Whether it is in the realm of healthcare, relaxation, pursuing hobbies or food, older adults today have an abundance of options and safety nets when it comes to living in retirement. Some opt for an independent living experience, either at home, or in a living community. The question then is, how can they best organize their time to take full advantage of these options that have now opened to them as part of independent living. This might be a question you have asked yourself on the behalf of a loved one. In the end of the day, maximizing an independent living experience can be stress-free and fulfilling, and we can reach that level with a set of tips and tricks.
Know Your Needs
First off, it is important to be aware of your loved one’s level of assisted care that he or she requires. It might be helpful to write down all the conditions your loved one has to ascertain how much medical support he or she will need were your loved one to live independently.
With that, choose the type of in-house medical care that is required, balancing needs, costs and worth. For example, an older adult suffering from arthritis may fit in better with a community that works with physiotherapists, and an older adult who suffers from Alzheimer’s would find independent living easier in a community with memory care specialists.
By picking the right choice, you will maximize your loved one’s experience.
Introduce Technology
Today, we have access to an amazing suite of technology that can help us connect better with one another, monitor our safety, and provide quality entertainment at a moment’s notice. For many older adults, it may seem almost magical. Some older adults may resist such change and opt out of using tech.
Yet, your loved one will have far more to gain by learning how to use technology and at the very minimum, getting a smartphone and learning to be savvy with it. With a willingness to use technology and an understanding of it on a basic level, your loved will be able to better engage with all the options and opportunities that come with independent senior living.
Come Up with a Bucket List
Take a pen and paper and jot down all the things your loved one wants to do while living independently. These can be small things, like reading a book every day, or major ambitions, like going on a hike. With so many opportunities out there for older adults in living communities, it does not hurt to dream. In so doing, older adults maximize the value of their independent living experience.
At Conservatory At Champion Forest, we aim to maximize your independent living experience. If you wish to learn more, feel free to contact us or schedule a tour to see our community. We cannot wait for you to join us.
