There are many reasons to be excited about your move to an independent living community, whether it’s the potential for a stress-free lifestyle, the possibility of new connections, or simply the promise of new memories to be made.
All of these experiences are made even better with thoughtful, well-designed amenities that support your daily life.
From exciting events and outings to day-to-day relaxation, a community’s amenities and services facilitate a comfortable and worry-free lifestyle for residents.
Because the right amenities can greatly influence daily life, having a solid grasp on what to look for in senior communities before you move will set you up for success in your community of choice.
Pros of moving to an independent living community
Maintenance-free lifestyle
- No home repairs or yard work
- Scheduled housekeeping
- On-site staff to assist with upkeep
Enhanced social life
- Built-in community and peer connections
- Clubs, classes, and group outings
- Communal dining and events
Health, wellness, and peace of mind
- Fitness and wellness programs
- Staff present 24/7 in the community
- Communal dining and events
Convenience and simplicity
Independent living communities offer numerous amenities to simplify daily life and empower residents to make the most of their time. With on-site conveniences available, independent living residents are free to plan their days around their personal preferences rather than daily errands.
These services and amenities may include:
- On-site amenities like dining, salons and libraries
- Transportation services
- Concierge or lifestyle support staff
Cons - Common concerns and considerations
Emotional difficulty leaving a longtime home
It’s natural to feel attached to your current home. Even more so when major life changes, such as entering retirement, encourage us to reflect on our memories and life experiences.
In times of great anxiety, we often seek comfort in familiar relationships, routines, and places.
Cost considerations
The monthly fees of independent living may seem high initially, especially if you make a direct comparison to the current cost of your mortgage or rent. Many seniors and their families find that moving to a senior living community requires a level of financial planning that can be difficult to adjust to at first.
How Does Independent Living Add Up?
Use our cost calculator to estimate your day-to-day living expenses including often-overlooked items like transportation, entertainment, and in-home care and see how independent living compares to your unique lifestyle.
Adjusting to community life
Although community life is one of the biggest draws of independent living, it is not without its own share of adjustments.
Transitioning to any new community can require a significant lifestyle change, but this shift is particularly drastic for those who have spent a long time living in a single-family home.
New independent living residents often find themselves needing to adapt to closer living quarters and shared community spaces.
How to decide if it’s the right move
While only you can choose what is best for yourself, having an open discussion with family members or close friends can help you come to a decision.
They may be able to offer additional viewpoints about whether independent living could be a good fit for you. Loved ones may also be able to aid you in planning the move as well as working through the complex emotions that may arise throughout the process.
If, even after researching the pros and cons and discussing with loved ones, you still find yourself asking, “Is senior living right for me?” the questions below may help offer more clarity:
- What daily tasks are becoming burdensome?
- Do I feel isolated or crave more social interaction?
- Would a lifestyle that gives me greater peace of mind and convenience help me thrive?
Why Revel understands both the excitement and hesitation
“Moving to a senior community is a complex journey that can evoke a wide range of emotions. Revel communities are well-equipped with resources to help seniors during this significant transition.
From friendly team members ready to offer independent living transition tips to a warmhearted community of residents eager to welcome newcomers, Revel aims to help you feel at ease as you settle into your new home.”
Explore Our Communities
Every Revel community is thoughtfully designed to be a welcoming place of exceptional quality—a home that supports well-being, fosters genuine connections, and embraces independence. With locations offering everything from big-city excitement to riverside tranquility, we invite you to enjoy the subtle touches of resort-style living at Revel.
