A Guide On Independent Living

Independent living is ideal for seniors who don't need any assistance after they retire. Ultimately, every senior would want comfortable and affordable accommodation. The excerpt below discusses the considerations that you should make when moving into an independent living facility. 

Type of Facility

There is a wide range of independent living facilities, including: 

  • Retirement villages comprise apartments, single-family homes, apartments, townhouses or condos. Most villages offer luxury lifestyles to seniors. For example, the facility could have golf courses, restaurants and tennis courts.
  • In an assisted living facility, you will live in your own space. The management deploys staff to monitor your health and help out with household activities.
  • Rental villages are ideal for seniors who might not afford to own property in a retirement village. The facilities comprise small-sized homes rented on a weekly or monthly basis.
  • Co-located villages are retirement villages located next to nursing homes. 

Location

Location is a critical concern for seniors inclined to spend their retirement years in a specific location. For instance, it could be that they want a facility where friends and family can visit without much hassle. On the other hand, some seniors would want a facility that is close to major hospitals.  

Services Offered

Each independent living facility will have specific services designed to woo seniors into buying or renting homes. Ideally, you should move into a facility where you would feel most comfortable. For example, some facilities may only admit people of a particular religion or profession. If you have a complicated illness, it would be wise to assess the experience of nurses and doctors in the facility. Check online reviews from people who have lived in the facility to assess whether the services provided meet your minimum criteria. 

Costs

As a rule, you should not downplay the costs of moving into an independent living facility. For instance, you could be required to pay a waiting fee to book your slot. When buying a unit in the complex, it would be wise to engage the services of a property lawyer. The professional will appraise the unit and inform you of any extra costs that you will incur. For example, you may have to pay an annual fee to maintain the shared property. The lawyer will also explain the terms of living in the facility. For example, you may or may not be allowed to rent out your unit. 

When moving into an independent living facility, choose the type of facility you want to move into, assess the location, services, and costs of living in the complex. 


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