Maintaining independence is vital for enjoying a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you’re looking at independent living options for you or your loved one, you’ll want to find a space that’s just right. You want to feel safe in your surroundings, be able to socialise and indulge in your hobbies and interests, while enjoying modern, secure facilities.
So how do you know which independent living space is right for you? In our practical guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider, so you can find the perfect match for your needs.
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What is independent living?
Independent living isn’t just somewhere to live, it is a lifestyle choice. Many individuals can live independently with some support, and an independent living facility can make that happen. From basic help around the house to medical care, having that accessible support available can make all the difference to a person’s quality of life.
Some of the benefits of independent living facilities include:
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Modern, comfortable accommodation with the benefit of technology and safety features to support your living needs.
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Convenient locations within communities, providing plenty of things to see and do.
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The chance to meet and connect with others, with plenty of activities, workshops and social events to keep you busy.
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On-site support, ensuring you get the help you need, when you need it.
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Safety and security, helping you feel at ease in your home.
Choosing an independent living facility shouldn’t leave you stressed, which is why we have put the following information together to make it easier for you to make your decision.
Assessing your needs
Choosing the right independent living specialist depends on your individual needs. Some of the things you’ll need to consider include:
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Your specific health needs
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Your mobility
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Your lifestyle preferences
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Proximity to family and friends
Having a clearer idea of what you need will help you shortlist independent living specialists, helping to shape your decision-making process.
How to research independent living specialists?
When you’re looking for independent living specialists in Geelong, you’ll have many different options to choose from. But it’s important that you spend time considering all of your options to help you find the best fit. Some key ways to research independent living specialists include:
Conduct some online research
Most independent living communities will have a website, which can be an effective way of learning more about them. You’ll get the chance to see the services they offer, explore accommodation options and see some images and videos to help you get a better feel of the place. A website should be detailed and contain a wide range of information to help inform your decision.
Check out reviews
Online reviews can tell you a lot about a place. Finding reviews and testimonials of Geelong independent living specialists can give you word-of-mouth reviews that could help you decide if the location is right for you. You can find reviews on the facility’s website, on Google and even on social media.
Ask for recommendations
As well as online reviews, some of the most reliable word-of-mouth recommendations will come from people you trust, such as your friends and family. Ask for recommendations that will give you further insight into the locations you’re researching. Make sure you ask them questions to help you build up a clearer picture and to ensure it has all of the facilities and amenities you’re looking for.
Pay them a visit
Visiting different independent living specialists is the best way to see what they have to offer. You should check out guided tours and visits that will help you explore the grounds and all the different facilities, giving you a better sense of whether it’s a good fit for you. Make sure you visit with someone you can trust to get a second opinion, who may think of things you haven’t considered viewing or asking during your visit.
What to look for in independent living specialists
All independent living specialists have something unique to offer, but they may not all be suited to your needs. Some of the things you need to consider include:
Types of services offered
You should research the types of services offered by the independent living specialists. If they aren’t readily available in their brochures or website, you should contact them to receive this. Understanding the services on offer can help you see how the facility can meet your individual needs for a tailored, supportive living environment.
Different accommodation types include:
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Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
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Supported Independent Living (SIL)
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MTA (Medium Term Accommodation)
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Short Term Accommodation (STA) or respite
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Group homes
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Complex Care
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High Care
Cost
Cost is another important consideration for anyone looking at an independent living specialist. You need a clear understanding of fees, whether they are covered by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and any other costs you may need to pay during your stay.
Location
Location is, without a doubt, one of the most important elements of choosing your independent living specialist. You’ll want to consider how close the facility is to your friends and family, whether it has good transport links, and what’s nearby. You may wish to be located near a city or town centre, a beach, or national parks – whatever your preference, you need to make sure your chosen location meets your wants and needs.
Reputation
Making the move to an independent living specialist can be daunting at first, but it can make a significant difference to your life. Explore the facility’s reputation to ensure you’re choosing somewhere you can trust – it’s better to have that reassurance than to regret your decision.
Choosing the right independent living specialist for your needs is an important decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The purpose of making the move is to enable you to live somewhere where you feel safe and supported, meaning you should be left feeling comfortable and confident in your decision. Take your time to consider all of your options, so you can choose a community that will help you live a happy, independent life.
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