Affordable Independent Living for Seniors: How to Find the Right Fit
According to the Pew Research Center, roughly a quarter of older adults lived alone. Living on your own as a senior isn't always a good thing, especially if you live a lonely lifestyle or suffer from mobility issues. It helps to have people around to help out from time to time.
The best solution for seniors who want to live alone in a more secure environment is to move into independent living in Houston, TX. Communities in Houston offer access to top-tier amenities, warm weather year-round, and a city with a rich cultural history.
Here's how to find the best affordable independent living for seniors.
Understanding Independent Living
First of all, it's important to understand what independent living offers for its residents.
An independent living community is designed for largely self-sufficient seniors. They may not need help with mobility or managing their own medications. Instead, the community offers residents amenities such as housekeeping and restaurant-style table service.
Unlike assisted living or nursing care, independent living does not usually provide medical care.
Senior Living Advice for Finding the Right Community
You aren't going to find affordable senior housing that fits your needs in some brochure or through a quick online search. The best senior living tips include visiting these communities and evaluating them first-hand.
Set a Realistic Budget
Before you start traveling to independent living communities, you'll want to assess your budget.
Consider your income sources, including Social Security, pensions, and investments. Calculate rent, as well as fees for services like meals and housekeeping.
Don't forget to take into account the cost of medications and any other factors.
Visit Multiple Communities
Take the time to visit a few communities you have on your list of potential choices. This will allow you to compare them to find the best one.
When you take a tour of a community, you'll see how the residents live their lives and the state of the neighborhood. Photos and websites only tell part of the story. If possible, talk to the residents to get an honest opinion of the community.
Evaluate the Amenities
Consider what amenities and community features are important to you. Do you need a community with an active social calendar? Are you comfortable living somewhere with pet-friendly policies?
Prioritize your needs and compare amenities accordingly. Most senior living communities offer basics such as home maintenance and scheduled activities.
Understand Lease Terms
Some independent living communities require long-term leases or big entrance fees. Make sure you understand the financial commitments before signing any agreements. A month-to-month lease can offer more flexibility.
Consider Location
Think about where you want to live when deciding on a community to move into. You may want to live closer to family and friends or your current healthcare providers. Alternatively, you might want to move to an area with much better weather and an even climate.
Keep in mind that more popular cities and areas will cost more to live in.
Key Factors In Retirement Planning
Good retirement planning involves more than picking a nice community to live in. Housing choices should align with your long-term financial and health plans.
Healthcare Needs
A person moving into an independent living community shouldn't need help with medical care or daily assistance. However, that doesn't mean your health and level of independence will stay that way forever.
Many seniors choose to move into communities that can adapt to their needs.
A good middle ground is independent living with supportive services. These types of communities are optimal for senior couples who want to stay together but have varying support needs.
Cost of Living
Factor in potential rent increases or changes in your financial situation.
One thing to remember is that communities with more supportive services tend to cost more. It also depends on the type of amenities they have and the community's location.
Accessibility
Look for communities designed with aging in mind. Some crucial features include:
- Wide hallways
- Step-free showers
- Ramps
- Non-slip flooring
You can take a look at some floor plans for apartments and homes online. If there are any changes you need for your home to feel more accommodating, you can let the staff know in advance.
Social Opportunities
Isolation is a common risk for seniors. Their families go off to live their own lives and may not even reside in the same state as their elder loved ones. Seniors often have to live on as their friends die or move into other communities.
It's important to choose a community that encourages social interaction so seniors don't stay at home all day. That kind of behavior can lead to depression and anxiety.
Community clubs, classes, and events encourage residents to get out of their comfort zones. They can embrace new hobbies and meet new people.
Trust Your Instincts
What's most important is to trust your instincts on whether or not you feel safe and comfortable in a new community.
After taking a tour, ask yourself if you feel welcome there. Are residents smiling and engaged? Does the environment match your lifestyle?
It could be that you're sick of the area you currently live in and you want to move somewhere with more sun or better weather. Or maybe the southern charms of the area are a bit too welcoming for your personality.
If something doesn't feel right, you should pay attention to that feeling. There are plenty more options to explore.
Find Affordable Independent Living for Seniors
There's no rush when it comes to finding affordable independent living for seniors. Take the time to assess your budget, explore community options, and determine what you'll need as you get older. Try to find something closer to your family if you want them to visit from time to time.
Copperfield Estates provides vibrant senior living in the Houston, Texas area. Our residents get to enjoy a wide variety of amenities, including an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a barbershop, a bistro, and more. Contact us to learn more and schedule a tour of our community.