When is the best time to move into independent living?

Independent living communities like Topeka Presbyterian Manor are ideal for older adults who want more freedom to enjoy life. But many people don’t know if they should make the move soon…or wait until much later.
So, we’ve identified five factors to help you decide if the time is right:

• You’re ready to say “goodbye” to home maintenance chores.

Home maintenance gets harder with age and at some point, indoor and outdoor chores become a nuisance — especially if you need to hire help.

When you move into an independent living community, someone else does all that work for you. There’s a lot more time for you do what you want to do. Not what you have to do.

Independent living communities are known for having a busy social calendar of programs, activities, and events. Go for a walk, play cards, join a book club, go to the fitness center, or take a day trip. With all that newfound free time, the choice is yours!

• You want to make a smart financial move.

For many seniors, moving out of the family home is a wise financial decision. The sale of the home will free up money for the next phase of your life. This is especially true if your home is paid off or you have lived there long enough to accrue a lot of equity.

Aging in place, in your home, may require renovations for your safety and mobility. Outdoor ramps, step-in tubs, easy-grab handles and other accessibility updates can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Independent living communities like Topeka Presbyterian Manor are built with these features in mind. You also enjoy a wide variety of onsite services and amenities that are calculated into your monthly fees. You will know exactly what you’re paying for and why.

• You seek to improve your health and well-being.

Independent living communities offer several advantages for healthy living, beginning with restaurant-quality dining services. You can depend on delicious and nutritious meals every day, served up in a comfortable setting, among friends.

There are also fitness and wellness programs to strengthen your mobility, balance, and flexibility. You’ll be able to look forward to group activities that keep you moving, within a safe and clean atmosphere.

• You like to be socially active.

Being around other people has been shown to boost our health. And isolation can heighten the risk of dementia by up to 50 percent.

If you want a busy social life — with new friends and a full calendar of clubs and activities — you’ll find it at an independent living community. There is a special camaraderie that comes with being among like-minded people with similar life experiences.

• You want to find a home for the future.

Many independent living communities are part of larger Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC). They serve as the entry point into a range of housing and healthcare options that include assisted living, rehabilitation and skilled nursing.

Moving into a CCRC like Topeka Presbyterian Manor takes the worry out of planning for the future. Comprehensive onsite services are already in place to provide for any short-term recovery needs, as well as longer-term health and personal support. You can enjoy life today with the peace of mind that tomorrow is covered.

It’s never too early to start looking into potential communities that you might like to call home. You want to be prepared to make a move on your terms when you are ready.

Compare amenities, activities and housing choices. See what the surrounding area has to offer. Consult with a financial advisor about what you can comfortably afford. Visit in person to see what the facilities and grounds really look like. Meet the people who work there, say “hello” to the neighbors, and see what you think.

Understanding what’s available and knowing what you want — and need — will put you in a good position to make the right move.

Town homes are now available at Topeka Presbyterian Manor. Contact us today at 785-272-6510 to schedule a tour and learn more.

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