Transitioning to Independent Living: What to Expect

There may come a time when you decide that Independent Living is the best option for yourself or a loved one. Moving into an Independent Living community can mean maintaining your autonomy and freedom while accessing helpful services and amenities. You can also enjoy more socialization opportunities.

Despite the benefits, it’s only natural to be nervous about what the transition can look like. While everyone’s situation is different, you may learn what you can anticipate during this change below:

An Adjustment Period

An adjustment period is undoubtedly a natural part of moving into an Independent Living community. It’s normal to feel both excited and apprehensive, especially when you’ve lived in your own home or with loved ones for a long time.

Give yourself the grace to work through your emotional and physical adjustment period. It can also be helpful to take time to familiarize yourself with your new home’s layout and community amenities.

New and Old Social Relationships

Your social relationships can sometimes change when you move into a senior living community. After all, such communities are renowned for being social paradises, with residents encouraged to form friendships with their neighbors.

You may find that you’re able to build new relationships and find new ways of maintaining your old ones. For example, you can make new friends by participating in community activities and even enjoying meals in shared dining spaces. You can also maintain your connections with friends and family members outside your community by meeting up with them regularly inside and outside your home.

Changing Daily Routines

Your everyday life can sometimes change for the better when you move into a senior living community. In Assisted Living and Independent Living communities, you can look forward to helpful services like housekeeping and apartment maintenance.

Assisted Living residents may also receive help with daily tasks like toileting, bathing, grooming, and dressing. When you’ve previously struggled with such tasks, getting help means you can have more free time for meaningful activities in your new home.

Community Amenities and Shared Spaces

When you live in your own home in a traditional community, you typically have to venture out into your local community to access helpful services and amenities. For example, participating in fun activities typically requires driving to another location or receiving transportation from a public service provider, friend, or family member.

Senior living communities often have wonderful shared spaces and community amenities to enjoy. You never have to travel far to engage in activities and receive the help and services you need. Many of the best communities have on-site gyms, libraries, dining spaces, activity rooms, and even beauty salons and barbershops to help you look and feel at your best.

Safety and Security

Among the many benefits of moving into an Independent Living community, safety and security are among the most important. You can expect a safe place to call home for yourself or a family member.

Enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ll enjoy safety features like safety-equipped bathrooms, wheelchair accessibility, handrails, and emergency response systems. Help is also never far away when you need it.

Learn More About Independent Living at Lyndale Edmond Senior Living

There can be a lot to learn before moving into a senior living community with an Independent Living program. If you have questions or would like to learn more about everyday life in Independent Living, schedule a tour of Lyndale Edmond Senior Living today.

Our dedicated team is happy to answer any questions you have, show you around, and help you or your loved one get settled in.