What Seniors in Florida Should Know About Independent Living

With sunny skies, pristine beaches and warm weather year-round, it’s no wonder Florida is a popular retirement destination. In fact, adults 65 and older make up more than 20% of the state’s total population, giving it the highest percentage of seniors in the U.S.  Thanks to these demographics, Florida is also home to a wide range of senior independent living communities ideally suited to meet your needs. From continuing care retirement communities that provide a full continuum of care as you age, to higher levels of skilled care like assisted living and memory care, older adults have no shortage of outstanding options. If you’re exploring the possibilities of independent living, use this guide to learn all of the essential details you want to know.

What Is an Independent Senior Living Community?

The main goal of an independent senior living community is to help handle day-to-day hassles like maintenance and upkeep, so you can spend your time doing what you find most meaningful.  Independent living residents enjoy their own private residence, as well as access to amenities ranging from gourmet dining venues to state-of-the-art fitness centers. 

When Is Independent Living Right For You?

One of the biggest questions around independent living is: When is the right time to make the move? Though it varies from person to person, these are two of the key factors older adults typically consider.

Sooner Rather Than Later

When it comes to making the move to independent living, seniors often find there’s no time like the present. Getting an early start provides more time to get settled in a new space, a chance to build relationships with others who share the same interests and additional opportunities to enjoy the community’s amenities.

Before Care Needs Change

Though you might not be able to anticipate all of your future care needs, there’s no doubt the cost of healthcare is on the rise. In 2022, healthcare costs increased by 14.5%, and it’s estimated that most seniors will need some form of long-term care in their lifetimes. This is why it’s key to choose a community now that offers a continuum of care options on site. Residents can seamlessly transition from independent living to a higher level of care within the community they know and love.

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Independent Living Community in Florida

In Florida, you can count on having plenty of choices for independent living communities. While you work to narrow the field, take these three factors into consideration.

Location

Location plays a big role in cost and the activities you want to enjoy. For example, independent living communities in Florida with beach access may be more expensive than those inland. Other location considerations include distance from friends and family, proximity to a walkable downtown, culture and nightlife, and recreational opportunities such as golf courses or walking trails.

Services and Amenities

One of the prime benefits of independent living is the variety of services and amenities at your doorstep. Whether you want to swim laps in a heated outdoor pool or reduce stress with housekeeping and flat linen services, it can be helpful to make a list of priorities to determine if a community will fulfill your needs.

Access to Care 

Over 70% of older adults will need long-term care, which is not generally covered by Medicare. Independent living communities that offer a robust menu of health services can give you and your loved ones the comfort and security of knowing that your future care needs can be accessed in one place.  

Explore Independent Living at Abbey Delray

Abbey Delray is a resort-style independent living community in Delray Beach, Florida. We’re located just minutes from beautiful beaches, and offer easy access to surrounding cities like West Palm Beach and Boca Raton. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting the independence of every resident through a customized wellness plan that embraces intellectual, physical, social and spiritual well-being. If you’d like to learn more about independent living at Abbey Delray for yourself or a loved one, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.