Making a big change such as moving to independent living calls for considering everything from location and amenities to lifestyle and of course, the price tag. Yet more and more older adults are discovering how tremendous independent living value can enhance their lives in many ways.
Independent living’s value: things you can’t put a price on
In independent senior living, your monthly service fees cover a wide array of services and amenities. Here are just a few.
Transportation
It’s more than knowing you no longer have to foot the bill for maintaining a car (maintenance, gas, insurance, etc.). As a resident of independent living, you can be driven where you need to go. That means no more driving in bad weather or at night. Yet you can still get to your appointments as well as join the group for a trip to the theatre, special events, attractions and more. It’s peace of mind and a sense of ease for you, and reassurance for your family.
Physical activity
You don’t have to pay for a gym membership or exercise classes or purchase special equipment. No pool membership fees. Instead, your monthly service fee in independent living gives you full access to resources and instruction that you can enjoy seven days a week, and it’s only a few steps from your door. Feeling stronger and staying active is an important independent living value.
No more maintenance duties
You can put down your hammer and your checkbook. Living in independent living means you aren’t paying for repairs or service of appliances, the roof, the garage, the lawn and more. It’s all covered by your monthly fee and even better, it’s all done for you by a cheerful staff who is dedicated to your comfort.
Security system
Having a home security system can be costly, and often brings worries of its own…is it working, what if it accidentally goes off, will anyone respond, etc. Instead, you enjoy the peace of mind of living in a community where staff is present 24/7. It might be a security patrol or a concierge that checks in visitors before they can enter the community. Feeling safe and secure in your home is priceless, and an important independent living value.
Download our free guide,
Just The Facts: Your Guide to Independent Living
Socialization right where you are
Being isolated or feeling left out is not good for older adults on many levels. Mental, emotional and physical health can suffer from not having enough quality contact with a core group of friends or acquaintances. But when you’re living at home, you might find it difficult to have the human contact you crave. Friends have moved away. The weather is bad and no one is getting out. Social groups you once belonged to have dwindled. Driving at night is not your favorite activity. It’s just too hard sometimes.
In independent living, being with friends and making new friends is easy and a pleasure. You’re surrounded by your peers in an upbeat, wellness-oriented atmosphere that encourages participation and inclusion. You can enjoy lively discussions over dinner, share memories with your neighbor on a walk around the property, or join in a group activity. Mingling with others is good medicine—and a genuine independent living value.
More time in your day
Think for a moment how much time you spend at home paying bills. Phoning repair crews. Waiting on them to arrive. Planning a meal. Taking care of your yard. Cleaning the house. And worrying about getting it all done!
Now remember that in senior living, all that time is saved for you, to use as you please. Instead of phoning around for an air conditioning repair man, you can do a video chat with your grandchildren. Instead of cleaning the garage, you can hit the golf course with your pals. You are getting back precious time to be doing what you want, when you want, and with whom you want. That’s real independent living value!
Healthy aging
Trying to create a true environment of healthy aging at home would require many resources, as well as bringing in outside expertise and possibly spending a great deal of funds retrofitting a home to be more senior-friendly. In contrast, independent living is designed from the ground up to help keep older adults safe and as healthy as possible.
For example, no-steps living. Architectural details that accommodate changing needs (safety bars in bathrooms, walk-in showers instead of bathtubs, ample lighting, no throw rugs or unsafe surfaces, etc.). Dining is chef-prepared and staff-served and incorporates nutrition and specific dietary requirements with delicious ingredients. Ongoing monitoring of residents allows staff to spot warning signs of indications of a decline in health, thus helping to prevent more serious conditions.
Activities are planned to engage and connect residents, which is vital to healthy aging. Volunteering and mentoring opportunities help give residents a renewed sense of self and purpose. Lifelong learning is readily available through classes, lectures, discussions and a well-stocked library on site.
Independent living’s value is hard to ignore when you consider all aspects of the lifestyle—and all the ways a resident can benefit
At St. Mark Village in Palm Harbor, Florida, you can live the good life and make new friends in our warm and welcoming senior living community in Pinellas County, with seamless access to future care options if needed.
Join us on this exciting journey! Download our free guide, Just The Facts: Your Guide to Independent Living. Or contact us. We’d love to hear from you.
