Before you choose independent living in Austin, TX, it is important to understand what this entails. While independent living means that you will still be carrying out basic daily activities by yourself, these facilities can offer services such as fully prepared meals three times a day, housekeeping, and exciting events for seniors, depending on the specific community you choose.
Accommodation can also come in various forms, such as condominiums and modular homes within the same community. Independent living communities can include retirement villages, active adult communities, and senior apartments. However, one thing they have in common is that they are bound to bring value to seniors through socialization, improving their overall quality of life.
Independent Living
If you can go about your daily life with minimal to no assistance but do not want the hassle of upkeeping, cleaning, and maintaining your own place, independent living will suit you perfectly. This option is great for seniors above the age of 55, allowing you to live your own life without the burden of chores. However, if you or an elderly loved one require round-the-clock care for a health condition, assisted living communities or nursing homes are better options.
Requirements
To fully understand whether you or your family member are eligible for staying in an independent living community, there are some questions that you will need to ask, including:
- Are you mentally and physically capable of performing daily activities with minimal to no assistance?
- Are you able to manage your own medications and book your own doctor appointments?
- Is security and safety a concern for you?
- Are you interested in living an active lifestyle surrounded by others of the same age?
- Do you have enough retirement savings?
If you can safely say yes to these questions, chances are that independent living is suitable for you. However, if you or an elderly loved one requires long-term medical assistance, nursing homes will be a better option for providing emergency care.
One more important thing to note is that your eligibility will also depend on the type of community you are looking to join. Most of these communities have age restrictions that require residents to be 55 and above. However, some others may have a higher minimum age limit of 62 years old. It is also essential that you find out whether you qualify for low-income housing.
Choosing the Right Community
After making the monumental decision to move to senior living, the next step is to figure out which community suits you the best. This decision should be made based on several factors, such as its location, the current budget, as well as your individual preferences and needs.
To make a more informed decision, it is imperative that you do adequate research on the various available communities and senior community living websites to find out if their mission and values align with yours. After which, taking a look at the testimonials and reviews by current residents can help to give you a better feel of the place beyond the amenities that are featured on their websites.
