When you reach retirement there are big decisions to be made. How do you want to spend your days? Where do you want to call home?
For many, independent living communities provide the best of both worlds, offering numerous amenities and the support older adults need to pursue their passions. If you or a loved one are considering a move to an independent senior community like The Stayton at Museum Way, the following list of must-have considerations can help you make an informed decision.
What is an Independent Living Community?
First, let’s explore what an “independent living” community is. In an independent living community, residents enjoy their own private residence and the freedom to choose how they spend their days, whether that’s hiking nearby trails, enjoying cultural events or simply lounging by the pool.
Additionally, residents have access to community amenities and services such as year-round maintenance, housekeeping services, swimming pools, fitness centers, dining venues and much more. On top of that, extra assistance is often available as needed. The goal of an independent living community is to support residents’ ideal lifestyle, ensuring they are able to spend their retirement pursuing the things they’re most passionate about.
How to Find the Right Independent Living Community
The key to finding the right community for you is to have a deep understanding for the type of lifestyle you want to enjoy in the years to come. Key considerations that contribute to this are a community’s location, costs, an honest evaluation of your own long-term needs and of course your personal impressions of the community itself.
Settle on Location
One of the easiest starting points for finding the right retirement community is selecting your ideal location, whether that’s a city or a region. For instance, if you enjoy the amenities of a vibrant city, The Stayton in Fort Worth, Texas may be ideal for you. This upscale community is located near the heart of the city, offering ease of access to dining and entertainment options. If you want to stay in an area close to family and friends, you will want to choose a community in the same city or general area as your loved ones.
Evaluate Costs
When you find a community you’re interested in, ask for a detailed breakdown of monthly costs, expenses and included amenities. Then, you can evaluate your budget and determine if the cost of living is both a good value and feasible for the long-term.
Plan for Long-Term Needs
Speaking of the long-term, your future care needs should be a factor in your decision. Although you might not need assistance now, if you have a family history of medical conditions or anticipate you or your spouse or partner will need a higher level of care, ensure that your community of choice has the necessary health services available. Some communities, such as The Stayton, are Life Care communities that offer predictable monthly costs even if your care needs change.
Trust Your Instincts
While you can break down the numbers and compare amenities and services, ultimately you will have to trust your instincts. The community you eventually choose should feel like home. Whenever possible, take a visit to the community and get firsthand experience. At communities like The Stayton, team members will gladly show you around and honestly answer any questions you have.
Additional Considerations in Your Independent Living Search
After all the work and planning you’ve put in to reach retirement, you shouldn’t have to compromise on quality. While choosing a community can sometimes feel overwhelming, these additional considerations can assist you in selecting a place to call home that suits your high standards.
- Available amenities. If you lead an active lifestyle, you might be more attracted to amenities like fitness centers and swimming pools. You may also want to have easy access to cultural attractions like museums or art galleries. These lifestyle priorities should be one of the strongest considerations in your decision.
- Community reputation. There’s always lessons to be learned from others who have shared the same experiences. With any independent living community you should evaluate their reputation and credentials. For example, The Stayton’s health services have earned a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- Input from family and friends. With so many details to consider, it can be easy to overlook vital factors. This is when it’s critical to reach out to your trusted network of family and friends. They know you better than anyone else and can help put various aspects of your choice in perspective.
Schedule a Tour at The Stayton
The Stayton is the premier retirement community in Fort Worth, Texas. We’re located right in the heart of Fort Worth’s West 7th Cultural District, where residents can live a rich and vibrant retirement lifestyle. We’re determined to help each resident accomplish their goals and provide an elevated experience that’s unlike any other.
If you or a loved one are considering The Stayton as your future home, our dedicated team would love the opportunity to show you what life is like here. Contact us today to schedule a tour and experience The Stayton for yourself.
