What Is Independent Living?
As we get older, it’s only natural to start thinking about our retirement years and where we’d like to spend them. For many people, the option of a senior living community appeals because they can access all the support they need for their happiness, health, and well-being.
While researching various senior living communities, you may see a care program called Independent Living mentioned. What is Independent Living? What can it offer seniors? You can learn the answers to these questions and others below.
A Safe Place to Call Home
Safety is generally a significant concern of seniors as they get older, as well as for their loved ones. As your needs and mobility change, so does your ability to take care of yourself in the same living environment you previously had no problems managing.
The stats also paint a telling picture. According to the National Council On Aging (NCOA), one in four Americans aged 65+ experiences a fall each year. An Independent Living program within a senior living community can be the safe place to call home you’ve been looking for.
Most reputable senior living communities implement many safety policies and procedures for resident safety and security, such as wheelchair accessibility, safety rails, safety-equipped bathrooms, emergency response systems, and visitor policies.
Where You Receive Convenient Services
We aren’t always capable of maintaining all of our independence as we get older. Some tasks can be much harder to do when we’re not as mobile or don’t have the same easy access to transportation that we may have done when we were younger. In that case, an Independent Living program can appeal.
You can typically enjoy a broad range of inclusive services to help you get the most out of every day. Housekeeping, laundry, and scheduled transportation are just a few of the many you may be able to access in your chosen community.
Have Meals Prepared for You
Moving into an Independent Living community doesn’t have to mean giving up cooking altogether. You’ll be able to prepare your own meals and snacks as you’ve always done and also dine out in your local community.
However, you may also enjoy the option of having meals prepared for you. Many Independent Living programs include chef-prepared meals every week. You may also be able to join organized trips to nearby eateries as a special treat.
Enjoy Private Housing
Private housing is undoubtedly a drawcard for transitioning into a senior living community within an Independent Living program. When you move into a senior living community, you can typically move into a studio, one-, or two-bedroom apartment with everything you need for comfortable everyday living.
Most senior living communities ensure their Independent Living floor plans have bathrooms, kitchens, bedroom spaces, and living spaces, at a minimum.
A Social Living Environment
Social isolation is a serious and common problem within traditional communities of older adults. According to WHO, up to one in three older people are lonely in countries like the USA, China, Europe, and Latin America. Loneliness is certainly something that most senior living communities try to combat.
Depending on the Independent Living program and senior living community you join, you may be able to participate in a range of fun activities, events, and social opportunities every month. Many standout communities also have various engaging social spaces for activities to be held in, like activity and game rooms, chapels, movie theaters, dinnig rooms, gyms, and more.
Learn More About Independent Living At Lyndale Abilene Senior Living
Do you think an Independent Living program might be right for you or your loved one? Schedule a tour of Lyndale Abilene Senior Living today. We are here to answer your questions, show you around, and help you become more familiar with our welcoming senior living community that may become your new home in the future.
