When retiring, you may be looking forward to spending time with family, having a hobby or pastime you haven’t had time for in years, or traveling. Whatever you’re looking forward to, you must ensure that your finances are secure to do everything you want without worry.
If you’re among those people, this article will give you an idea of what to do if you want to preserve your independence while living in a Bethel retirement community.
Consider Your Finances
The first thing to consider is the living costs in a retirement community. If you’re on a fixed income, this will be an essential factor in determining whether or not moving into one is right for you. If the rent is more than what you’re paying now and your budget can’t handle it, then buying a home in your current area would be better suited to fit into your financial plan.
Perhaps finances aren’t an issue and all amenities the community offers sound appealing. Take some time out of daily life so everyone involved can think through their decision together. That way, you’ve discussed your situation before committing to anything permanent, like moving into another home far from family.
Surround Yourself with Family and Friends
One of the best things you can do to maintain independence is to surround yourself with family and friends. Having them in your life will help you adjust to new surroundings, provide valuable information about the community, and help you maintain your independence.
If you’re moving into a senior living community for the first time, it may be difficult for some people who need to become more familiar with this type of living situation. You might feel isolated from the rest of society if all of your friends live far away or need help understanding what’s involved in moving into a retirement community. This can make adjusting difficult because you have so many changes at once. You’ve moved into a different house (or apartment), have new neighbors you have yet to learn very well, etc.
Know Your Health and Medical Needs
Get acquainted with your medical history, medications, allergies, and family medical history. Ask questions about facilities for those with physical disabilities or who have trouble walking or using stairs. Some assisted living communities provide wheelchair-accessible rooms or elevators.
Ideally, you should also ensure you are comfortable with the doctors on call in the community. One should be close by so they can respond quickly if needed (such as during an emergency).
Pursue Interests and Hobbies You’ve Always Enjoyed
It’s always possible to pick up an old hobby or try something new. If you’ve always been interested in quilting, consider taking a class at your local community center. If you love to cook but have never had the chance to take a course on it, now might be the time! The point here is that there are plenty of opportunities for aging family members who want to keep their minds active and engaged with others who share common interests.
Volunteer or Find Ways to Give Back
Volunteering is a great way to stay active and meet new people. You can volunteer in your community or online, so it’s easy to fit into your schedule no matter where you live.
Perhaps you’re interested in volunteering locally. Consider working at a hospital or nursing home, animal shelter, food bank, homeless shelter, youth center, community garden, or anywhere where there’s an opportunity!
You’ll get plenty of exercise while helping others who need it most, and there’s no better feeling than knowing that your hard work has made someone else’s life a little bit better!
Conclusion
As you get older and begin to think about retirement, it can be hard to know what’s best for you. Should you move into an assisted living community or continue living independently? What if you have a long-term illness that requires care?
The answers to these questions depend on many factors, including how much support and assistance you need, where your family lives (if they’re nearby), and whether or not they can help out when needed. The important thing is to take your time with any decision before exploring all options available, including those offered by senior communities like ours!
