Many older adults nearing retirement age consider making a move to a senior independent living community. Independent living typically comes with quite a few important benefits. However, there are also some potential challenges to entering a senior community. Awareness of these challenges will give you a more complete picture of independent living. It also gives you the opportunity to work around any obstacles and improve your overall experience. To learn more about the challenges that may come with such a change, call Parkway Place at 281.305.1846 today.
Downsizing as a Potential Difficulty With Senior Living
As they grow older, most adults accumulate quite a range of personal belongings. Some of these belongings may have a significant monetary value. Others may be important to you for more sentimental reasons. In either case, you may face a substantial challenge when moving to senior independent living. Namely, it might be time to downsize and adjust to living in a smaller space.
You can meet this particular challenge by doing several things. Common recommendations from downsizing experts include:
- Giving yourself plenty of time to plan out your efforts
- Tackling your downsizing plan in manageable stages
- Creating separate piles for things you plan to keep and things you plan to let go of
- Using digitized storage to minimize the space needed for photos, home movies, etc.
- Focusing on keeping items that matter to you most
And don’t forget; you can use your downsized belongings to help make your new space feel like home.
Challenges of Senior Independent Living: Adjusting to a New Reality
Change can be difficult at any age. And the older you get, the harder it can be to modify long-held habits and routines. But the fact is that a move to senior independent living will require you to make substantial personal adjustments. Some people find this easier than others. Still, almost everyone goes through a challenging adjustment phase.
Fortunately, independent living specialists are quite familiar with this particular issue. To counter it, quality senior communities will take active steps to help you adjust. They will also do what they can to involve your family and friends in the adjustment process.
Social Challenges to Independent Living Services for Seniors
Some of the challenges of senior independent living are social. Depending on your situation, they may include such things as:
- Losing contact with your existing social network
- Making new connections with new neighbors in your community
Well-designed independent living services for seniors can help you overcome both kinds of obstacles. For example, they will provide you ample opportunity to receive visits from family and friends. They will also offer activities that you can share with your loved ones when they come to see you. Not only can visits from people you already know help you keep your old connections going strong. They can also help you transition into your new social environment.
While you might feel awkward at first, most senior communities are quite welcoming. You should have plenty of opportunities to socialize with your new neighbors. These opportunities include a wide range of shared activities available in high-quality communities. They also include plenty of chances for casual socialization throughout the day.
Find Out More About the Challenges of Senior Independent Living at Parkway Place
Initial difficulty with senior living is not uncommon. However, with help and support, you can overcome this difficulty and make your new community your own. For advice on how to meet the challenges that face you, talk to the experts at Parkway Place.
Parkway Place is dedicated to helping all new residents feel comfortable, secure, and cared for. To find out how we support your transition into independent living, just call us today at 281.305.1846. You can also contact us through our online information form.