All the changes in senior independent living have made it a much more desirable option for older adults who want to shed the responsibilities of living at home and really make retirement the best it can be. But it’s not for everyone. Before you decide, however, use this checklist for independent living to help you make the choice that will provide the retirement of your dreams.
A Checklist for Independent Living
Location: Where you live matters … a lot! So, when making the decision to stay or move to independent living consider the location of each option. Are they close to the resources in the greater community like shopping, the arts and other cultural venues, local attractions, and other interesting opportunities? Is the senior living community itself an integral part of that community? Within the community are amenities close and convenient? If you answer no to any of these questions on your checklist for independent living it’s a good bet you should keep looking and read our blog, “Independent Living in Jackson, MI.”
Housing options: Another item on your checklist for independent living is the type of housing available. If you, like many seniors, want to retire in the comfort of your family home but eventually find it takes more time and energy than you want to spend, you might be surprised to learn that senior living communities like Ganton’s Countryside offer truly beautiful housing options for active, independent seniors. These can be purchased or leased and often include maintenance and repair as well as all the amenities of the senior living community. Also on your checklist for independent living is the added benefit that if the time comes when you need a higher level of care, you will be at the top of the list and can stay in the community you call home.
Safety and security: Keeping yourself and your home safe and secure is an item on your checklist for independent living that should not be discounted. Today’s senior living communities provide a variety of measures that include physical accessibility as well as 24/7/365 safety and security systems. This is especially wonderful if you travel and are away from home for days, weeks or even months because you can wander the world knowing that your home is always under the watchful eye of your senior living community staff. Learn more in our blog, “4 Absolute Ways to Know if Independent Living Retirement is the Right Choice.”
An active lifestyle: Your checklist for independent living should also include a line item for lifestyle. Senior living experts like those at Countryside know that staying active and vital, physically and mentally, in retirement is essential to staying healthy and happy. With that in mind, look for amenities that make an active lifestyle easy to achieve such as exercise centers, classes like yoga, workshops, access to onsite natural areas, educational and social programs, amazing chef-prepared meals, and ongoing events and activities to keep your mind and body in top shape. For more about what to expect check out our blog, “10 Ways Independent Living Communities Support Your Desired Lifestyle.”
Purposeful living: Your checklist for independent living should also include living a life with purpose, which is one great way to stay at the top of your game and enjoy a fulfilling retirement. Today’s independent living communities are tuned in and ready to help you make purposeful living a reality. Whether you want to volunteer for a cause you are passionate about, learn a new skill or hobby, take classes through life-long learning, or share the knowledge you already have with others, independent living offers the time and resources you need to find and pursue your purpose. Find out how important living with purpose can be in our blog, “Why Living with Purpose is Good for Every Senior.”
Luxury, resort-like accommodations: One big surprise for many seniors is the fact that the best independent living communities are more like luxury resorts than the “old folks homes” they remember from their past. This aspect should also be on your checklist for independent living because it is the standard by which communities are now compared. Don’t settle for less than beautiful, well-maintained communal areas inside and outside, modern, stylish and well-appointed housing options, and amenities that rival five-star resorts. Get the rundown of possibilities in our blog, “Top Qualities of the Best Retirement Communities in Michigan.”
As you go through your checklist for independent living, consider all that Ganton’s Countryside has to offer now and into the future. For more information about Countryside, please call Margaret Nagel at (517) 206-5000 or download our brochure to learn about our care levels, cost, and amenities.
