and dietary needs. Additionally, Independent Living apartments and suites frequently have kitchens or kitchenettes so you can prepare your own home-cooked meals whenever you wish!
I Can’t Bring My Hobbies with Me, I’ll Have Nothing to Do
In reality, it’s the complete opposite—you’ll have much more time to engage in your hobbies and interests as your basic necessities like dining, housekeeping, and transportation have been met. You can take part in team activities or join one of the community clubs. There’ll be nothing to prevent you from pursuing your leisurely pastimes like sightseeing, shopping, browsing art museums, or eating out with pals in town and its surrounds!
It’s Too Early, I’m Not in My Golden Years Yet
Contrary to popular belief, Independent Living is intended for retirees who are still very active and enthusiastic about enjoying life to the maximum. It’s actually simpler to make the move when you’re still in excellent shape so you don’t need to worry about having a full continuum of care. In essence, independent living communities offer a convenient, easygoing way of life, and should you ever need it, you can move right away to a higher care level like Assisted Living or Memory Care on the very same site.
