It’s normal for you to feel nervous or worried about moving to an independent living community. The idea of moving to a retirement community may be uncomfortable, daunting, or even undesirable to you because of what you have heard about it. After all, it’s a big transition that needs careful planning and preparation. However, the majority of the anxiety associated with the transition to independent living is due to common misconceptions about what it is, its advantages and disadvantages, and how it can affect your future.
If you were thinking of moving to a retirement community, keep reading to learn the reality behind five common misconceptions about independent living.
The Communities are Too Standardized
If you picture independent living communities, you might picture dull hallways, harsh fluorescent lighting, and similar bedrooms. However, senior apartments may range from flats with various floor plans to elegant, enormous suites that you can personalize to your heart’s content and entertain your out-of-town guests.
My Relatives and Friends Can’t Visit Me
Even while moving to an independent living community can mean you are no longer living next to your previous home and neighborhood, these places are highly visitor-friendly, and families are always welcome. You can entertain guests in your own apartment or suite or interact with them in the community’s common areas. You are free to travel from the community as you wish, so visiting friends and relatives come with no hassle. Furthermore, retirement communities provide various opportunities for making new acquaintances. While you might not see your old friends and relatives as often, you will have friends around you in the community.
Residents Have Nothing to Do
In actuality, it’s the exact opposite—since your fundamental needs, like food, cleanliness, and transportation have been addressed, you’ll have a lot more time to pursue your hobbies and interests. You can participate in group activities or join interest clubs in the community. Nothing will stand in your way of enjoying leisurely activities like touring, shopping, seeing art museums, or dining out with friends in the city and its surroundings.
The Food is Low-quality
At a retirement community, there are often several excellent options for on-site eating, including restaurant-style meals with table service, shared dining areas, and private dining rooms. There will be skilled chefs and well-trained kitchen staff creating delicious, wholesome meals with a variety of menu selections to accommodate different tastes and dietary requirements. Additionally, kitchens or kitchenettes are typically included in Independent Living apartments and suites, allowing you to cook your own meals anytime you feel like it.
It’s Too Early to Move into Independent Living
Contrary to common assumption, Independent Living is aimed at retirees who are still quite active and passionate about making the most of life. When you are still in fantastic health, moving is really less difficult since you won’t require a complete continuum of care. In essence, independent living communities provide a convenient, carefree way of life, with the option to immediately transition to a higher level of care, such as Assisted Living or Memory Care, on the same property, should the need arise.
