6 Benefits of Independent Living
When weighing your options for senior living, it is important to consider how much the senior living industry has grown. Over the past five years, senior housing has been driven to think outside the box with their services and amenities.
Take independent living as an example; it has become a retirement haven for seniors who want flexibility and peace of mind. It is designed for the independent senior with an active lifestyle who wants to simplify their worries of home maintenance, commuting, safety, social isolation, and health. From villas to apartments, we cover six of the most attractive benefits that British Columbia independent living communities offer.
Safety
One of the most common reasons older adults choose independent living is when safety at home becomes a risk. Independent living allows you to stay independent while offering measures and services to keep you healthy and safe. With the flexibility of choice, many BCSLA members have CPR-certified first responders available 24/7, pull cords in suites, safety pendants, and in-suite safety features.
Even the architecture and design of independent living communities are built to address sharp corners, wide doorways, and bolted furniture to ensure a low risk for home-related accidents. This blend of independence and well-being will not only simplify your life but the lives of your family members.
Convenience
Not only does independent living remove home maintenance, but it also provides additional everyday convenience. Depending on the home you choose, amenities can range from trash removal to transportation, to in-house hairdresser, or laundry services.
In addition, some communities have extra services such as dry cleaning, travel planning, deep cleaning, reservations, appointment administration, etc. Senior living in an independent living community is designed to streamline your life to give you the time to do the things you want to do. If you’re looking for free time to enjoy your retirement, consider independent living.
Socializing
Having the flexibility to follow your own schedule full of visits with friends and family is the best part of independent living. Having your own suite with all your neighbours right down the hall or eating dinner in the same dining venue offers the best of both worlds.
Whether you choose independent living as a chance to slow down, cut back on social commitments, make new friends, or make socializing more convenient, this level of senior living provides every opportunity.
Choice
Independent living bridges the gap between aging in place and assisted living. Over the years, industry experts, seniors, and caregivers have identified a gap where aging adults are not comfortable in their own homes and yet are too self-reliant for assisted living. This is where independent living communities have blossomed, allowing customized villas, creative cuisine, independent schedules, private parking, and flexible service programs.
Your home is your sacred place, and independent living ensures that you have the autonomy to decide the type of support or interaction you want.
Quality Food
With more information available at our fingertips, it can be overwhelming to decide the best way to use olive oil, whether fat is good for you, if you should cut salt out, or if grains are nutrient-dense. In independent living, it is the staff’s job to be fully educated in their field and provide you with the best food to increase your longevity.
The best part? It is also their job to make it taste amazing and clean up! No more getting down and dirty in the kitchen, because amazing chefs have you covered. If not, most suites have their own kitchen, providing you with the choice to make your meals or baked goods.
Still not interested? With such a flexible schedule, you can dine out where you want as most restaurants are accessible right outside your door.
Zero Maintenance
No more mowing the lawn, dealing with the leaky toilet, or your basement’s annual floods. Independent living communities are not only newer than your older home, but also have in-house maintenance workers, and landscapers to take care of it all for you. You simply give the front desk a call, and they will send someone trained to fix your drain or flooring. You can even have comfort when you’re out of the house, as most suites now have flooding sensors or motion sensors to detect burglaries. On top of it all, say goodbye to the hassle of hydro bills, dishes, vacuuming, or grocery shopping. These are all included in your rent by administrative staff, housekeeping, and chefs.
Time to start enjoying retirement and live the good life! If you are an active senior looking to get the most out of your retirement, BCSLA encourages you to learn more about independent living.
