There comes a time in the lives of many seniors when they would rather break free from the burdens of life and take on fewer responsibilities. Oftentimes, older adults need help and care but don’t want to even entertain the thought of assisted living. They feel like they’re capable of looking after themselves and aren’t suited for such facilities.
Fortunately, senior care is available through many different living options. Thanks to the relaxed, long-term care of independent living communities, your loved one can enjoy a whole new life while still receiving love and support from family and friends.
But before any grand decisions are made, it is important to ensure that you choose the best senior living community for your needs. To assist you with this, our specialists here at Marty T have compiled this helpful resource.
Below, you will learn the right questions to ask when considering independent living facilities. By asking essential questions, you and your loved one will have peace of mind that you are making the best decision.
Is Independent Living Right for You?
To determine whether independent living is right for you, consider the following:
You would rather let someone else handle daily tasks and chores
Does the thought of leaving yard work, home maintenance, and other chores to someone more capable sound appealing to you? At independent living communities, you get to focus on friendships and living a quiet life that suits your own pace.
You’re ready to build new friendships
When you decide to live independently in a senior community, you can look forward to being surrounded by like-minded residents. As such, you can build new friendships and relationships with other seniors.
Imagine having your best friend within walking distance and the ability to visit any time you like. Living independent (for example, living in 55+ communities) affords you such niceties as you start a new chapter in your life.
You like the idea of having nearby activities
Senior living communities include plenty of care options to keep loved ones entertained and fulfilled. On-site activities ensure that residents of the local community can interact and participate without having to leave the premises.
Being responsible for less cooking sounds appealing
An independent community offers prepared meals every day, although the number provided varies between communities. Some may offer one meal, while others may offer more. When you inquire about care services, be sure to ask about meals, as well.
Seniors may be responsible for some meals, but not all. An independent retirement community will have a kitchen available for meal preparation and greater convenience.
Is Assisted Living the Same as Independent Living?
Assisted living and independent living are vastly different from one another, although the two senior living options share similar features. The differences begin with the capabilities of the residents. Seniors who are no longer able to care for themselves and require daily medical care should move to an assisted living facility.
Nursing Care
Assisted living also provides regular nursing care, ensuring that loved ones always have access to continuing care 24 hours a day for optimal health and well-being. In short, if your loved one doesn’t feel comfortable on their own anymore, they should seriously consider assisted living.
Moving to an assisted living community ensures that seniors who need personal care can get the attention they need. Assisted living provides continuing care that is centered on your loved one’s medical needs.
On-Site Staff
If necessary, seniors can call for help any time thanks to on-site nursing staff. Medical services are always available, providing a higher level of senior care. Residents who require daily medications will get theirs from the nurses throughout the day, ensuring that such things aren’t accidentally forgotten or overlooked.
Rather, a senior living in an independent facility is able to provide for the majority of their needs. These residents don’t need nursing care, memory care, or medical care around the clock. But that doesn’t mean that they will be on their own completely.
Thanks to on-site services, your loved one can enjoy home care that handles things like laundry and cleaning. This affords more time to focus on friendships and enjoying daily living without the burden of looking after the place.
How Does Independent Living Work?
This type of senior housing works much the same as that of a retirement community. Senior housing is offered in the form of senior apartments, ensuring everyone has their privacy while being in close proximity to other residents.
Activities are available on-site, as well, so that residents have plenty of options to keep them busy. Like a retirement facility, your loved one will be able to make friends with fellow seniors, ensuring that the need for companionship is met.
Choosing an Independent Living Facility or Retirement Home
To assist you in choosing the right place for your needs, we invite you to contact us at Mary T. Our housing experts specialize in senior home care and will be more than happy to help you find the best facility for your needs. If you’re looking for senior living in Coon Rapids MN, we’re the right people to call.
We will discuss pricing, on-site services and activities, local resources, and more. We want to make sure that you move to a place that is suitable for your needs.
At Mary T, we also assist with your medical insurance to ensure that pricing is within your budget. Our specialists are here to help you every step of the way to ensure a smooth transition.
Supporting a Loved One in a Move to Independent Living
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to stay in touch with your friend or family member after they have moved to an independent living facility. Remember, they are likely leaving a home behind that is full of memories.
Seniors need continuing care and support from their families. You can help a great deal just by giving them a call from time to time. Sadly, too many seniors are left alone and without the contact they need. You may find that keeping in contact makes all the difference in the world.
If you have any more questions regarding independent living in Minnesota, give us a call!