After years of hard work — building a career, raising children, handling other responsibilities and never-ending to-do lists — many older adults ask two important questions:
What’s next… and could this time finally be mine?
Are you searching for connection and joy and are tired of home maintenance, cooking and yard work? There’s one place that was designed specifically for active adults who are ready for a change—an independent living community.
Many retired adults have made this choice and are taking advantage of everything a community has to offer. If you’re ready to explore a meaningful and convenient lifestyle, you may find it’s the perfect option to live where your personal needs and preferences are supported.
Benefits of Independent Living
There are several benefits if you choose to make your home in an independent living community. Consider the following:
1. You’re Thinking About the Future — and Want a Plan
Downsizing, selling your home and moving into a community are all proactive steps you can take to simplify your life. One benefit of independent living is how it keeps you in control of your future. Make decisions on your own terms and avoid the stress of a rushed move later — all while living an active and full life.
2. Craving an Easier Lifestyle
It’s finally time for you to experience the type of life that is most meaningful to you — yours to plan and yours to live. Fill your days with art classes, join a book club, work out with friends or enjoy lunch with your new neighbors.
3. Creating Meaningful Friendships
If mobility or transportation is a challenge, loneliness and social isolation can result. And the negative effects on both physical and mental health can increase. Built-in opportunities for social engagement, new friendships and the comfort of knowing someone’s always nearby if you need help are only a few independent living benefits.
4. Leaving the Home Maintenance to Others
Imagine the free time you’ll have once you no longer are responsible for home maintenance and upkeep. This benefit of independent living allows you to still enjoy a private apartment or cottage, but the community takes care of the chores that come with homeownership.
5. Activities and Events
Imagine the convenience — and advantage — of having access to on-site activities. Joining friends for a lecture, enjoying happy hour or relaxing with popcorn on movie night are only a few examples. You’ll typically find a monthly calendar of events so there is always something for everyone.
6. Chef-Prepared Meals
You’ll have a full-sized kitchen in your home, but for the times when you are busy or just not in the mood to cook, you can take advantage of the on-site restaurants. Often ranked as one of the top benefits of independent living, residents enjoy the best of both worlds, delicious dining without the shopping, cooking or cleaning up.
7. Scheduled Transportation
If you’re not comfortable driving or would just like to take a break from looking for parking, another benefit of independent living is the scheduled transportation. Trips are typically offered to medical appointments, shopping or entertainment, allowing you to enjoy the ride without the traffic headaches.
Are You Ready to Enjoy the Benefits of Independent Living?
If you’re wondering when the right time might be to explore independent living, here’s a checklist to consider:
- You’re ready for a lifestyle upgrade. You want less stress, more fun and more time to do what you love.
- Your current home feels too big or hard to manage. The stairs are becoming a challenge, or many rooms are going unused.
- You miss having regular social interaction. You want to be around others, but don’t know how to meet new people.
- You’re worrying more about “what ifs.” What if you fall? What if you become ill? What if you need help?
What to Look for in an Independent Living Community
Here are a few questions to help you find the right community for you:
- Location: Is it close to family, friends, shopping or your medical providers?
- Lifestyle offerings: Are there activities you’d enjoy? Classes, outings and special events of interest?
- Living spaces: Do the apartments or cottages feel like home? Are they well-maintained, bright and welcoming?
- Dining options: Is the food good? Can you sample a meal during a visit?
- Staff interactions: Are the team members friendly, responsive and respectful?
- Community atmosphere: Can you picture yourself making friends there? Does it feel warm and inclusive?
- Cost and services: Do you understand what’s included (meals, housekeeping, transportation, etc.) and whether there are additional fees?
- Flexibility for future care: If your needs change, are there care options that would allow you to stay within the same community complex?
It’s not easy to think about leaving a home, especially if this is where you raised your family or celebrated many milestone events. But often, what we’re really leaving behind isn’t comfort — it’s the weight of upkeep, isolation and uncertainty. An independent living community can open the door to a new life of freedom, connection and ease.
Independent Living at Presbyterian Village North
We offer a unique blend of comfort, convenience and peace of mind with our non-profit senior living community set on 66 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Whether you prefer a spacious apartment or a freestanding home, the variety of beautiful residences ensures you’ll find the perfect space to call your own.
With chef-prepared dining and a wide range of amenities, including a fitness center, therapeutic aquatic center and walking paths, every day offers opportunities to stay active and engaged. Residents enjoy a vibrant, welcoming community, open to all faiths, with endless opportunities for connection and personal growth.
From our on-campus pharmacy services to a resident clinic, professional security 24/7and a wireless emergency call system in every residence, your well-being is always a top priority. With exceptional amenities like a performing arts theater, woodworking shop, dog park, putting green and salon services, every detail is designed to enrich your life.
For more information about how Presbyterian Village North can help you or your loved one thrive in retirement, please reach out by calling (214) 355-9000 to request a personal tour or more details today.