Independent living

From page B-2 years among your peers.

• You no longer wish to care for an entire property.

• You’re looking for a built-in support network.

• You can care for yourself without assistance but like the idea of prepared meals, a cleaning service and a laundry service.

• You want to participate in social, educational and fitness activities without having to drive around.

• You want to move closer to your loved ones but don’t want to buy a house.

How to choose an independent living community

Deciding you want to move into an independent living community is only the first decision. Next, you’ll need to choose the right community for you.

Some older adults just know when they’ve found the right community. Others need to compare their options meticulously.

Considering the following questions can help you narrow down your search and compare communities.

What’s your preferred location? Knowing your desired location will narrow down your search.

Talk with your family to see what they think. If you live far from your family, it might make sense to choose a community near a relative. Maybe you’ve always wanted to move to a warm-weather state. Now would be a great time to look into it.

You may also want to compare rural vs. suburban vs. city locations. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s a matter of what’s important to you.

If you enjoy staying busy and want public transportation, then the city might make sense. If you find the quiet country life more peaceful, look for a more rural facility.

Is your religion important to you? Some independent living communities are directly affiliated with a religious group or denomination. At these homes, there’s often a church or synagogue on-site along with religious leaders. Activities offered might be rooted in that faith tradition too.

When comparing faith-affiliated communities, ask if you can attend their worship services. That can help you determine which one is the right fit.

Does it offer activities you enjoy and services you want? It might seem obvious, but make sure that the facilities you’re looking at offer what you want.

Ask to see a copy of last year’s activity calendar and a list of services offered. Find out how residents spend their time. Are they social and outgoing, or does everyone keep to themselves?

We also suggest asking how much influence residents have in what goes on. Is there an activity committee that helps plan and suggest events? When there’s a movie night, who picks the movie? Is it normal for residents to start their own clubs? You may feel more at home when you can contribute to the planning.

What security and emergency meas- ures are in place? Retirement communities generally have some form of security, though some setups are more effective than others.

When you tour the property, be on the lookout for vulnerabilities. You could even check with the local police station for reports of crimes or disturbances at the address.

The community should provide security 24/7. Find out who provides the security and when the guards are on duty. Confirm that security will be in place during all days, nights, weekends and holidays.

Also, ask about emergency services in case police, fire or paramedics are needed. For example, how many minutes away is an ambulance?

Can you afford it? It’s essential to choose a place that you can continually afford. Many people sell their homes and use the equity to pay for independent living. Talk to your accountant or a trusted loved one to make sure the place you end up is a place you can afford to stay for as long as you need or want it.

When visiting a community, make sure to ask which services are included in membership fees and which are not. We recommend putting together a list that includes the cost of rent, membership fees, and the price of any additional services you want now or may want later.

Why is independent living important?

You might be wondering why, if a person can live independently, they wouldn’t just stay at home? That’s a great question.

The main difference between living independently at home and living in an independent living community is this: those who move into an independent living community might be living alone, but they aren’t alone.

That distinction makes all of the difference because, among seniors who report feeling lonely, there’s a 45 percent increased risk of mortality. Feelings of social isolation and loneliness can also lead to depression, a higher risk of heart disease, and a higher risk of stroke.

Like independent living, senior living communities combat loneliness by providing older adults with plenty of social opportunities. There are informal opportunities, like befriending your neighbors, and formal opportunities, like joining organized clubs, outings and activities.

Socialization makes a significant difference in a person’s life, decreasing the risk or depression and increasing their life span. A Wake Forest Alzheimer’s Disease Center study found that older adults with an active social life may have a slower rate of memory decline.

All in all, independent living communities provide ways to stay socially, mentally and physically active with built-in programs and services.

How much does independent living cost?

What’s great about independent living is that you can find facilities at nearly every price point. Wealthier people can comfort-

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Experience the finest in maintenance-free senior living at our beautiful 110-acre campus. You’ll enjoy resort-style amenities, clubs and activities, delicious dining, and services that promote your health and well-being, including on-site medical care for every stage of your life. Our stylish apartment homes feature modern finishes and floorplans to suit every need. Our predictable Monthly Service Package takes the guesswork out of managing your expenses, because almost everything is included. And our 90% Refundable Entrance Fee* means your legacy is protected. Call 1-800-222-9651 to request your free brochure or to arrange an in-person or virtual tour. *Carefully read the Residence and Care Agreement for the conditions that must be satisfied before the Provider is required to pay the Entrance Fee Refund.