Once again, we welcome Andrea Needham of Elders Day with a guest post. We know that aging in place isn’t for everyone. Yet our experience at Capital City Village in Austin, TX showed us that people in independent living facilities need Village help too!– Ed.

As you enter retirement, there are many options for where to live and how to spend your time. While many people choose to age in place at home, several attractive benefits can come with moving into a senior living facility. Determining whether to move into independent living is a significant life decision, so understanding your options is vital. 

You should take your current and future needs into consideration when making a choice. You may also need to determine whether to sell your home to pay for your new living arrangement.

Understanding your options

When it comes to senior living, there are several options to consider depending on the level of independence you want and the amount of care you might need.

• Independent living: Provides recreational and social activities, property maintenance, and housekeeping services.
• Assisted living: Offers assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and cleaning.
• Nursing homes: Provide 24/7 access to skilled nursing care needed to manage medical conditions.

Whether you require added assistance or crave convenience, one of these living arrangements may meet your needs and help maintain your quality of life throughout your retirement.

Knowing when to move

Relocating is a big undertaking, often requiring time, effort, and money, and knowing when to move into independent living can be challenging. Like many people, you may struggle with the decision, but planning can result in a smooth transition and easy adjustment.

Maintaining a large home can become overwhelming as you age, and the added stress can impact your day-to-day life. You might also experience a shrinking social calendar and find it harder to stay connected, at a time when connection is more important than ever. Moving into an independent living facility can relieve the burden of household chores while offering plenty of opportunities to have fun and meet new people.

Finding the right place for you

There are many choices for independent living, and you might wonder how to narrow down your options. Consider significant factors, such as cost, location, and available services. Ask people in your networks for recommendations.

While these facilities all offer valuable amenities, they can vary from place to place and may include:

• Activities calendar
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Dining options
• Safety features
• Fitness facilities
• Recreation rooms
• Libraries
• Transportation
• Security

To determine whether an independent living facility is a good fit, tour the property to see what they offer and ask any questions you might have. Bring a friend along to get an additional perspective. You can compare costs, payment options, and client reviews online to help with your decision.

Determining how to pay

Before deciding on a community, consider how you will pay the associated costs. These communities can be costly and your income may not be sufficient to cover the expenses. If you own your home, one option is to sell it. Make sure to do your research on your current housing market so you know what a fair price for your home should be. A trusted real estate agent can help. It can be hard to part with your home, but the cost of maintaining it might limit your living options and restrict your ability to spend on hobbies or other activities, even with a strict budget.

If you are looking for more convenience, independence, and opportunities for socialization as you plan for your future, an independent living facility could be the right choice for you.