Thinking about giving up the familiar for a new living arrangement is a big decision. Here are some considerations to assist you in the process:

Start by Considering Emotional Roadblocks

You may be excited to plan this new phase of your life. However, it can also be difficult emotionally to consider a move.  You may be reluctant to leave a home filled with memories, even if the home is difficult to maintain or just feels too big.  It may be getting harder and harder to get out and meet up with friends, but it may feel easier to just accept that as part of getting older.

Realize that some anxiety and stress is normal in considering such a big decision.  The more information you have, the easier it is to make informed choices about the future.

If the anxiety feels too overwhelming, reach out for help. Talk to family, friends, or your health care professional.

Ease of Keeping Up Your Current Home

Maintaining a home may be a longstanding source of pride for you, but it can also become a burden as you age. Perhaps your home has a large yard which requires constant maintenance, or maybe it’s becoming more and more difficult to clean those extra rooms that are rarely used now that your children are gone. If your home is difficult to access, or possesses features such as a steep hill or several flights of stairs, it may be harder and harder for you to leave your home as often you’d like. You may find this leading to more frequent isolation.

Sometimes these challenges can be partially remedied by hiring outside help, remodeling parts of your home, or by other family members lending assistance. However, it’s worthwhile to take a look at your current living situation and see if an alternative to remaining at home may give you more freedom and flexibility in the long run.

Transportation

Transportation is a key issue. You may live in an area where you must drive to attend social activities, visit friends, and shop. If you find yourself less comfortable with driving, you may find yourself relying more and more on family and friends to get out and about. It may be harder to visit others, go to activities you enjoy, or keep doctors’ appointments. Independent living usually offers opportunities to socialize on-site with peers and may also offer some transportation options to outside activities.

Socialization

Are you finding it harder and harder to connect with others? Maybe you have a difficult time getting out of the house, perhaps due to trouble driving or increased mobility issues. Neighbors may be busy with other work and family commitments, or the neighborhood may not be easy to get around. While the phone and computer can help, you need human connection as well. The more isolated you are, the greater your risk for depression and other mental health problems. Independent living facilities can give you a built-in social network of peers, while some even provide structured activities such as a recreation center, clubhouse, or field trips.

The Health of You or Your Spouse

Take a look at your current state of health. While no one can predict the future with certainty, if you have a health condition that makes it difficult to stay active and will most likely worsen with time, it’s good to consider your options carefully. It’s also important to consider the health of your spouse if you are married. Are you already helping your spouse with daily activities? If you are shouldering a significant amount of care already, moving to a facility where some of the burden can be lifted could help both of you stay independent longer.

What you need from independent living depends on your own unique situation. Where would you be most comfortable? Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

It’s All about the People

No matter what type of independent living facility you consider, you want to make sure you connect with peers and feel comfortable in the community. When you visit the area, talk with some of the residents. Are they people you’d like to know better? Are some of your favorite hobbies or activities available? Are support services timely, with staff friendly and accessible?

Size and Location of Community

There is no set size for an independent living community, so it’s really your preference. Do you prefer a smaller size community, or a busier place with more people and opportunities for socialization? Are you comfortable with more compact apartment-style living, or is having a detached home with easy access the ultimate goal? Be sure to visit several communities to get a sense of what is comfortable to you.

Location is another consideration. Some popular retirement/independent living areas are in warmer states such as Arizona, California, and Florida. However, consider carefully if you are prepared to move a considerable distance. It does mean developing a new support network if you don’t have family and friends close by, as well as finding new medical care.

 Accessibility

Take a look at how accessible the community is, both inside and outside. Do you feel safe coming and going at different hours of the day? Are facilities outside of the community within walking distance, or do you need transportation like a car or cart to get around? How easy is it to get to services such as a common dining hall or recreation center?

In your potential housing unit, get a feel for future adaptability. Are there any stairs inside the unit or outside? Can ramps be added if necessary? Check to see if adaptive devices like grab bars can be easily installed in bathrooms.

Community Resources and Support

With so much variation in services, think about which are most important to you in an independent living facility. Also, consider services that you may find useful in the future. For example, if you value exercise, consider a community with an exercise area, pool, or fitness classes. You may like cooking your meals now but want the option for communal meals in the future. Prioritizing the services you want also helps you budget appropriately, since the more services a community offers, the higher the cost may be.

Costs of Independent Living

There are a range of costs associated with independent living, ranging from subsidized housing for low-income seniors to comprehensive service facilities with other options for long-term care. As you consider independent living, prepare a budget to estimate costs you feel comfortable with, taking into account other considerations such as medical bills. 

If you are considering subsidized housing, remember that waiting lists can be quite long, often several years. You may want to begin the process as soon as possible.

When considering costs, make sure you are able to comfortably handle both the initial investment and monthly fees. These could range from homeowners association fees to fees you pay for services on site. How many services are included, and how much does it cost to add on services if you need them later?

If you or your spouse are relatively healthy now, but anticipate significant health problems down the line, you may want to consider a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). These facilities offer a spectrum of care from independent living to nursing home care at the same site and normally require a one-time entrance fee and monthly service fees thereafter.