There’s a common misconception that moving to a senior living community is the first step toward giving up one’s independence. Many people also underestimate the amount of care they’ll need in the future. At today’s senior living communities, those concerns about giving up daily freedoms are unfounded. A senior living community with independent living is far more likely to help an older adult maintain and even increase their independence, rather than restrict it.
Here’s how a continuing care retirement community like Edgewood Summit can help you maintain independence as you age while enriching your quality of life.
1. Expanding Your Everyday Routine
Some mistakenly believe that moving to a senior living community means giving up the circle of friends or routines they’ve come to love. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Maybe you’re in the habit of grabbing coffee downtown with a couple of friends every Friday, going to a favorite park with the grandkids on Saturdays or even volunteering every other week at a local food pantry. Moving to a senior living community like ours, where we take care of the chores and maintenance, gives you more time for these activities, not less. Most senior living communities even offer scheduled transportation, which can help you get where you want to go.
2. A Vibrant, Social Community That Boosts Your Quality of Life
Loneliness and isolation are legitimate health risks of aging, affecting both mental and physical health. Community life is a good way to stave off loneliness. As part of a vibrant community, you’ll enjoy social events, hobby groups, educational lectures and outings with neighbors who share your interests – all while maintaining control over how busy (or relaxed) you want your days to be.
3. Maintenance-Free Living for a Safer, Simpler Life
Keeping up with a home can get harder – and more hazardous – with age. At our community you’ll no longer have to manage yardwork, climb ladders to clean gutters, repair leaky faucets, clear snowy sidewalks or even change a lightbulb. Maintenance-free living helps you stay active and safe while enjoying a beautiful, worry-free environment.
4. Staying Strong with Wellness and Fitness Programs
One of the most important parts of maintaining independence as you age is staying physically healthy. Senior living offers a variety of fitness classes and wellness programs designed specifically for older adults. From balance training and strength exercises to yoga and walking groups, these programs help you stay fit, flexible and full of energy.
5. Flexible Support That Respects Your Independence
Needing occasional help doesn’t mean giving up control. At many retirement communities, health coordinators are available to assist when you need it. Whether it’s with a temporary illness or a new health challenge, their flexible services are designed to meet your needs without intruding on your daily life. Plus, with the safety net of affordable long-term care on site, you’ll have peace of mind knowing support is there if you ever need it.
6. Homes Designed to Help You Age Gracefully
Our residences are designed with aging in mind, including details like step-free entries, wide doorways and accessible bathrooms. These features allow you to maintain independence longer without the need for costly or disruptive modifications down the road.
Preserving Independence
At Edgewood Summit, our goal is to help you live independently as long as possible. We’re committed to providing the tools, support and environment that allow you to thrive – not to limit your independence, but to protect it.
Senior living isn’t about giving up anything. It’s about enhancing your quality of life and giving you more time, more freedom and more opportunities to enjoy what matters most.
Wondering what it’s like to live here or how your life may enjoy a boost? Join us for an event and experience our community in person. Or give us a call at 304-346-2323 and talk with Cherie or Holley. They’ll be happy to answer all your questions about independent living at our continuing care retirement community.