How to Select an Independent Living Community

Independent Living gives you the freedom to spend your retirement years on your terms. You’ll find peace of mind in knowing your property is well taken care of as you come and go as you please, enjoy your favorite activities, and try new adventures. Before you embark on that new way of life, you need to find the perfect Independent Living community for you. Follow these tips to help you decide. 

What Is Independent Living?

Before choosing an Independent Living community, you should fully understand what you'll be getting. Independent Living is a type of senior living that emphasizes residents' freedom and independence. You pay a monthly fee for your accommodations in exchange for maintenance, housekeeping, security, and more. It's an ideal way of life for seniors in good health who can take care of themselves but also want the convenience of a maintenance-free lifestyle. 

At The Village at Woods Edge, you can choose between one- and two-bedroom apartments and two- and three-bedroom cottages. They come with all the creature comforts, including full kitchens, washers and dryers, individual temperature controls, and a private covered patio or balcony. 

What Should You Look for When Searching for an Independent Living Community?

Each Independent Living community comes with its own set of advantages and unique features. You'll find a wide range of amenities and options, so be sure to choose a community that fits your personality and your needs. Use the following criteria as a guide for comparing Independent Living options. 

1. Community Values

An Independent Living community is more than just a place to live — it's where you'll call home for the foreseeable future. When you choose a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), you can look forward to spending a long time there, so it's important that the community's values align with your own. The heart of a community will come through in its unique culture and the feeling you get when you're there, and you'll feel more at home when you believe in a community's mission. For instance, The Village at Woods Edge exudes small-town charm and down-to-earth appeal.

2. Amenities

One major perk of moving into an Independent Living community is access to a variety of amenities, in particular maintenance-free living and on-site restaurant-style dining. Life enrichment activities also help you stay active and engaged in the community. When comparing Independent Living communities, consider the types of activities and amenities you might especially enjoy. The Village at Woods Edge is intricately woven into the fabric of the surrounding Franklin area, which means that some of its amenities are also part of the greater community. For example, residents participate in swimming and exercise classes at the James L. Camp Jr. Family YMCA in town in addition to the on campus Wellness Center. 

3. Continuing Care

Embracing your independence and mobility now will help you continue to live life to the fullest, but your needs could change as you age. You might find you need assistance with day-to-day activities in the future. Dementia is also a common concern for older adults. 

Look to the future, not just your current situation, when choosing an Independent Living community. A community with additional care levels will provide quick access to the additional support you need. You can stay in familiar surroundings while still getting extra support, like assistance with the daily activities of life, in a community that also offers Assisted Living. In addition to Independent Living, The Village at Woods Edge offers Assisted Living, Respite Care, and Memory Care. 

4. Costs

Independent Living is typically the most affordable type of senior living, but you'll find a wide range of prices. Setting your budget before you start looking will help you narrow your search criteria to find a community that works for you. At The Village, we're happy to provide a breakdown of all utilities, services and amenities that are covered in the service fees to better compare costs to your current expenses. Often, people are surprised of how affordable life at The Village truly can be.

5. Value Provided

A final note to consider is how much additional value an Independent Living community offers you. It's difficult to quantify peace of mind, security, and your social and emotional well-being, but you can look for little clues to what those benefits may be. For instance, The Village at Woods Edge provides 24/7, on-site security to help you feel safer, and features an emergency response system so you can call for help quickly if you need it.

You can also get a sense of the value a community offers by visiting it. Being on campus will help you determine how the community makes you feel. When you're there, do you feel at ease and secure? 

Is Independent Living at The Village at Woods Edge Right for You?

The Village at Woods Edge could be a match for you if you like the idea of convenience and an active lifestyle in a small town setting. Schedule a tour online to come get a feel for the community in person, or call us at 757-517-2791 to learn more.