As a senior inching toward retirement—or perhaps just entering this stage of life—you may be surprised by all the questions you have about your future. Aren’t you supposed to have all the answers by now?!
If you don’t, rest assured you’re not alone—not by a long shot. Reaching retirement is a big accomplishment, but it’s natural to find yourself at a crossroads as you try to decide what’s next. Sifting through the options, you’re likely asking yourself questions like, “Am I ready to make a move?” and “Is independent living right for me?”
To answer those questions, you may find it helpful to begin organizing your thoughts. That means outlining the retirement lifestyle you envision, considering how your health and personal needs may evolve with time, and defining your future goals.
Define Your Vision for Retirement
Retirement may be the first time in your lifetime that you give yourself permission to be a little selfish. Obviously, a partner’s interests can and should factor into your planning, but having fewer responsibilities and obligations can free you to explore a richer, more rewarding lifestyle.
For many seniors, independent living is an ideal solution. It could be the right next step for you if:
You’re ready to let someone else take care of home maintenance and housekeeping. Most independent living communities offer maintenance-free living, so you have the freedom to experience life your way, on your time, without worry about household chores.
You welcome the idea of living in a community surrounded by peers at the same stage of life. Social connections play an increasing role in your well-being as you age, and independent living neighborhoods are an ideal setting for making friends with fellow retirees whose interests may be similar to your own.
You’re in general good health and have an interest in protecting your wellness in the years ahead. Wellness programming is a common feature within independent living communities, and often the programs extend beyond physical fitness to include the whole person. That means residents can also nurture their mental and emotional well-being through creative expression, spiritual health and more.
You want to take advantage of amenities that enrich your life and enhance your lifestyle. Independent living communities consolidate a variety of resources. That means you could have access to a fitness center with trainers, hobby workshops, entertainment venues, multiple restaurants and a library, all without ever leaving the community.
You like the idea of having a long-term health care plan. While some independent living communities are stand-alone entities, many others are part of a larger community and offer a continuum of care. You might hear this called a Life Plan Community or continuing care retirement community. Seniors move in as independent living residents, but if they need additional care in the future, they have guaranteed access within the community.
You want a little extra security and peace of mind when it comes to your personal safety and your belongings. In an independent living community, you’ll find numerous measures to protect your safety, from gated and secure parking to emergency response and check-in systems to 24-hour security personnel. That’s good news when you’re at home in the community, and it’s also a big benefit for seniors who enjoy traveling while knowing their home is safe and sound.
All of that said, there are some reasons independent living may not be for you. It may be as simple as not being ready to make a change that requires leaving your familiar surroundings.
Another possible hindrance is that you need help with regular daily tasks like dressing or bathing. Independent living residents are typically very self-sufficient, so you may need to explore independent living vs. assisted living to be sure you’re getting the support you need.
Your final decision also depends on your financial situation. Entering a Life Plan Community can be a smart investment, and even help protect your assets for heirs, but the entrance fees and monthly fees need to fall within your means.
Narrow Your Options
If you’re leaning toward the lifestyle independent living allows, you’re making progress toward answering “Is independent living right for me?” However, not all communities are the same. Once you pinpoint a city or region where you’d like to spend your retirement, you’ll be able to begin exploring options that fit more specific criteria.
For example, you might prefer certain amenities, such as green space or covered parking. You may feel most comfortable in a community rooted in familiar religious or spiritual beliefs, and it’s a good idea to explore each community’s operating model (nonprofits that don’t answer to shareholders tend to focus on continual improvement and reinvestment).
Make Your Tours Productive
Your initial research will give you some perspective, but fully answering the question, “Is independent living right for me?” requires some in-person exploration. Scheduling tours will give you the opportunity to see each community you’re considering in action: details like how the facilities are maintained, the way staff members interact with residents and whether residents seem truly content in their surroundings.
Carefully planning your senior living tour questions is also an excellent opportunity for you to dig deeper to learn more about whether independent living is the right fit for you — and which communities feel most like home.
Your personal interests and circumstances will dictate the exact questions you need to ask, but this list gives you an idea of what to ask on a senior living tour:
- What services and amenities are available to independent living residents?
- Do you offer lifelong learning programs?
- How do you encourage residents to socialize and develop connections?
- Do you have resident-led clubs and organizations?
- What would a typical day look like once I get moved in?
- What dining options do you offer?
- Are there any convenience services on campus, such as a beauty/barber shop or market?
- Are there options in the surrounding community for shopping, volunteering and entertainment?
- Can I bring or get a pet?
- Is staff available on site at all times?
- What safety and security measures are in place?
- What floor plans are currently available?
- Do you have a wait list?
- Will I be able to personalize my apartment?
- What responsibilities will I have for maintaining my apartment?
- Do you have age or health requirements for new residents?
- What happens if I get sick or need more support?
- Are any ongoing health services provided within the community?
- Do you have programs that will help me maintain my independence as I age?
- Is there an entrance fee?
- Do you offer multiple contract options?
- What does the monthly fee cover?
- What other monthly expenses should I anticipate?
- What happens if I run out of money?
- Is the community a nonprofit or for-profit organization?
Look Beyond the Basic Facts
Researching and collecting data before you ever visit a community is an important step in planning your retirement future. Doing so can guide you toward a community — or maybe a couple of communities — that feels like a good match with your vision for a happy and rewarding retirement.
Visiting in person will help affirm (or negate) those initial impressions, but there’s an even bigger benefit to spending time in a community you’re considering calling home. It’s the chance to explore how being there makes you feel.
When you find the right place, where you feel genuinely welcome and see yourself becoming part of the fabric of the community, you’ll have the answer you’ve been seeking.