Life is all about choices, and when you hit retirement age, you find yourself faced with plenty of them. Determining how you want to spend your time, what you want your future to look like, what plans you need to put in place … and, perhaps most importantly, where you’re going to live.
“Today’s seniors often choose to downsize in retirement because their lifestyle doesn’t require a large family home,” says Mary Scott Russell, Director of Community Relations for East Ridge at Cutler Bay. “Instead of moving into a smaller home in a residential neighborhood, another option is to choose independent living at a senior community like East Ridge. We’ve heard from plenty of our residents that moving into a community before you need services like assisted living, skilled nursing or memory support has many advantages.”
Mary Scott says that moving to a community like East Ridge is beneficial, even if you’re still active, healthy and independent. “Senior living today is not what it was even 10 years ago,” she says. “Thanks to the Baby Boomers, senior living is being reinvented in a very good way. Boomers don’t want ‘getting older’ to mean giving up the things they love or giving up their independence. In fact, many of them are demanding more out of their senior years than they did in their middle age, simply because this is the time of their lives that’s all about them.”
Still, says Mary Scott, many seniors are hesitant to move into an independent living community because they worry about losing their independence. “Moving to a community like East Ridge actually gives you more independence because it takes away so many responsibilities and duties that are currently holding you back from living the life you want,” she says.
Some of the reasons why residents at East Ridge benefit from independent living include:
- No more chores.
Owning a home, especially if you no longer have a mortgage, is the American Dream. But that American Dream can come with a hefty price tag once you tally up property taxes, utilities, insurance and home repair. That doesn’t include all the upkeep that has to be done no matter where you live – like cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the yard … not only does it take a good chunk of money; it takes a good chunk of time, too.
Independent living takes all those chores and cares away and gives you back that time to do the things you’ve been dreaming about. Cleaning, cooking, housekeeping, home and lawn maintenance are all included in your monthly fee. Although independent living residences have full kitchens in the event you want to channel your inner Julia Child or host a dinner party, you also never have to cook again if you don’t want to. Communities like East Ridge at Cutler Bay offer delicious upscale dining options with ever-changing menus – best of all, you don’t have to clean up afterward.
- Monthly expenses are lower (and easier).
In an independent living community, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to pay the cable bill or being surprised when your property taxes come due. You also may not need a car, since so many amenities are provided on site (and for the ones that aren’t, the community offers transportation services). Instead, one monthly fee covers everything you want and need. It’s often not only more affordable than living in your home – it’s much easier, too.
- Everything is within your reach.
Or, technically, walking distance. For example, East Ridge at Cutler Bay is a 76-acre community with walking trails, arts and crafts studios, a fitness center, fine dining and so much more. This means you don’t have to travel away from home in order to stay fit, dine, socialize or pursue your passions.
- You don’t have to worry about safety and security.
Even if you’re active and independent, you may worry about your personal safety at home, or be concerned about leaving your house for extended periods of time if you take a trip. You don’t need to worry about that in independent living. Our community is gated, and our security staff members are available 24/7, so no one comes in unauthorized. Go on a month-long trip to see your grandkids – the staff will make sure your home is in perfect condition when you return
- You have an instant circle of friends.
Moving to independent living is much like moving onto a college campus. You’re instantly surrounded by other individuals in the same stage of life who are looking for opportunities to make new friends, enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle and the DISCOVER THE adventure that retirement can bring. It’s also very easy to make friends, because you’ll meet so many people when you attend a class, go to the fitness center, participate in an activity or simply walk through a community space. It’s a great way to meet others with similar interests.
- You can benefit from everything while you’re healthy and age in place comfortably.
Moving to independent living while you’re active and healthy means you’re able to truly make the community your home. You can fully enjoy all the benefits that come with a maintenance- and worry-free lifestyle while having the peace of mind that you’ll be able to comfortably age in place without having to move again. It can be very stressful for seniors – and their family members – to have to move to a community following an accident, illness or other event that precipitates the need for assistance. Instead, moving now means you’re able to make thoughtful choices, and manage your downsizing in a comfortable fashion and make the move a happy one – not one that’s motivated by stress and need. By making the choice yourself, you’re setting yourself up for success with a firm foundation of peace of mind for you and your family.
About East Ridge at Cutler Bay
East Ridge at Cutler Bay draws from the neighborhood charm of suburban Cutler Bay and the vibrancy of Miami in a lush tropical setting of 76 acres, located at 19301 SW 87th Avenue. The nonprofit community offers a continuum of care including independent and assisted living residences in a neighborhood setting, respite and skilled nursing care, and rehabilitation services available within Three Palms Health Center.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 305-256-3564.