Freedom and Independence: The Cornerstones of Life Plan Living at Vista Point

Starting in childhood, each year offers a new opportunity for freedom and independence until, one day, we move out of our parents’ house, never looking back. After literally decades of making your own choices and doing whatever you want, whenever you want, why would you ever give up your autonomy?

Our recent survey backs this up, with 94% of respondents saying they value maintaining their freedom and independence. So, is it possible to be part of a community and still live life your way? Can you find freedom in senior living? Promoting freedom and independence is literally the Life Plan Community philosophy. Let’s take a look at how your current lifestyle might not be as liberating as you want.

Owning a Home Can End Up Owning You

Regardless of how old your home is, it’s going to need upkeep and maintenance. Granted, the newer your home, the fewer costly repairs it’ll need, but there’s always something that needs fixing. That’s why it’s vital to have a financial plan for eventual home repairs. (You’ll also have to make time to either do the repairs yourself or be available to let the service technicians in to do the work.) Here are two popular ways to estimate what you’ll need every year to look after your home:

The 1% rule: This rule recommends budgeting at least 1% of the home’s purchase price for maintenance expenses. So, if you purchased a $500,000 home, using this rule, you should budget a minimum of $5,000 for upkeep and repairs. If you purchased your home decades ago, it might be more helpful to use the current asking price in your neighborhood. If your home is older, it’s more likely to need even more repairs, so you might want to set aside up to 4% of your home’s value. In the above example of a $500,000 house, that could mean maintenance costs of up to $20,000 a year.

The square-footage rule: For this rule you should plan on putting away $1 per square foot of your home for annual repairs. However, home maintenance and repair labor costs vary with the cost of living across the U.S., so your budget should reflect your area’s rates.

Life Plan Community Benefits

If you’re an active adult, choosing a Life Plan Community — like Vista Point at Fairview — with a continuum of on-site care can give you a smart plan for the future. However, there’s more to a community than just their health care services. Moving while you’re still healthy can give you access to a more active and social lifestyle than you’re able to enjoy from your home right now.

Daily driving: Is driving something you do because you want to or because you have to? A Life Plan Community can radically shrink the time and distance you have to drive by having many of the services you need right on-site. Plus, they have scheduled transportation to take you shopping and to doctors’ appointments.

No more cooking: Today’s Life Plan Communities feature restaurant-style dining options, grab-and-go cafes, and more. So, you no longer have the responsibility of cooking and the required cleanup. Of course, you’ll still have a full kitchen in your home, allowing you to cook whenever the mood strikes.

More wellness opportunities: It can be difficult to get enough exercise, prepare nutritious meals, and pursue other wellness objectives. A community with a strong health and wellness focus will already have classes that exercise your mind, body, and spirit, along with health-conscious menu options that will make meeting your goals easier and more convenient.

More social opportunities: Two recent studies came to the same conclusion: As we age, socializing helps keep our minds sharp and may even prevent dementia. A community can offer you an array of interesting neighbors along with a calendar full of stimulating recreational, cultural, and social events.

When Should I Move to a Life Plan Community?

While you may think you’ll move when you need care, there are advantages to moving to a Life Plan Community sooner rather than later. To help you make the best choice, consider these five questions:

1. Are you ready to give up the chores and expense of home maintenance and upkeep?
2. Would you like to cook and clean less?
3. Do you want to socialize and travel more?
4. Is it time to learn a new hobby or make time for an old one?
5. Would you like to decide your future rather than have your family decide for you?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, it’s time to seriously consider a Life Plan Community.

Can You Wait Too Long?

Who knows what the future holds? Yes, you could be in great health today and plan to move to a community someday. Here are three reasons why you may want to make up your mind to join us at Vista Point sooner rather than later:

1. Maintain your independence: Typically, to move into independent living, you must be able to truly live on your own. Some people wait too long and experience an unexpected health issue, and only qualify for assisted living.
2. Choice of floor plans: If you want a specific type of residence or floor plan, waiting could mean you miss out on your preferred residence. If you’re already planning to move to an independent living community sometime in your future, why not become a Vista Point Priority Club Member and get your preferred residence now?
3. Plan for the future: Deciding to move now lets you pick the community that best fits your lifestyle and budget. Plus, choosing a community that has access to health services takes the worry and uncertainty off your loved ones.

Discover How Freeing Your Future Here Can Be

Come experience our view of independent senior living in Groton for yourself. Soon, our Priority Membership will be closing, so you won’t want to miss your opportunity to help us bring our bold plan for the future to life. To learn more about the only Life Plan Community in the area to combine an amazing lifestyle with stunning waterfront views, attend one of our Priority Club events by calling (860) 968-VIEW (8439) or contacting us here.