Maintaining Independence: How Independent Living Communities Support Autonomy

Independence is a massive concern for many seniors considering moving into a senior living community. When you’ve lived independently for many years, any other living arrangement can make you think you’ll have to give up some of your freedoms and autonomy.

However, quite the opposite can be true in highly-regarded Independent Living communities. They often try to support full autonomy in the following ways:   

Amenities and Communal Spaces

Most well-established Independent Living communities provide convenient and accessible amenities and communal spaces for all residents to enjoy. These amenities are designed to help residents lead active and independent lifestyles without assistance.

Depending on the community you choose, you can typically enjoy walking paths, outdoor swimming pools, fitness centers, activity rooms, and libraries, just to name a few. In most situations, residents are free to enjoy these spaces at their leisure.

Maintenance Services

Home maintenance tasks can become frustrating and overwhelming as you age. If you’re experiencing mobility challenges, even the most minor tasks can take more time, effort, and energy than you have. As a result, it’s not uncommon for some homes owned by seniors to fall into a state of disrepair.

That doesn’t have to be something you worry about in an Independent Living community. They often have maintenance employees to take care of everything from home repairs and lawn mowing to landscaping and everything in between. When you don’t have to set time aside for home maintenance, you have more time for meaningful activities you enjoy.

Socialization Opportunities

Isolation is prevalent in our aging communities. Many older adults live alone and don’t have friends and family close by to keep them company.

Most Independent Living communities help their residents maintain their autonomy by providing easy and convenient socialization opportunities. Rather than leaving the comfort of your home to spend time with friends, you can enjoy scheduled activities and social opportunities in your own senior living community. There’s no need to travel!

Prepared Meals

Meal times can sometimes stop seniors from living life to the fullest. Many seniors may not be motivated to cook when they live alone. Some seniors also struggle with basic kitchen tasks due to mobility challenges.

Rest assured, there are no obstacles to enjoying delicious food in most Independent Living communities. On-site culinary teams typically prepare a broad range of tasty, nutritious, and visually appealing meals and snacks to help residents satiate their hunger and fulfill their dietary requirements.

Senior living community residents typically enjoy dining with their peers in shared dining spaces. However, if preferred, they can also use private resident kitchens and apartment kitchenettes and dine out in their local community.

Support Services

It’s okay to need a little extra help from time to time. Sometimes, a small amount of assistance can help seniors lead more independent lives. That’s why most highly regarded senior living communities provide a range of support services to make everyday life a little easier.

Every community is different, but you can typically expect housekeeping and house cleaning, light linen services, and even scheduled transport if you can’t or no longer drive. These support services are designed to give seniors more time to do the things they love, like exploring their local communities, socializing with friends, and enjoying community amenities.

If you need extra help to stay fit, healthy, and mobile, you can also enlist the services of third-party providers to visit you in your chosen Independent Living community.

Be Independent at Asher Point Independent Living of Tulsa

If you want to maintain your autonomy while living in a supportive and social environment, schedule a tour of Asher Point Independent Living of Tulsa today. We strive to provide a safe and supportive living environment for our Independent Living residents to thrive.