When you’ve worked your whole life to first buy and maintain a home, it can be hard to think of ever moving. Especially if your house holds a lot of fond memories of birthday celebrations, holidays and family gatherings. However, once the kids start living lives of their own, many older adults discover homeownership can also hold them back from getting more enjoyment out of life. As you consider your plans for the future, here are some things to think about that could help you decide if you should stay or explore the advantages of independent living and the lifestyle you’ll find at Santa Marta.
Questions about living in your current home:
· How hard is it to keep up with home maintenance, including your yard?
· Do you have rooms in your house you rarely use?
· How easy is it to get into your house? Do you have stairs? Live on a hill? Have to deal with snow in the winter?
Questions about your social connections:
· How far away do your friends and family live?
· How often do you see them?
· How often do you leave the house?
· How many of your current neighbors do you know?
Why Choose Independent Living
It can be difficult to choose what to do next. Regardless of what you decide, one of the best ways to make a more informed decision is to spend time researching and visiting retirement communities. It’s a great way to talk with residents about their lifestyle and see senior living’s advantages for yourself:
- More freedom: Imagine what you’d have time to do if you no longer had to worry about housekeeping, cooking, or home upkeep and repairs. Independent living offers a maintenance-free lifestyle that gives you fewer responsibilities and more time to pursue life’s possibilities.
- One monthly fee: With just one payment a month, you cover your maintenance, services and amenities. Even some of your dining and utilities could be paid for.
- Safe and secure: Not only does a community offer round-the-clock security, but each residence also has an emergency call system providing peace of mind to you and your friends and family.
- Social opportunities: It can be difficult to find people who share your interests and life experiences. One of the benefits of independent living is a monthly calendar full of social events including daytrips, happy hours, book clubs, educational lectures and classes and making it easy to meet others.
- Active lifestyle: Fitness is essential to remaining active, engaged and maintaining your independence. One of the lifestyle benefits of moving to Santa Marta is having access to senior community amenities including a fitness center and heated indoor pool with classes designed specifically for older adults. We also have wellness programs focused on your total well-being.
- Healthy dining: Enjoy a delicious meal with friends that’s prepared by our talented culinary team to fit your dietary needs. We also offer a variety of dining venues from a more formal dining room with an attentive wait staff, to a grab-and-go cafe´.
- Future-proof: Independent living residences are designed to allow you to age in place with features like walk-in showers, grab bars, wide hallways and doorways.
- Lock-and-leave: Another one of independent living’s benefits is the ability to lock your door and know that everything will be OK when you return. You can visit friends up the street, stay with family across the state, or travel around the globe without worrying about your residence.
- Scheduled transportation: Imagine no longer having to deal with traffic or look for a parking space. Communities offer scheduled group transportation for shopping, entertainment and other outings, along with individual transportation for doctor appointments.
- Volunteer opportunities: Most senior living communities offer a variety of volunteer opportunities on and off campus. You could volunteer to be on a community committee or club. You could also join other residents in volunteering at an area school, hospital, library, church, or community center.
- Peace of mind: 70% of adults over age 65 will need some kind of long-term care. Even if you’re active and independent right now, choosing a Life Plan Community — like Santa Marta — that offers a continuum of senior care is a smart, practical choice. You can enjoy independent living for all the years ahead, but you’ll have the assurance of access to a full continuum of care including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, should you ever need it.
Come See All the Reasons to Choose Santa Marta for Yourself
Imagine a carefree lifestyle that allows you to focus on your personal happiness while providing long-term security. You’ll find all that and more at Santa Marta. Check out our floor plans and then come see for yourself how our engaging lifestyle and wellness philosophy promotes senior independence. To schedule a personal visit, contact us here and chat with one of our senior living counselors.
