Independent Living: A First Step Frequently Overlooked

Seniors are waiting longer than ever to move from their homes. Often, this move is prompted by an emergency, with the only next step available being assisted living or even memory care. One step often overlooked before reaching this point is independent living.

Independent living can be the happy medium that everyone can agree upon. Mom or dad maintain their independence, while the concerned adult children find comfort in knowing that certain tasks are being handled. This allows a loved one to test the waters of community living while still managing some of their own daily activities.

Full kitchens and laundry rooms are included. So although this move may decrease the size of their living space, a senior can feel confident that everything they need is still available in their own private setting. Assigned or reserved parking spots allow for ease of coming and going in their own vehicles. The community maintenance teams handle any issues that arise. A leaky faucet, an appliance not working, a lawn to mow or snow to shovel are no longer tasks for the senior or their family members.

Frequently, independent living can provide one to two meals a day, housekeeping, transportation, activities and socialization. There is usually some kind of safeguard in place that alerts the staff to an emergency. Many communities have a system in which the resident must answer their phone, push a button or check in in some way to show that they are up and getting on with their day. If the check-in does not happen, a staff member will knock on the resident’s door and verify that all is well.

There is usually also some kind of emergency pull cord in each apartment. This gives seniors and their families the assurance that help is available if needed. Communities continue to implement new resources to keep residents safe.

Although each apartment includes a full kitchen, the benefit of provided meals is a big deal for many seniors. The socialization and engagement during meals in a dining room setting fosters friendships, conversation and the potential encouragement to do more. For those who have lived on their own for a long time, the days of eating alone are over. This usually improves their diet as well - they are no longer making a quick sandwich or heating up soup because they were only cooking for themselves.

The ability to simply walk down a hallway or take an elevator to another floor for a movie, trivia or an exercise class gets residents moving. This offers so much opportunity for seniors who have become more homebound over the years due to lack of transportation or habits created during COVID.

Eating better, moving more and interacting with others in a similar situation allows seniors to flourish in a new setting. Adult children feel comfortable with the safeguards in place, knowing their loved one has fewer tasks to manage and more time to focus on the activities they enjoy.

Learn about the services for seniors provided by Assisted Living Locators of Annapolis at www.assistedlivinglocators.com/care-advisor/annapolis or by calling 410-507-4490.