Independent Living Decision Guide

A Guide For Seniors

Our Independent Living Decision Guide is designed to help answer questions you may have when considering a move to Tudor Oaks. It is also intended to help you communicate openly with your family and friends. The questions and information below provide a useful way to affirm your decision and to begin discussions with others about your future plans.

I feel like I will be giving up my independence if I move to a Senior Living Community.

This is a very common thought as seniors start to consider their retirement options.  Living in an active senior community actually promotes one’s independence by offering services that allow you to use your time and energy for more enjoyable things.  Imagine having your own chef, housekeeper and  personal trainer, plus a theater, bistro, library, fitness center, and aquatic pools. Community amenities take the pressure off of you and allow you to have much more time for hobbies, interests and new friends.  Residents have actually said they feel more independent after moving to the community than they did in their own homes because they are free to enjoy life.

I’m afraid I won’t get to see my friends or do all the things I enjoy doing now.  I don’t want to sit around all day and do nothing.

Moving to an independent living apartment home is living just like you are now, it’s merely a change of address. Community life offers many amenities and social opportunities that promote friendships and purpose. You don’t need to give up anything you are doing now.  Most people bring their interests, share them with others and even start to take on new hobbies and activities. Card games, book discussion groups, creative crafts and a Man Cave are just some of the things that will all be available to you. Friends will love visiting you in your new home because they can bring their swim suit and join you in the pool or enjoy some toe tapping musical entertainment in the Olive Wood Theater.

I heard we give all our money towards an entrance fee to get in there.

There is great value to a senior living community that has a Refundable Entrance Fee. Once you qualify both medically and financially to live in an independent living apartment, you are taken care of for life. Plus at Tudor Oaks if you need to move to another level of care you receive a discounted rate for as long as you live in that area. With all the apartments and levels of care on one campus, transitioning to another level of care is smooth and very supportive. Our financial program offers an abundance of monetary savings as one’s needs change and more help is required. It’s security for your future and peace of mind for yourself and your family.

I have so much stuff to get rid of, a home to sell, where do I start?

This decision is a big one. There are a lot of steps during the transition, but remember it’s a process! Let the experts help you through everything and break it down for you one task at a time. Tudor Oaks has a number of resources and services to help ease the transition.  At some point in time everyone has to go through downsizing, and while it may not be easy, it can be simplified and organized the sooner you get started. Remember many of the items in your home are already here waiting for you. For example, you don’t need your treadmill or hundreds of books with access to Tudor Oaks fitness center and library.

I’m healthy and I get by now, I don’t need that yet.

It’s easy to dismiss the idea of community living when you feel that you are in tip-top shape, but making the transition while you are healthy and mobile has great benefits! Thinking, “I’ll wait until I really need it,” can come with some risk. If you wait for a significant health-related event to drive the decision, it may limit your ability to take full advantage of all that Tudor Oaks has to offer. So why wait and have to make these decisions under less than ideal conditions? Yikes! Who is going to feel like moving at that point? By making the move now, you will be able to choose where and how you want to enjoy your retirement years. You will be able to take advantage of all the wonderful amenities and friendly people. Statistics prove that community residents live healthier and longer lives because of the stimulating options and camaraderie of neighbors.