A Checklist for Independent Living
An inspiring lifestyle with so much more to enjoy, yet so many fewer things to worry about—that’s what retirement should be—and can be if you focus your search on what matters most to you. Here’s a checklist for independent living to help you decide if this option has what you are looking for.
Before you decide on independent living, decide what you want in retirement living.
What would you include in your dream retirement? And what tasks and responsibilities are you ready to give up? Once you have a clear picture of what your best life would look like, you can successfully focus on what type of lifestyle is the right fit.
Some seniors want to free themselves from every daily task, while others are fine with continuing some duties, if they are living in an environment that offers numerous opportunities for staying active, volunteering and making friends. There are those who plan to continue working either remotely or part-time, and they are eager to find a retirement address that lets them concentrate on their work without having to also do home maintenance, prepare meals, mow the lawn, etc.
No matter how you envision your retirement, it’s good to get a clear idea of what is of most importance to you, as well as to understand what is available to you at home. Or is independent senior living your best option?
Here are two exercises to help you do just that. Each is a checklist for independent living that can help you as you move forward. You might choose to print both of them out so you can mark your answers and refer to them later.
Put a checkmark in the column that best describes your feelings about your ideal retirement.
| My Responsibilities | Keep It—I Enjoy It! | Let it Go! |
| Grocery Shopping | ||
| Housecleaning | ||
| Cooking | ||
| Yard Work | ||
| Household Repairs | ||
| Laundry | ||
| Daytime Driving | ||
| Nighttime Driving | ||
| Errands | ||
| Coordinating Services |
Now that you have given some thought to letting go of the chores and worries that can come with living at home, turn your attention to how you’d like to spend your newfound freedom. Simply put, what do you want more of in your retirement? Can you find any of these things living at home?
You can use this checklist for independent living when you are deciding which communities to tour, so take your time.
| I Want More! | Easily Available at Home |
| Fun | |
| Social Opportunities | |
| Friends | |
| Convenience | |
| Dining Options | |
| Travel Opportunities and Outings | |
| Educational and Cultural Opportunities | |
| Pampering | |
| Amenities | |
| Fitness and Wellness Opportunities | |
| Activities on My Calendar | |
| Volunteer Opportunities | |
| Purpose | |
| Relaxation | |
| A New Purpose | |
| A Great Location | |
| Time to Do Whatever I Want! |
And don’t forget what may be #1 on your checklist for independent living: peace of mind.
Everything feels better when you feel confident you have made the right choice for your future. Living in a warm and welcoming community focused on wellbeing offers you a wide array of advantages that can help extend your life: companionship, programs for exercise and preventive health, exceptional dining that ensures you are getting the proper nutrition, lifelong learning that can help you keep your brain sharp, and so much more.
You also have a plan in place for your future. Even if you are doing great on your own now, it’s reassuring to know you can live in a community surrounded by a professional staff that is constantly monitoring your health and wellbeing. And 24/7, if there is any type of emergency, a helping hand is close by.
Once you’ve imagined your ideal retirement and completed your checklist for independent living, you’ll most likely have the information you need to make the right choice. So, sharpen your pencil—the best is yet to come!
Senior living, the Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio way
At LSS Senior Living, our goal is to offer seniors quality care and comfort in a friendly and warm environment that feels like home. We offer a continuum of services to lend a helping hand when you need them. Find out more about our communities:
Speak to an advisor today, we’re here to help. Learn more about choosing the best community, for you download our free guide, Choosing the Right Senior Living Community.