Top 10 Services & Amenities to Look for in Independent Living
- So you’re ready to look into independent living communities. Great. Now what? You may know the retirement lifestyle you want, but do you know what independent living amenities you should look for? Don’t worry. You’re in good company, and you also happen to be in the right place.
Top Independent Living Services to Look For
- 1. Say Goodbye to Your To-Do List
Let’s not forget that this is about retirement, so your retirement community should be more than a place to live, and it should provide more than just the basic independent living amenities. Before we retired, we were tired adults. We lived our days toiling from one task to the next. We lived for others. Not anymore. We have finally arrived. The place we arrive to should feel like paradise. We should be pampered. Life should revolve around us. Look for maintenance-free communities where housekeeping is just the beginning. - 2. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
There’s an old saying that basically goes “If your tummy is happy, you’ll be happy.” OK. You caught us. We made that up, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. It’s important that the community you choose offers enough variety to satisfy your palette every day. Look for menus that change often, use seasonal and local ingredients and accommodate special dietary needs. How many dining venues are there? How’s the food taste? Are there formal and casual options? - 3. Live How You Want
Even the best independent living amenities don’t mean a thing if you don’t like your housing choices. Senior living communities are often built around apartment homes. This maximizes the space for your amenities and activities. But not all apartment homes are created equal. Look beyond the square footage. Does the community offer multiple bedroom options? Can you choose a villa or a townhome? What about pets? Are yours welcome? - 4. Stay Healthy
Staying active is a key element to aging well. A community’s health and wellness program should be high on your list of senior living options. Look for a holistic approach that focuses on multiple aspects of your health and wellness: physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, vocational and environmental. Ask about activities calendars, social groups, lifelong learning opportunities, preventive health and fitness classes. - 5. Keep Your Mind Sharp
Rocking chairs are fine, but so are art studios, workshops, classes, theater productions, woodworking shops, painting classes, tai chi, yoga and other activities designed to help us stay engaged. Not only are these (and other) hobbies fun, they’re also good for your mind, body and spirit. - 6. Have Fun
No matter what independent living services a community offers, don’t forget to ask yourself, “Will I have fun living here?” Make friends with the activities director, explore resident interest groups, or create your own programs if they don’t exist. It’s your life. It’s up to you to make the most of it. Have fun! - 7. Hang Out Outside Your Comfort Zone
For most of us, moving to an independent living community means downsizing. While an apartment home means less personal square footage, you’re actually gaining acres of dining options, entertainment spaces, workshops, gathering rooms, fitness centers, walking trails and more. Take advantage of these common spaces. Not only will they make you feel like you’re on a constant vacation, we guarantee you’ll meet new friends. - 8. Never Stop Learning
Retirement isn’t an end. It’s a beginning! Time belongs to you. Not your employer. Not your family. You decide what you’re going to do every day. We suggest looking for opportunities to expand your horizons, to keep learning, and to share your knowledge and hobbies with others. - 9. Let Someone Else Worry
You made it! You’re officially retired. The last thing you want to think about is chore lists, maintenance tasks or other “have-to-dos.” This is the time of your life to focus on “want-to-dos.” Housekeeping is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to living a maintenance-free lifestyle. Expect 24-hour security, transportation and maintenance. - 10. Enjoy Mother Nature
Vitamin D is magical. Enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of iced tea on a patio or balcony. Take advantage of an on-site walking trail. Spend time in a community garden. Watch the birds and the wildlife. Whatever it is you like to do outside, you’ll find independent living amenities designed to draw you out for unique experiences.
Freedom Village of Bradenton Offers All The Right Amenities
Located on 34 lush acres, Freedom Village offers a wide variety of independent living services and amenities and a full calendar of fun, engaging activities — all just minutes from the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast. Get in touch, and we’ll gladly show you around!
