HOW MUCH SPACE DO I NEED WHEN I MOVE INTO A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY?

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Freedom Village of Bradenton

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Apr 19, 2023

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

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Deciding how big your home should be when you’re moving into senior living comes with different considerations than when you purchase other property. If you’re looking through floor plans for an independent living home and wondering how much space you really need, here are some helpful questions to make the decision easier.

How Big Should Your Home Be? Answer These Questions to Help You Decide:

How many people are moving into your new residence?

At many senior living communities, one or two people can move into a residence of any size. For one person, a studio or a one-bedroom senior apartment will likely suit just fine. Two people can be comfortable in a one-bedroom, but many choose to look at two- or three-bedroom apartment or even a villa to give themselves some extra space.

How comfortable are you with downsizing?

Some older adults look forward to the prospect of reducing the number of their belongings when moving into senior living. They can sell, donate, or pass down items they’ve loved so the item can benefit someone else. Some new residents even buy all new furniture to suit their senior apartment or villa.However, the majority of seniors will downsize — or rightsize, if you prefer — many of their belongings, but still have pieces they love and want to keep. If there are larger pieces of furniture you want to move to a new residence, these pieces may help determine how big your house should be. Pro tip: You can use graph paper to draw the floor plans you’re considering. Then cut shapes to scale that represent the furniture you’d like to bring and move them around the floor plan to figure out where they could fit in your senior apartment or villa.

What are your storage options?

Ample storage can make you feel much more comfortable in your new residence. Consider the closet space in your current apartment. You likely won’t need nearly as many cleaning supplies as you’re used to because you’ll have regular housekeeping service. Additionally, you won’t need as many pots and pans because you’ll have daily meals prepared for you by a professional chef. With roomy closets and smart organization, you’ll likely be able to find room for each of your belongings, but some senior living residents choose to rent a small storage unit for items they don’t need very often, like seasonal decorations.

What kind of amenities will you enjoy at the community?

When considering how big your house should be, remember that the whole senior living campus will be yours to enjoy. Depending on your preferences, you may not be in your independent living home very often. You may be using the fitness center, reading in the library, working in the business center, or walking the landscaped grounds.

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Local Services By This Author

Freedom Village of Bradenton Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation Facilities 6410 21st Avenue W., Bradenton, Florida, 34209

Freedom Village of Bradenton, located just six miles from the Gulf Coast beaches in West Bradenton, Florida is a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community that offers beautiful and spacious living accommodations and a full range of health care services, including Rehabilitation.  Our community provides a safe, friendly and comfortable environment for our residents, from upscale apartments and villas in Independent Living, to the personalized services we offer in Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.After an illness or injury, only the best short-term rehabilitation services can get you back to your life as soon as possible.  Our team of expert clinicians collaborate with each other and with you to design an individualized plan tailored to your challenges, abilities and goals.     *  Physical, occupational and speech therapies     *  Orthopedic rehabilitation     *  CVA/Stroke rehabilitation     *  Fall prevention program     *  Pulmonary program     *  Cardiac heart failure program     *  Balance and vestibular therapy Call 941-799-6855 to learn more about our services or to schedule a personalized visit. We look forward to sharing our beautiful campus with you.

Freedom Village of Bradenton Memory Care

Memory Care 6410 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida, 34209

Heartfelt CONNECTIONS is a nationally recognized program designed to provide personalized, activity-focused memory care for individuals impacted by Alzheimer's or other dementias. Here's what your loved one can expect and the benefits they can experience:What your loved one can expect:Personalized memory care: Industry-leading care tailored to the unique needs and abilities of each resident, including specialized Alzheimer's care.Assistance with daily living: Help with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication management to promote comfort and well-being.Dementia-specific programming: Engaging activities such as arts and crafts therapy designed to stimulate cognitive function and enhance quality of life.Access to community amenities: Enjoyment of amenities such as the salon and barbershop, fitness center, and pool to promote socialization and overall well-being.Small-group activities: Participation in enjoyable group activities within a supportive and intimate environment.Community outings: Regular outings to enhance enrichment and provide opportunities for engagement and socialization.Benefits for your loved one:Promotes dignity and accomplishment: Encourages a sense of pride and achievement in daily activities, fostering dignity and self-worth.Supports engaged eating: Specialized diets and mealtime support to promote enjoyment and nutritional intake.Improves overall well-being: Supports improved self-esteem, reduces fear, anxiety, and frustration, and promotes overall health and well-being.Benefits for you:Peace of mind: Knowing your loved one is receiving the highest quality of care and support.Enhanced relationship: Allows you to focus on cherishing the relationship with your loved one, returning to the loving connection you once shared.Quality time together: Provides opportunities to make the most of your time together, engaging in meaningful activities and interactions.Support for the family: Offers access to resources, counseling, and other services to support you and your family throughout the caregiving journey.Heartfelt CONNECTIONS aims to enrich the lives of individuals with dementia while providing support and peace of mind to their families, fostering a positive and nurturing environment where each resident can thrive.

Freedom Village of Bradenton Skilled Nursing

Skilled Nursing 6410 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida, 34209

The Inn at Freedom Village offers 24-hour skilled nursing care designed to provide advanced long-term care with the comfort and support of home. Here's what you or your loved one can expect from our skilled nursing services:Tailored care plans: Residents at The Inn at Freedom Village are treated as treasured family members, and our caring staff takes the time to develop personalized care plans tailored to individual needs. Whether for short-term or long-term stays, we anticipate needs and provide highly personalized care and transition support.Supportive environment: Residents receive care in a supportive environment where their comfort and well-being are prioritized. Our staff assists with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication administration, ensuring residents' needs are met with compassion and dignity.Engaging activities: We encourage residents to stay engaged in activities appropriate for them, offering opportunities for socialization, recreation, and personal enrichment. Our beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds provide serene outdoor spaces for relaxation and enjoyment.Comprehensive amenities: Skilled nursing services and amenities include private or companion suites, all-inclusive monthly fees covering care, living, and dining costs, daily housekeeping and laundry service, and 24-hour nursing care. We also hold regular care meetings with residents and their families to ensure ongoing communication and support.At The Inn at Freedom Village, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive skilled nursing care in a warm and welcoming environment. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for each resident by meeting their individual needs with personalized care and support.