5 Things To Look For If You Want To Live Comfortably in Independent Living

Whenever you think of living with freedom and limited household responsibilities, I bet you think of independent living communities. These communities help older individuals live with independence and dignity. The housing arrangements are designed to allow older individuals to enjoy their recreational and social lifestyles.

If you are planning to move to an independent living facility, you have landed in the right place. Be ready with your pen and paper to make a checklist of the five most important things before moving to an independent living center.

In this article, we will help you make a checklist of the five most important things you should keep in mind before choosing an independent lifestyle for yourself.

But before that, let us take a look at what we are going to cover in this article.

What is Independent Living?

Independent living is the housing structure or arrangements, ranging from apartment-style to single-family. These housing structures have recreational facilities to increase and enhance social lifestyles among older individuals. The older individuals have all the facilities, ranging from housekeeping, meal preparations, transportation assistance, 24-hour security, and staff availability.

If you are wondering whether you need to look for an independent living community, ask yourself these four questions before choosing one.

How to choose the right independent living

Check out the nearby places and communities.
Amenities available
Affordability
Staff Qualification
Behavior of community staff

Let's break it down in detail.

Check out the nearby communities.

It is important to surround yourself with a nice neighborhood. Select a place where you can stay closer to your family or neighbor so that they can visit you anytime you want. Start by narrowing down your preferences for ideal locations where you can do outings, go shopping, go to grocery stores, and so on. Check the safety of the surrounding areas and the accessibility of different stores.

Questions to keep in mind:

Are there any 24/7 shopping stores?
What are the medical facilities nearby?
Does your loved one live nearby?
Are there any recreational places nearby?

Amenities Available

Check what kind of amenities are available at the independent living homes. Ask the staff and other members about alternative protocols for power outages and medical emergencies. Seek information on whether transportation facilities are available nearby, whether the institutions offer these facilities, and much more. Make sure that the apartment has senior-friendly features like walk-in showers, grab bars, emergency buttons, and so on.

Points to note:

What are the facilities available?
Are those facilities enough for you?
What are the security features in the community?
What are the alternative solutions whenever a medical emergency occurs?

Affordability

Make a note of your budget and the pricing of your preference. On the basis of the amenities, the independent living facilities decide the price of living. Check the security deposits and the administration fees, and see if there are any special deals and incentives based on your preferences. Make sure the independent living facilities are affordable and fit your budget.

Points to keep in mind while selecting your ideal place:

What is your budget and the cost of living?
What is the security deposit?
What are the administrative charges?
Do you have to pay extra for a living?

Staff Qualifications

When looking for independent living, always check the staff's qualifications and their years of training. Certified caregivers, helpers, or staff at independent living institutions are well-experienced in handling the changing needs of older individuals. They know what you want or may need in the near future and suggest various options. Be it meal-making or groceries, you can simply rely on them to meet your needs.

Keep the following things in mind:

What is the staff qualification?
Years of staff experience
Do the staff get training on a regular basis?
How do staff handle urgent medical care and needs?

Community Staff Behavior

It is important to check whether the staff is friendly enough. Speak to them and make sure they are available through thick and thin. Once you speak to them, make sure to note how you feel about them. This will help you determine whether you should move to that particular independent living community or not.

Points to note:

How do staff behave with the residents?
What is the hiring process for the staff?
How do staff manage emergency situations?
Are managers and directors involved in taking care of residents?

Finding The Right Independent Living Community in Maryland

Choosing the right independent living facility is crucial to living happily and fulfilling all your needs and preferences. Check out the independent living communities with your senior care advisor. As the care experts know the neighborhood inside and out, they can help you find the right one.

With the senior care advisor at Senior Care Love, you can get all the transparent details of the costs, services, and additional charges of the independent living facilities. Make sure that the community you are choosing for independent living resonates with you at a personal level and aligns with your values.

Our senior care experts know the neighborhood and the areas of Silver Spring quite well and can help you find one. They will ask about your preferences and lists, and they will help you find the right independent living community in Silver Spring within your budget.

Last updated 1 year ago

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