Independent Living or a 55+ Community: Which is the Smarter Choice?
Are you trying to figure out what your future in retirement looks like? Maybe you feel ready to downsize so you can spend less time on home care and more time on self care, but the options are varied. Do you transition to an apartment? Should you explore 55+ communities? Have you toured independent living options? If you know you’re ready to move but you’re not sure what sort of community is right for you, read on.
No More Household Chores
While your monthly fee in a 55+ community typically covers exterior building maintenance and landscaping, you benefit from a much wider range of services in an independent living community. You don’t need to juggle various maintenance staff or hire an outside vendor. In independent living, our expert maintenance team takes care of all of the necessary chores and repairs. Another attractive extra in independent living is housekeeping, which is provided by all of our FellowshipLIFE communities. If you’re ready to ditch chores and focus on the activities that bring you joy, independent living may be the ideal option.
To Cook or Not to Cook?
One of the big advantages of independent living is on-site, delicious dining options. If you have spent decades pondering what to prepare for the evening meal, now is the time to relax and let someone else take care of the cooking. Flexible plans mean you can decide how often you would like to dine with your community, whether one or three times a day.
Residents at Pines Village enjoy a terrific range of delicious meals at three community dining venues helmed by Italian-born masterchef Larry Cerrito. You also have a fully equipped kitchen in your home, so you can whip up a much-loved family recipe, pop a batch of cookies in the oven, or simmer a pot of soup on the stove.
An Active Lifestyle on Your Doorstep
Are you hoping to meet other people from a similar age group in your new community? A huge benefit of independent living is that you will find like-minded friends and have a wealth of amenities just steps from your front door. A 55-plus complex might offer a common area, but independent living gives you access to much more, from group outings to community clubs and organizations.
At Pines Village, for example, you can play a round of bocce, stroll scenic walking trails on the grounds, or tackle challenges in the fitness center with a personal instructor. Alternatively, you could hang out with friends in the game rooms or curl up with a novel in a cozy corner of the library.
Stress-Free Continuing Care Options
When you move to a continuing care community, you can choose a life care plan that ensures your monthly costs stay the same, no matter what level of healthcare you may need in the future. This kind of peace of mind is priceless. You’ll know that if your needs change, you can make a seamless transition into assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care. The best part? You won’t need to move away from the community and friends you love as your needs change.
A Variety of Floor Plans
When it comes to selecting your home, a 55-plus community may have a limited choice of layouts. Fortunately, independent living communities recognize that not every resident has the same needs or budget, so there’s usually a much wider range of floor plan options. Whether you are looking for a cozy studio or a two-bedroom apartment so grandkids can sleep over, you are sure to find a design to suit your preferences and budget.
Ready to enjoy the active, fun retirement you’ve worked for? Contact us today to schedule a tour of Pines Village and see what independent living is all about!
