Being unable to live independently is one of the most terrifying situations a person can face, and when it happens to seniors, it can be especially daunting. When faced with the choice of moving into a nursing home or moving into a retirement community that offers independent living, which is the best choice?
What is independent living?
Living independently means having your own home, and taking care of it, all by yourself. However, as people age, maintaining their own home and yard can become difficult or even dangerous. Seniors often need assistance with cooking, cleaning, laundry, gardening, transportation, and other daily tasks, but that doesn’t mean they have to stay in a home they no longer feel comfortable in.
Types of Independent Living Facilities and Retirement Homes
Many people want to live independently, and especially if you are well educated, have a job, and are able to take care of yourself, retirement living may be a good option for you.
Independent living facilities – Independent living facilities are designed to allow people to live an independent life, while retirement homes serve as transitional housing for elderly individuals who are no longer able to live on their own. Independent living facilities include group homes or adult communities (like those built by Traditions of America), nursing facilities, and retirement centers. Retirement homes, on the other hand, serve individuals of all ages, including those who need daily care.
Assisted living – Assisted living facilities, also known as retirement homes or independent living facilities (ILFs), help seniors live independently, safely, and comfortably. Places like these senior living in Lincoln facilities provide a variety of services, including help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, eating, and mobility, as well as skilled nursing when necessary.
Skilled nursing facilities – Skilled nursing facilities, also known as nursing homes, provide housing, medical care, and help with day-to-day living for elderly or disabled individuals. Also known as long-term care facilities, they provide a wide range of health and therapeutic services, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medication management, and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Senior apartments or congregate care housing – Retirement means different things to different people, and many people want to live independently as they age. If the idea of living alone and without a spouse or partner causes you concern, you may want to consider independent living facilities or retirement homes (similar to Chelsea Senior Living communities). Senior apartments or congregate care housing are senior housing options that can help you achieve an independent lifestyle.
Myths About Independent Living
- Moving to an independent living facility or retirement community means losing independence. A move to an independent living facility or retirement community, is often met with feelings of apprehension and fears of loss of independence. But experts say simply the opposite is true.
- Living away from friends and family means there’s no one around to help during an emergency. The thing is, it’s not always true. The truth is that living independently allows you to be as independent as possible, including having help available when you need it.
- Moving to independent living means giving up hobbies and interests. More people than ever are moving to independent living communities, which are housing options that help adults age independently. Many seniors worry that moving to independent living means giving up hobbies and interests, but the reality may surprise you. Many independent living communities have a full calendar of activities, including fitness, education, and social events to help residents stay active and engaged.
Life insurance for senior citizens (you could check this on sites like finalexpensedirect.com) can play a vital role in protecting your loved ones. Older people need to be concerned about many facets of life, such as paying for funeral expenses, paying for medical bills, protecting assets, paying for independent or assisted living, and more.
Seniority means different things to different people. Some people define getting older as becoming a senior adult, while others refer to it simply as aging. If you’re a senior, you know that age brings physical, mental, and emotional changes. Although these changes are not entirely bad, they can definitely affect the way you live and view the world.
