For many older adults, calling a senior living community home is one of the best retirement decisions they’ve made. Not only does senior living offer an active lifestyle and resort-style amenities, but residents can also benefit from new friendships and fewer household responsibilities. However, there are many things to consider before investing in senior living.
If you are curious about independent living options in the Teaneck area, we have compiled a list of what to consider before moving. These considerations will not only help you be confident in your choice to move to independent living, but will also help you make the right decision when choosing the community that suits you best.
What Is Independent Living?
Before you can look at independent living communities throughout Teaneck, you should first be sure that the level of care they offer matches your current abilities. Independent living is designed to meet the social and health needs of vibrant and active older adults. There is no round-the-clock medical care available in these communities, but there is access to wellness services during business hours as well as security services 24 hours a day.
Independent living could be a good match for you if:
- You feel lonely at home or wish you had more friends nearby.
- You wish you had access to reliable transportation so that you didn’t have to drive everywhere and worry about parking.
- You wish you didn’t have to worry about household tasks like lawn maintenance or housekeeping.
- You would feel better if you knew you had someone nearby to check in on your home while you travel.
- You want to participate in group exercise classes, lectures, and hobby groups without needing to trek across the city.
- You think that cooking for one is too much effort sometimes and wish you could sit down with friends for daily meals.
Location Matters
If you decide that independent living is right for you, it is then time to narrow down your possible choices. Start by choosing communities in your desired city or neighborhood. You may want to pick communities that are near your favorite restaurants or that are close to family members.
Amenities Are Important
One of the best parts of independent living is the amenities residents enjoy, so be sure to look for a community that features a lifestyle you will love. Exceptional independent living communities will offer spacious apartments as well as scheduled transportation, concierge services, and housekeeping services.
Dining Is Delightful
Independent living communities are like resorts designed just for older adults, and dining is a delicious part of the lifestyle. Meal preparation for one or two is tedious; independent living allows residents to enjoy chef-prepared meals in a social dining room setting without any of the prep or cleanup. Choose a community that offers a dining plan that features plenty of options and allows you to bring guests along to enjoy a meal as well.
Events and Activities Are Essential
Socialization is the key to wellness and health in older adults. You can find friendship and camaraderie easily in independent living thanks to daily social events. Exceptional communities will offer a variety of activities throughout the week, including live music, informative lectures, hobby groups, and trips.
A Focus on Wellness
Finally, any independent living community should offer programs and services designed to enhance health and wellness. Search for a community that has a wellness program on-site that provides residents with reliable information and guidance. Exceptional communities will offer a wellness program that includes a nurse on-site during business hours as well as educational lectures, workshops, and a library of resources. Furthermore, find a community that offers on-site physical, occupational, and other therapy services.
Discover more about independent living, including more information about costs and how to make the transition smoothly, by downloading our free guide, “Everything You Need to Know About Independent Living.”
In the meantime, consider seeing our exceptional senior living community in action by contacting the team at Arbor Terrace Teaneck. Our community is built on meaningful relationships, outstanding dining experiences, engaging activities, and wellness programming. We would love to tell you more about our services and show you what makes our community so special.
