You’re an independent retiree, and you’ve decided to move to independent living. Now what?
“A senior community is a perfect option for older adults with an active lifestyle and a desire to enjoy the benefits that retirement offers,” says Jeanie Tini, Director of Marketing and Sales at The Estates at Carpenters, a Life Plan Community in Lakeland, FL, that offers Lifecare. “However, the search for the right community for you can seem a little daunting – there are so many different senior living options available.”
Jeanie says that there are many factors consider when selecting a community, such as what care services are available, but she urges active older adults to view this as an opportunity to really level up their future lifestyle instead of becoming overwhelmed by the possibility.
“As with any big decision in life, you just need to take one step at a time,” she suggests. “Take your time to think through and research your options, identify your wants and needs and thoughtfully make your choice based on what’s right for you.”
What To Consider When Choosing Independent Living
There are seemingly countless questions you may need answered in order to find your “perfect place.” Here are just a few things you should consider to help narrow your search:
What location do you want? Would you prefer to move closer to family, stay where you are or head to a locale where you’ve always longed to live? Knowing a general location will allow you to narrow your search.
What type of community will suit your needs? Do you want a community that has independent and assisted living, plus additional care options? Would you prefer a rental-style contract or a Life Plan Community?
What sort of services and amenities appeal to you? Do you want several dining rooms for variety? Do you want to be on a large campus? What sort of on-site amenities will make your lifestyle perfect? You’ll want to determine what desired services might incur additional costs and what would be included in your monthly fee.
What To Look For When Choosing an Independent Living Community
A maintenance-free lifestyle. One of the best things about moving to independent living is saying goodbye to home chores and tasks. Staff members take care of everything from yardwork to home repairs and even house cleaning. This leaves you with loads of spare time so you can enjoy everything else the community and your retirement has to offer.
A variety of dining options. If the idea of never cooking a meal again thrills you, then you’ll be wowed in independent living. These communities offer dining establishments that provide fresh, delicious options every day. The best communities have highly trained staff overseen by a chef de cuisine and a nutritionist who ensure that everything that comes from the kitchen meets their high standards of quality.
A health and wellness focus. Older adults have the opportunity to age well and stay well in independent living. For example, at The Estates, we offer an on-site, state-of-the-art fitness center, an on-site Wellness Clinic, and a variety of programs that provide health and wellness for body, mind and soul.
Additional care options.For complete peace of mind, many active older adults choose to move into a community that provides a full continuum of care: independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. If this is important to you, look for communities that provide these services and who have connections with the best area care providers.
Ultimately, the independent living community you choose should provide you endless choices and the freedom to live your life as you please. Once you understand what you truly want out of retirement, you’ll be able to search for and find communities that will allow you to live your best life possible.
About The Estates at Carpenters
The Estates at Carpenters is a Life Plan Community offering worry-free independent living, assisted living and high-quality skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. For over 35 years, The Estates has provided older adults in the area with an active, engaging lifestyle filled with abundant choices and amenities and services that make life easier. The Estates at Carpenters offers a lifestyle that is designed to keep older adults healthy and well today – and tomorrow.
For more information on The Estates or to RSVP to an upcoming event, contact Jeanie at 863-279-4503 or visit our website.