The Independent Living Checklist: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Community
Deciding on Independent Living is an important first step in your journey to unlock the retirement lifestyle of your dreams. The next is finding the perfect Independent Living community to help you achieve your lifestyle goals.
As an award-winning leader in the senior living industry for over 40 years, MorseLife is knowledgeable and passionate about helping older adults and their loved ones select the perfect senior living situation for their unique wants and needs.
We’re here to guide you on your Independent Living journey.
Your Independent Living goals
Knowing what lifestyle goals you want to prioritize can help you confidently approach your Independent Living search with a clear objective.
This checklist can help you clarify your goals in transitioning into Independent Living. We encourage you to print out this worksheet and tick all that apply:
- I’m ready to delegate my household chores to someone else
- I’m interested in downsizing
- I’d like to reside in a community of similar-aged peers
- I’m no longer interested in doing my own yard work
- I’m interested in being more active physically
- I’m interested in being more active socially
- I’m interested in participating more in my hobbies
- I’m interested in learning new skills
- I value lifelong learning
- I want to remain in my own home
- I want to stay close to my family
- I like staying busy
- I prefer a quiet, peaceful life
- I want to keep my dog or cat with me
- Continuing to drive is important to me
Independent Living can help you realize many of these lifestyle goals. Now, you can approach the community selection process knowing what to expect with greater insight and find your perfect match.
Your checklist for Independent Living
Are you ready for a lifestyle of freedom and ease in retirement? Interested in more social connection, fun, and engagement? Independent Living can offer you all you’re seeking and more.
Print out our helpful list for Independent Living and fill in your costs to discover how this level of senior living can transform your life and deliver you the retirement lifestyle of your dreams:
| Wants and Needs | Cost at Home | Cost in Independent Living |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | Included | |
| Landscaping and grounds maintenance | Included | |
| Security and safety features | Included | |
| Exercise and fitness opportunities | Included | |
| Social and cultural events | Included | |
| Activities and programs | Included | |
| Dining offerings | Included |
It’s easy to see how what’s included in Independent Living offsets its costs by providing valuable services and conveniences to residents.
Now, it’s time to choose the right community to meet your lifestyle needs. This can be a confusing and overwhelming part of the process. Feeling prepared is the key to confidently approaching your senior living journey.
This checklist can help you select the right community by determining what goals you absolutely must meet while in Independent Living, and whether they are offered by the community you’re considering:
| Independent Living Goal | Non-Negotiable? | Offered by Community? |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness and fitness opportunities and classes to stay active and healthy | ||
| Engaging social events to meet new friends and feel connected | ||
| Opportunities to rediscover favorite hobbies and discover new ones | ||
| Services and amenities that make life easy, enjoyable, and comfortable | ||
| Transportation services | ||
| Easy access to a dynamic local community to explore | ||
| Transparent, inclusive rates | ||
| Access to other levels of senior living and care | ||
| Comfortable private and shared indoor and outdoor spaces | ||
| Helpful, friendly staff | ||
| Volunteer opportunities | ||
| Pet friendly | ||
| Self-care offerings (like a spa or salon) | ||
| Easy access to healthcare and medical supports and services |
Don’t be afraid to note specific services, amenities, and offerings you want at your perfect community. Is a swimming pool or dog park a must? Would you prefer a larger or a smaller community? Once you’ve compiled all of your non-negotiable amenities and services, make sure to compare them against all of the Independent Living communities you are considering to determine which one best fits your needs.
Picturing your daily life will help you determine if an Independent Living community supports your needs.
Still wondering if Independent Living is the right option? Gain clarity with our recent blog.
Consider luxury Independent Living
Luxury Independent Living offers a lifestyle of elegance, enjoyment, and ease in retirement.
From exceptional services and amenities to world-class events and luxurious accommodations—Independent Living offers seniors more of what they’re seeking in retirement.
MorseLife has taken the typical Independent Living model to new heights. Residents at our Levin Palace community live like royalty in world-class accommodations with five-star services and amenities. Residents here have no need to compromise on the independent lifestyle of their dreams.
At MorseLife’s luxury Independent Living residence, The Levin Palace, we go above and beyond to deliver an unparalleled experience to all who choose us. In addition to amenities like a swimming pool, dog park, and fitness center, we also offer our residents over 300 events and activities each month, gourmet dining, concierge services, valet parking, and so much more.
