In the midst of estate planning and generally sorting out your life, there is a good chance that you’ve come across independent living communities and generally have no idea what they are. Don’t worry, the same is true of a LOT of people these days. Let’s put it as simply as possible. An independent living community allows seniors to live on their own and remain independent while removing many of the obstacles that stood in their way in the first place. For example as a senior citizen you can expect to find several different environments such as a home, townhouse, condo, or even a mobile home if you so desire. There are several restrictions in such communities, offering San Diego senior housing, for example the age restriction stops those under the age of fifty-five from living there, but there are also several benefits. Most of these senior living communities bring club houses, yard maintenance, housekeeping, and even heightened security to make sure that everyone is safe in their homes. As elderly parents, after all this time, you deserve the peace of mind.
Should you Consider Independent Living?
Here’s the thing: you might be healthy right now you might be able to maintain your yard, and you might be able to make it to the store on your own, but you have to know that it isn’t going to last. Things are going to change quickly and while you might have no plans to move out right now, you should at least have a backup plan, just in case something does happen, and just in case you are forced to move out of your current home. Sure, you don’t want to do it, but it’s going to come, and you want to be ready.
So how do you go about choosing the right community? There are several factors that you need to take into account which include:
People – When you’re in the process of choosing an independent living community as an elderly parent you want to make sure that you can stand the people. Visit, talk to them, talk to the staff, see if they’re friendly. Do you share any of the same interests with the residents? Are they people you want to know better?
Community
As you’re looking at the community, you need to determine how far it is from your friends and family, how large it is, and how comfortable you would be staying there. Do you want a large community? Do you want a small one? Do you want a common area? It all depends on what you are comfortable with. Let’s face it, you’re in the twilight years of your life, and you deserve to live exactly where you want.
Distance to any grocery stores or pharmacies? Is there a gym in the community or one close by? Are there walking trails nearby? Parks? Medical Services?
Activities
What kinds of activities are available for you at the senior center? Is there a pool? Is there a game area? Are these things that you care about? This is definitely something for you to think about before you choose a senior center!
Finally, we urge you to consider the costs of moving in to a senior center. Is there a waiting list deposit? A move-in fee? Housekeeping? Cable television? Parking? Deposit? These are all questions that you will want to ask and you can be rest assured that there are several more for you to cover. The time is coming that you may need a senior center – make sure you’re ready.