When people think of the elderly going into independent living in Dallas, TX, the image that typically comes to mind is of a single individual. Given the rise in life expectancy, many couples actually undertake this important change together. As you are becoming older, you may be thinking about how you might want to live with your spouse. Thus, we wanted to make sure that you were aware of the many advantages that come with aging together with your spouse in independent living in Dallas, Texas. Read on for more.
Different Care Needs for Each Spouse
When a couple has been together for a significant amount of time and resides in the same residence, it is common for one partner to take on the role of caregiver for the other. One may struggle with a variety of physical conditions or require additional assistance with the typical activities of daily living. In means, that when one person is dealing with the challenges of aging themselves, the other person in the relationship requires help in order to be able to provide adequate care for themselves.
In the event that both members of the couple require additional medical care and day-to-day support, the couple may decide to relocate together into independent living in Dallas, TX. However, the requirements for care rarely fall into tidy little rows. Alternatively, one person could choose to live in an independent living community while the other chooses to live in an assisted living community.
Changes in Healthcare
Providing for the needs of elders in their latter years is central to the mission of independent living communities. As an example, you may start out in independent living but eventually, need to transition to assisted living due to health concerns. With two people, who will undoubtedly want to share a room, things get more complicated. Accommodations can be made for each partner’s needs, or the pair may choose to live in separate units, one in independent living and the other in assisted living. This is a common scenario for couples where one spouse has dementia or Alzheimer’s and needs special care for their memory. The healthier elderly person can relax knowing that their loved one is well taken care of and can still pay frequent visits to keep the bond strong. When one spouse no longer needs to provide for or depend on the other, it can take a huge load off of everyone’s shoulders.
Going Independent
Moving into independent living is very similar to moving into any other rental community, in the sense that your apartment will be your own, and you will be free to decorate it however you see fit. A senior couple that chooses to live in independent living receives many privileges, like housekeeping and laundry services, in addition to an active social life that is pre-built into the community. Both partners in a couple have the option of pursuing their individual interests and activities, but they could also choose to do things together. They might have “date night” in their apartment by preparing meals together, or they could go out with their pals to a restaurant on campus. They are able to create their own unique journey through life, safe in the knowledge that they have access to higher levels of care should their need evolve.
