Senior Independent Living: Change Is Never Easy

"Change always comes bearing gifts."

~ Price Pritchett

Price Pritchett’s quote on change is one that offers a fresh take on change, a subject we all like to discuss when change happens to someone. While we offer our friends and family a response “change is never easy,”  the truth of the matter is that oftentimes change can be difficult to accept but something we all must deal with.

The generation termed Baby Boomers is now on the threshold of change as they contemplate revising their living arrangements. According to The Baby Boomers Webplace the generation that became teenagers between 1953 and 1977, heavily influenced by television and the generation to experience the first major geo-political repositioning of the world since the Roman Empire (aka The Cold War) now find themselves concerned about out-living retirement assests, caring for elderly parents and concern for their own retirement lifestyle.

Thinking about moving can be a source of stress but exploring your options and planning ahead can help relieve that anxiety. 

Independent Living or Other Senior Housing?

What is the difference? 

Independent living is classified as any housing arrangement designed exclusively for seniors, generally aged 55 and older. Housing options cover a wide variety of options from freestanding homes to apartment-style living. The major difference between independent living and other housing options is overall health and assistance in daily living activities. If home upkeep and maintenance has become overwhelming or your simply looking for a community with more transportation access and opportunities to socialize, an independent living facility may be a good option.

If you or a loved one requires round-the-clock help with eating, dressing or personal hygiene, other housing options such as assisted living or nursing homes may be a better fit.

For those who desire the ability to maintain an independent lifestyle, Pioneer Place is an outstanding and affordable choice.

The building that houses Pioneer Place was built in 1931 and at one time was home to Lullabye Furniture Company. The building, listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, was renovated into a beautiful Independent Living apartment complex.

For today’s senior population exploring their housing options, thinking about giving up the familiar for a new living arrangement is a major decision. What you need from an independent living faciltiy depends upon your own situation. Knowing what to look for in an independent living facility can help you make the decision that is right for you or your loved one.

One of the first things that you can expect after your initial contact with the staff at Pioneer Place will be to schedule a discovery interview which will determine which one of the 19 different floor plans will best suit your lifestyle and your needs.

There’s No Place Like Home

It isn’t just Dorothy who longed for the comfort of home; our holiday carols are filled with references to being home for the holidays. Maintaining a home is a source of pride but as we age, it can also be a burden. Yard maintenance, difficulty keeping up the cleaning those extra rooms after the children have moved out. Maybe your home is difficult to access making it increasingly difficult for you to leave home, leaving you or your loved one more isolated. It might be worthwhile for you to take a look at your current living situation to see if an alternative will allow you more freedom and flexibility.

Upcoming blog post: What to expect in a discovery interview