Understanding Independent Living: Pros and Cons
When you think about how to make the most of your retirement a move to senior living typically isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. We understand as most people believe senior living is just for the sick or those who need help with daily tasks. While it does provide this support, that’s not ALL senior living offers. There’s a type of senior living known as independent living that’s specifically designed for retirees who want an active, social and worry-free lifestyle. Is it a good fit for you? Let’s check out the pros and cons.
What is Independent Living?
You may not realize that senior living is actually a continuum of care with levels that include independent living, assisted living, memory and long term care. Independent living is considered the entry to the continuum because it’s for retirees who are active, mobile and don’t currently need any type of daily assistance. You may also be surprised that the communities themselves aren’t sterile, hospital-like settings. Rather they more closely resemble resorts with sprawling campuses, spacious accommodations, luxury amenities and a lifestyle you’d expect on a vacation.
Independent Living Pros
Much like the name suggests, independence in key in these communities giving you the freedom to do what you want, when you want to do it with:
Choice of accommodations – Our apartments feature 26 different floor plans from which to choose.
Worry-Free Living – We take care of your home upkeep, yard maintenance, housekeeping and also offer laundry service as well as transportation and restaurant-style dining.
Live It Up Lifestyle – Among the many amenities you’ll find are a pool, fitness center and onsite beauty salon as well as a full calendar of social events, outings, classes and other enrichment opportunities to enjoy. Our restaurant will even deliver meals right to your door!
Convenience – Independent living communities are typically located in the center of it all and we’re no different as you’ll be just minutes from shopping, dining and entertainment in Roanoke Valley.
Peace of Mind – Should your health needs evolve, independent living communities like ours also have additional levels of care on the same campus so you can remain in familiar surroundings and maintain continuity of care. We even offer home care services as well so you have the option to remain in your independent living residence as long as possible. What’s more, we offer award-winning therapy services and have an onsite pharmacy that also delivers.
Independent Living Cons
With that list above it’s hard to imagine a downside to independent living. But that doesn’t mean it’s always right for everyone. Make sure to also consider:
Lack of Onsite Medical Care – Stand-alone independent living communities typically don’t provide ongoing care for chronic health conditions or daily assistance with personal care and medications. However, as noted earlier, our campus offers additional levels of care as well as rehabilitation and therapy after surgery, illness or injury. In addition, scheduling separate home care services is an option.
The Cost – We know the expensive entry fee or buy-in that’s often required by independent living communities can put them out of reach for many families. But that’s not the case here. We offer monthly leasing and no buy-in requirements so you can stay within budget while enjoying the retirement you deserve.
Contact Friendship today to schedule your virtual or in-person visit by calling 540.777.7103!
