When you go to choose how to spend your retirement years, time should be spent considering where you want to live. As housing takes up a great deal of your income, choices may be limited. Some seniors choose to stay in their own home as long as possible while others prefer to move to a retirement community where they will be surrounded by other seniors who share similar interests. Nursing homes are available for those who need around the clock care. What about those who fall in between and need some help taking care of themselves, but want to remain as independent as possible? Independent assisted living is the perfect solution.
An independent assisted living arrangement is perfect for those who can live on their own for the most part, but do need some help with basic daily activities. Research has shown that those who choose this type of retirement setting do so because they need help with an average of three daily activities. This may be bathing, cooking, cleaning or medication. Once the staff has helped with these activities, the resident then goes on with daily life as he or she would if they lived in their home or an active retirement community. It is like having the best of both worlds. The level of care is based on the needs of each individual resident. It is not one size fits all.
Why so many prefer this option is that it allows for more privacy and independence. The senior will still have his or her own apartment or unit. Staff will only come in during the times when the resident needs help. Otherwise, the resident can spend the rest of the day doing as he or she pleases. As many who find themselves in need of care now grew up very independent, this allows them to maintain that freedom without sacrificing quality care and basic needs.
When choosing an independent assisted living facility, there is one thing that you may wish to consider. If you find that your needs change and that you need more care throughout the day or even continuous care, moving to a new facility could be a hassle. You may wish to find a facility that offers both types of care in the same location. This would make the transition much easier for the resident as well as family members involved in the process. Best of all, staying in the same location may allow for more continuity of care. If a problem arises, the staff in the new section may be able to call on the staff from the old section for advice and guidance. This may not be possible if two facilities are involved.
Take care when choosing an independent assisted living retirement facility or community. Be sure to check the staff and also speak with other residents about the care they have received. Retirement living in any form is not cheap so you want to know you are getting the best possible care for what you can afford. Making a move at this stage of life is not as easy as it used to be so you don't want to have to do this unless absolutely necessary. A thorough vetting before you move in can help to prevent this.
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