Moving to an independent living community can be a significant change, but it doesn’t have to be scary.
Congratulations! That’s a big step and means that you’re taking care of yourself in a way few people do. Moving out of the house you’ve lived in for years can leave you anxious about what comes next, though: how will your finances work? How much is this going to cost? And most importantly, what new challenges will come up? If you’re nervous about these questions—or anything else—we’re here to help.
Here are the top fears that people have about moving into independent living and how you can overcome them:
Fear #1: New Friends?
You are not alone! Many people live in independent communities, but they may not be as active or talkative as you would like. This can cause a sense of isolation, so it is important to have your own support system in place before moving into your new home.
Not only should you get involved with activities and programs offered by the facility, but also try to reach out to other residents who might share similar interests. You will likely find that many people enjoy doing similar things at this stage of life, and it can be enriching for both parties involved when making friends with someone else who shares similar interests or hobbies.
Fear #2: What About Food?
It’s a common misconception that independent living residents don’t have access to cooking facilities. This is not true! Many communities offer meal services or even onsite dining rooms and kitchens, where residents can prepare their food if they want to try something new or give themselves some variety in their diet. If you prefer meals prepared for you, there are many different options available: from daily delivery menus from local restaurants to pre-cooked frozen meals that are just waiting for someone to pop in the microwave for dinner—or even full hot breakfast service delivered right to your door every morning (if this appeals more than getting up early enough).
Fear #3: What If The Cost Is Too High?
Many people worry about the cost of independent living facilities, but the truth is that this can vary greatly depending on your location and the type of care you choose. If you’re not sure what to look for in assisted living, here are some tips:
- Consider choosing a lower-priced option. Independent living communities with lower prices may have fewer staff or amenities than other options, which could mean they’re not ideal for every resident. But if you don’t need much help with daily tasks or want to enjoy being around other people who have similar interests as yourself, then going with a cheaper option could be well worth it!
- Do your research before committing to any one place. No matter how much money you have saved up for moving out into an independent living center, it’s important to find out all about each potential place before making any final decisions on where exactly your new home will be.
Fear #4: Safety Concerns
Safety is a concern for everyone, regardless of where they live. If you’ve never lived in an independent living center before, it’s important to ask the right questions so that you can be sure that they are safe and secure. Ask about their safety procedures and policies. Do they have an emergency plan? Are there security cameras throughout the building? What do they do if someone gets hurt or becomes ill in their room? How often do staff members go on rounds through the facility at night (and when)?
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that while independent living communities may have some things in common, they are all different. The best way to find the right one for you is by visiting several and talking with staff members who can answer your questions and help you navigate their community.
