An Intentional Approach to Living Independently:

Living independently is an important goal for many older adults, but the best way to achieve that goal can differ from person to person. Whether you’re interested in moving to a community setting or remaining in your home, you can embrace a proactive, supported approach to living independently.

Independent Living Communities

What is independent living? Typically, when you hear this term, it refers to an independent living community where residents live in private apartments, townhomes, or houses within a shared campus setting. Independent living communities constitute the majority of senior housing units owned by not-for-profit organizations in the U.S.

These communities offer a wealth of benefits and resources, from convenient social opportunities to on-site wellness centers, restaurants, pools, and walking trails. Independent living provides maintenance-free living, with tasks such as yard work, snow removal, and home repairs covered by the community. 

Some communities designed for independent living are called “55+ communities” or “retirement communities.” These communities typically offer some perks for residents, but communities labeled “independent living communities” tend to provide the most robust amenities and programming.

Some independent living communities exist within a broader context of a continuum of care. In these communities, a wide range of resources is available to residents at different levels of living, including independent living, assisted living, long-term care, and more. Independent living residents in these communities can seamlessly transition to a different level of living if their needs change in the future. 

Continuing Care at Home

If you prefer the idea of aging in place rather than moving to a community, you can take advantage of services and programming that empower your independence and help you stay in your home long-term. 

For some, this may mean signing up for at-home services to make tasks like home maintenance easier. A more comprehensive solution is enrolling in a continuing care at home (CCaH) program. These programs, such as WellAhead — A WesleyLife Well-Being Experience, are designed to support your independence and secure your future. WellAhead members, for example, unlock benefits such as: 

• Personal wellness coaching
• Fitness centers
• Exercise classes
• Pampering services, like massages
• Social events and programming
• At-home services

In addition to covering these benefits, WellAhead membership also ensures affordable access to more extensive care if it’s ever needed. Whether delivered through WesleyLife at Home or in a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living, members will receive the care they need, with the vast majority of primary costs covered by their membership.

If you’re currently living at home and managing fine on your own or with occasional help from friends and family, you may wonder why you should consider independent living or a CCaH program. It’s because these options can open up new opportunities to thrive and help you feel more secure in your future. 

Consider these ways that either independent living or a CCaH program could enhance your life.

1. Gain access to life-enriching amenities. 

When you’re a resident on an independent living campus, you can enjoy a wide range of amenities you likely cannot access at home. Imagine being able to do all these things without ever needing to step foot off the campus:

• Enjoy a chef-prepared meal
• Go for a swim
• Participate in a yoga class
• Get your hair done
• Play games with friends

WellAhead members also gain access to certain amenities available at their local WesleyLife community, including: 

• Fitness centers
• Wellness programming
• Educational events
• Member outings

2. Free up time with maintenance-free living.

Traditional homeownership provides some perks, but it also comes with a set of responsibilities that can increasingly feel like a burden. Maintaining the interior and exterior of your home involves time, money, and physical labor. Plus, it can make it difficult to travel or spend time doing the things you love. 

If you want to experience maintenance-free living, an independent living community can be a breath of fresh air. Enjoy all the perks of having your own space without the burden of upkeep. If you want to remain in your current home, consider at-home services (either on their own or as part of WellAhead) to handle tasks you find difficult or time-consuming. Team members can assist with everything from lawn care to laundry to make life more convenient.

3. Invest in your health and well-being.

Investing in your health is a smart move, no matter your age. Whether as an independent living community resident or a WellAhead member, you can take advantage of fun and convenient ways to stay active, including:

• Group exercise and stretching classes
• Personal fitness coaching
• Fitness centers with state-of-the-art equipment
• Aquatic centers for low-impact water aerobics and relaxation
• Outdoor walking paths

Each WellAhead member is partnered with a personal wellness coach and advocate to help them manage health conditions, maximize well-being, and plan for their future. 

4. Enjoy fun and meaningful social connections.

Older adults can be more prone to loneliness and social isolation, with one-third of people aged 50-80 reporting that they sometimes or often feel a lack of companionship. Community living or participation in classes and events through WellAhead can greatly enhance your social life and instill a strong sense of belonging.

Opportunities abound to enjoy the company of your peers and form meaningful friendships. For example, you might join clubs, attend movie nights or other fun events, or volunteer with others. Some independent living communities also host events and classes that draw intergenerational crowds and promote meaningful connections with the greater community.

Like many topics related to aging, independent living and CCaH are often misunderstood. Consider whether you’ve encountered any of these misconceptions.

1. Independent living communities are essentially nursing homes.

The term “nursing home” often carries negative connotations. In reality, long-term care can be a joy-filled, dignified way of life for those who need ongoing assistance and supervision. Even so, long-term care is vastly different from independent living. Independent living is intended for active older adults who may benefit from support services but generally do not require help with activities of daily living or ongoing medical care.   

2. Independent living and CCaH programs are only for people with health problems.

Similarly, some people mistakenly believe continuing care at home programs and independent living for seniors are intended for those with health challenges. In truth, another level of living, such as assisted living, may be a better fit for people with health problems. Or, for those who wish to remain at home, at-home services (including in-home medical care) can provide the support they need to flourish. Independent living and CCaH are ideally suited to active older adults who are in relatively good health.

3. You lose independence and freedom when you move to a community or enroll in a CCaH program.

One of the most damaging myths is that enrolling in a CCaH program or moving to a community is akin to giving up or letting go of your freedom. On the contrary, these lifestyle options can actually enhance your independence, allowing you to enjoy privacy and autonomy for as long as possible. If you value your freedom, independent living and CCaH can empower you to create a life that aligns with your desires and goals. 

4. Independent living is boring.

If your picture of independent living is a bit dull, it’s time to rethink that picture. Independent living communities and programming today are vibrant and cater to active older adults who want to infuse each stage of their life with a sense of purpose and joy. From delicious dining options to a full calendar of programming, independent living communities are dynamic environments where you can thrive.

5. Independent living and CCaH programs are too expensive.

Some people don’t seriously consider independent living because they assume it’s outside of their budget. However, the cost of independent living may be more affordable than you realize, especially when you consider what it covers. When you move to a community, you can give up expenses such as rent or a mortgage, home maintenance, a gym membership, and more. With housing, amenities, and more included in a single monthly fee, you can benefit from more streamlined, predictable budgeting. 

A WellAhead membership is also extremely cost-effective, considering the ongoing benefits and the financial security you gain for the future. The program quickly “pays for itself” should you ever need to move to a community or receive more extensive at-home services to address your changing needs.

6. CCaH programs are the same as long-term care insurance.

Long-term care insurance (LTCI) is a traditional insurance product for older adults who want coverage for future care needs. Policyholders pay premiums, which can increase over the life of the policy. If their needs change in the future, they can file a claim and potentially receive financial assistance to cover part or all of their care costs.

WellAhead also provides a means for older adults to protect their assets and plan for future care. However, it goes well beyond LTCI, offering some distinct advantages for independent adults who want to plan for the future. Unlike with LTCI, WellAhead:

• Guarantees access to care from WesleyLife should a member ever need it.
• Provides coverage as soon as it’s needed, without waiting periods.
• Doesn’t burden members with unpredictable and unmanageable cost increases.
• Helps members improve their well-being and independence, delivering ongoing benefits regardless of whether they ever need long-term care.

If you’re 55 or older and interested in living independently with support, now may be the perfect time to embrace a lifestyle change. 

Making the Move to an Independent Living Community

If you’re interested in community living, consider these reasons to make the move sooner rather than later:

• Downsize your home, simplifying your lifestyle and budget.
• Give up the responsibilities of homeownership, such as yard maintenance and home repairs.
• Gain access to a wide range of amenities within walking distance.
• Enjoy your ideal balance of privacy and community, with ongoing opportunities for social connections. 
• Call on a helping hand when needed and gain access to a continuum of care should your needs evolve.

Joining a Continuing Care at Home Program

If you want to remain in your home, there are some great reasons to join a CCaH program like WellAhead right away:

• Start taking a more proactive approach to your current and future health and well-being.
• Enjoy greater convenience and comfort in your home through at-home independent living services.
• Gain access to amenities typically reserved for active senior living residents, including state-of-the-art fitness and aquatic centers.
• Experience peace of mind, knowing that potential future care needs will be met and won’t cause financial hardship.

What does it mean to live independently with greater intentionality? It’s an active lifestyle defined by choice — especially when you choose WesleyLife. We empower people to build a life characterized by joy and total well-being.

Many of our residents express their enthusiasm for the positive environment and perks of independent living and say they wish they had made the move sooner! 

Likewise, WellAhead members are eager to tell others about the valuable benefits of the program and the peace of mind it provides for future care planning. As inaugural member Mary R. puts it, “Our financial assets are protected from extraordinary health care expenses as we age. But even better, WellAhead offers a holistic approach and a leading-edge philosophy towards aging, with benefits for the future and for today.”

Where to Start

To begin, determine which form of living independently is most appealing to you. If you’re interested in moving to a community, start exploring options and look for a community that feels like an ideal fit. Consider using our online Community Assessment tool to identify communities you may want to visit. The “Senior Living Community Evaluation Checklist” can help you compare communities you visit.

If you’re interested in WellAhead, you can learn more about this program by reading The Complete Guide to WellAhead: Aging with Intention at Home While Ensuring Future Care Costs Are Covered. You also can attend one of our educational events to learn more about the ins and outs of this innovative program from the WellAhead team.

If you have concerns or questions about costs, we invite you to use our cost calculator tool or take our survey to find out if you can afford senior living. This online assessment can help you better understand the financial strategies that can help you achieve the lifestyle you desire.

Ready to talk with our team? Start by scheduling a community tour or a WellAhead consultation! We look forward to partnering with you as you create a life of independence, joy, and purpose.