Senior man cleans his gutters at home, a maintenance worry that seniors don't need to do in an independent living community.

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When Should You Move to a Senior Living Community?

If you’re thinking about what you want your lifestyle to look like in the future, you’ve probably heard about senior Independent Living communities. And while many seniors think they’ll move when they need care, there are advantages to moving to one of your area’s Independent Living communities sooner rather than later. To help you make the best choice, this post will give you things to consider before you decide, starting with these five questions:

  • Are you ready to give up the chores of home maintenance and upkeep?
  • Would you like to cook and clean less?
  • Do you want to socialize and travel more?
  • Is it time to learn a new hobby or make time for an old one?
  • Would you like to decide your future rather than have your family decide for you?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, it may be time to seriously consider a senior living community.

What are the benefits of a community?

While it’s true choosing senior Independent Living communities — like The Glebe — with a full continuum of on-site care can give you a smart plan for the future, there’s more to a community than just their health care. Moving while you’re still healthy can give you access to a more active and social lifestyle than you’re able to enjoy from your home right now.

  • Home upkeep and repairs: How is your house? Could it use updating? Are there repairs you know you should make? If not, now might be a good time to move because some of the biggest factors that could drive down the value of your house are out-of-date colors/decor, features and layout, or major repairs. If your home could use a remodel to increase its asking price, consider whether or not you have the energy and patience to live in a construction zone.
  • Daily driving: With all the traffic and impatient drivers seemingly everywhere, is driving something you do because you want to or because you have to? Independent Living communities can radically shrink the time and distance you have to drive. At The Glebe, we have scheduled transportation to take you shopping and to doctors’ appointments. Plus, we have many of the services you need right on-site, including a bank, library, business center, dining, fitness and aquatic centers, convenience store, beauty salon, and barbershop.
  • What’s cookin’?: How would you like to give up the responsibility of cooking and the required cleanup? Or maybe you’d just like to cook when the mood strikes? Today’s senior living communities feature restaurant-style dining options, grab-and-go cafes and more. In fact, the most popular spots in senior Independent Living communities are often the dining rooms.
  • More wellness opportunities: Would you like to be more active and eat better? It can be difficult to get enough exercise, prepare nutritious meals, and pursue other wellness objectives on your own. A community with a strong health and wellness philosophy will already have classes that exercise your mind, body and spirit along with health-conscious menu options that will make meeting your goals easier and more convenient.
  • Get social: As time passes, how has your neighborhood changed? Have friends moved away? A community can offer you an array of interesting neighbors who quickly become friends along with a calendar full of stimulating recreational, cultural and social events.

Is it possible to wait too long?

Who knows what the future holds? Yes, you could be in great health today and plan to move to a community someday. Or you could wait to move to a community when you think you need it, but who will decide? Here are three reasons why you may want to make up your mind sooner rather than later:

  • Stay independent: Typically, to move to one of the area’s Independent Living retirement communities, you have to be healthy enough to truly live on your own. Some people wait too long and experience an unexpected health issue. And while they want to move into Independent Living, they only qualify for assisted living.
  • Find your floor plan: If you want a specific type of residence or floor plan, waiting could mean you miss out on your preferred residence. If you already know a senior living community is in your future, a good option is to get on a waitlist for your preferred residence now.
  • Plan for the future: Deciding to move now gives you more control over your future. That way, you can pick the community that best fits your lifestyle and budget. Plus, choosing a community that has access to health services takes the worry and uncertainty off of your loved ones.

Ready to explore your options?

If you’re asking yourself, “What options do the independent senior living communities near me have?” now’s a good time to start doing some research. That way you’ll be prepared to make a more informed decision when you’re ready to move. If you’d like to learn more about your senior living options, or how The Glebe can fit into your lifestyle and budget, give us a call at 540-795-2224.