Folks who are searching for independent senior living communities will quickly realize its benefits. However, not everyone is suitable to live in one. For those who are unsure if the move to an retirement community would make sense, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will look at some pointers for you to check if you’re qualified to live in such a place. You should be more or less ready for the next step after considering the factors listed below. Let’s roll!
Readiness to Make the Transition
While there are social and financial benefits to shifting to an independent senior living community, one has to look inward to check their readiness. Selling a home filled with lovely memories and moving to a new place or unfamiliar region can be difficult to process.
As such, we would recommend that you do not rush into selling your home or shifting within short notice. Give yourself ample time to cope with the feelings of loss (if any) and don’t forget to bring along your wall pictures and prized possessions to your new home.
Ability to Cope with Daily Living Activities
Let’s say you’re all ready emotionally and psychologically to say goodbye to your home. This doesn’t mean you can immediately shift right into your preferred independent senior living community.
You will still have to go through a thorough functional assessment conducted by the professional team to determine your self-sufficiency level and fit as a resident. Do note that independent senior living differs from assisted living because there will be no personal medical care or in-house nursing staff to aid you in your daily living activities.
Sufficient Retirement Budget to Pay the Fees
Different communities charge differently so it’s hard to give you a definite number. But the cost variation depends on the location, size of the residential home, provided amenities, and extra services required.
It can range from a thousand to a few thousand dollars if you want a gauge. Thus, take a good look at your retirement sum to decide if you will have sufficient to pay the fees. If you do not have enough to last you based on your life expectancy, it’s best to look for other alternatives.
Preparedness to Participate in Social Activities
While not everyone living in an independent senior community are social butterflies, there are many new events and exciting activities planned by the team for socialization purposes.
Since the monthly fee you pay would have included the cost of such activities, it would be a waste of money not to participate in them. Attend some of these programs with an open mind and who knows, you might meet that special person you never knew could click so well with you! There’s also no harm in meeting a new friend or two.
As we’ve stated in the introduction, there is a lot to gain from independent living in Austin, TX. Still, not every elderly will find themself eligible to reside in one. You have to consider your psychological and financial readiness to make the transition, ability to deal with personal care routines, and preparedness to start socializing before you make the move.