Important Lifestyle Benefits of Supervised Independent Living in Chattanooga

Research from a 2021 survey shows that 60% of parents say that living with their adult children is somewhat positive. Multigenerational living comes from a combination of convenience and emotional reasons.

Many want to be closer to their families and others move in together for financial or caregiving reasons. Many people who retire in Chattanooga likely feel the same.

But choosing a senior lifestyle means accommodating your loved ones as much as possible. What happens when older adults prefer independent living?

Supervised independent living in Chatanooga is a viable choice for people whose parents want to live alone but need extra help. Keep reading -- we'll discuss supervised independent living and its benefits.

Discussing Independent Living Options

You and your loved ones can pick two independent living options. Let's talk about typical independent living first; technically, your parents continuing to live in their homes is independent living.

You've probably heard of Life Alert. If not, it's a notification system your loved ones can use if something happens while living alone. Many older adults opt for this when living alone in their houses.

However, many sell their homes for various reasons, like moving to warmer climates. This is where senior housing in independent communities comes in.

These communities are tailor-made for older adults. Your loved ones can live independently in apartment homes better built to accommodate them while surrounded by their peers.

Independent neighborhoods offer many activities and are in prime locations where people can enjoy favored local destinations. Many of these communities, like Signal Mountain, offer dining and housekeeping services.

What Is Supervised Independent Living?

Supervised care for seniors in independent neighborhoods blends autonomy and support. Residents can live alone, confident that care professionals are near when needed.

Supervised independent living offers the same amenities as its regular counterpart. The difference is that it comes with added help.

Signal Mountain offers daily wellness checks and monthly wellness reviews. The goal is to ensure health and wellness without being intrusive.

Independent vs Assisted Living: What's the Difference?

People often use "independent living" and "assisted living" interchangeably, but they're not the same. Both are low-maintenance senior lifestyles, but each type of independent living is for still-active older adults.

Even those needing supervised independent living can still largely fend for themselves. Assisted living is for those who are more medically dependent and have trouble with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Assisted living involves trained staff to help residents with grooming, bathing, dressing, and walking. Housekeeping and medication management are a large part of assisted living.

The Benefits of Supervised Independent Living

The greatest perk of supervised independent living is that there's someone around to help. When older adults live independently, they're saying "I can look after myself."

This is true for the most part, however, many people lose mobility and their reflexes weaken with age. Let's say your dad had a fall -- he's recovered well but the bone fracture caused a permanent limp.

He can still get around with a cane or walker and doesn't need or want assisted living services. Supervised independent living assures someone is around to help and will check in on him without hovering.

Privacy

Like many adults, seniors value some degree of privacy. They may not want to live surrounded by others or may not want to impose on their relatives.

Many people aren't very social, so they opt for independent living. Regardless of their reasons, independent supervised living gives them a sense of privacy with aid at arm's reach.

Less Maintenance

Senior housing in independent neighborhoods has caretakers to handle all issues. There are plumbers contracted by the community who fix the leaks. Contracted landscapers do lawn care.

Your parents won't have to worry about difficult housework. Mopping and vacuuming can be strenuous for older adults. Laundry is often heavy and deep cleaning may involve a lot of bending and scrubbing.

Trained housekeepers will handle these tasks for residents. Your loved ones can dedicate more time to exploring new interests and getting to know people.

Security

Independent communities have various security measures to keep residents safe. There are professionally trained staff, including housekeeping and security guards.

Communities use many fall prevention methods, like hallway and bathroom railings and well-illuminated walkways. Access control is a good method for keeping unauthorized people from entering the grounds.

Apartments may have emergency call systems in case of emergencies. Strategically placed cameras keep track of residents and potential intruders. There are also locking mechanisms and emergency response systems.

Socialization and Activities

Part of why people choose independent living communities is so they can still socialize. Loneliness harms physical and mental health -- it can exacerbate depression, anxiety, and substance use.

Having peers to talk with keeps residents engaged and mentally healthy. Older adults can connect with like-minded hobbyists and make new connections.

Activities and recreation also aid socialization. Many communities have outings to local places like movies and parks.

There are often wellness programs that maintain and improve resident health. Art classes, book clubs, and gardening are common at these establishments.

Boarders can choose activities like bingo and checkers. People who prefer to relax in more social settings can retire to lounges to watch TV.

Independent living communities accommodate visitation with loved ones. Residents can spend time with their families and new friends on the premises.

Finding Supervised Independent Living in Chattanooga

There are many senior lifestyles you and your loved ones can pick. Supervised independent living in Chattanooga is a fine option for people who want privacy and independence but still need support.

Signal Mountain Senior Living offers typical independent senior living, supported independent housing, and assisted living.

We also offer respite and memory care. Residents can access our trained staff to aid with things from housekeeping and grooming to medical tasks like medication management and memory exercises.

Contact us if you or a loved one wants to retire in Chatanooga, you can schedule a tour of the neighborhood. Ask our staff about our Military Veterans discount program, new residents get half off of their first month.