3 Reasons Why Independent Living May Be the Best Choice

December 30th, 2016 by admin

Navigating senior care is no simple undertaking; old age is such an ambiguous time in one's life, because your care needs exist on a spectrum, but everyone sits on that spectrum differently. There may be two people aged 80, and one is completely independent while the other required 24/7 skilled care.

So when you are too healthy to enter an assisted living facility, yet old enough to no longer wish to upkeep the maintenance of your property, where do you belong? The answer is simple: independent living communities, such as White Birch Communities's Oakwood Villa.

This popular senior housing option allows seniors to retain their independence while providing extra assistance and activities for comfort and recreation. If you still aren’t convinced, here are three reasons why senior independent living apartments might be the perfect option for yourself or a loved one:

Socialization

Studies have shown that seniors are especially prone to loneliness and depression due to isolation in old age. Even active seniors may be unable to make social connections on their own due to living circumstances, but independent living situations allow seniors to make new friends and socialize with peers on a regular basis.

Whether they opt to take their meals in the dining room or participate in activities like shopping trips, classes, or dances and social gatherings, they’ll be able to have instant access to a built-in network of folks with shared experiences. Most residents are drawn to independent living communities because these connections can keep them feeling alive (and while you might not like to think about it, many seniors find that their romantic life gets a second wind in settings like this!)

Maintenance

Although some seniors want to remain at home for as long as possible, others feel a marked sense of relief when they move to an independent living community. Since they’re no longer responsible for endless maintenance, they’re able to focus more on enjoying their lives. Most facilities that have independent living for seniors take care of apartment and yard maintenance, and some take care of other tasks like laundry, housekeeping, and meal preparation.

Even if a senior is physically able to complete these tasks, giving them up can act as a much-needed reprieve. In independent senior living apartments, the facility takes care of repairs and preventative maintenance, while your loved one focuses on what really matters.

Peace of mind

For both family members and seniors, senior independent living apartments can provide peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about your loved one’s safety or health, and you won’t have to take on the responsibility and stress of becoming a full- or part-time caretaker. And because independent living residents typically have access to some of the same emergency services as assisted living residents do, you’ll feel more relaxed knowing that your loved one will be in excellent hands, no matter what. That sense of security is priceless for both residents and their families; your loved one won’t feel like a burden, and you can rest easy when it comes to their care.

If you’d like to find out more about our independent living senior apartments in Harrisonburg or other options for care, please contact us today.

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