Bentley Care Center

A rich, vibrant lifestyle and access to top-quality care if you need it later. Its not too much to ask!Life Plan Communities, also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), were designed with todays seniors in mind.In addition to feeling like high-end resorts with beautiful surroundings, delicious food, and endless options to fill your social calendar, some Life Plan Communities including Vi also offer assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care.Whether you prefer to watch a brief video or take a deep dive into our resources (or both!), we invite you learn more about what Life Plan Community is and how it works. Life Plan Communities offer amenity-filled independent-living options for seniors, but its important to know that different types are available in the marketplace. Some offer multiple levels of care, while others provide specific services for residents.Inclusive Life Plan Communities, sometimes referred to as Type A, offer the most comprehensive plan for care, and typically includes unlimited access to available care services with little or no increase in a residents fees.Inclusive care communities arent widely available within the senior living landscape but most Vi communities are Type A Life Plan Communities. Vi will continue its history of offering Inclusive/Type A arrangements, providing compassionate care at a cost more predictable than changing market rates. Fee-For-Service Life Plan Communities, also known as Type C, do not factor care services into resident fees.If a resident needs care, they will be billed separately for all services at the market rate. This model is commonly available in most areas. In Vis Fee-for-Service model, long-term care is not included in residents monthly fees. However, residents have priority access to care and pay current market rates, should the need arise.Modified, or Type B, Life Plan Communities are the least common type. These communities are a hybrid of Type A and Type C offerings.These offerings vary by community, but a typical Modified contract includes a specific number of days in the communitys care venue billed at the monthly fee rate. Once those days are exhausted, care is then billed at market rates.When should I start considering a move to a Life Plan Community?Opting to make the move while you feel independent allows you to enjoy the benefits of Life Plan Communities for even longer.As you begin contemplating where youll live next, consider what you love about your life now, as well as what your future needs may be. Life Plan Communities allow you to continue living for today think fabulous amenities, gourmet food, and a full calendar of lifestyle and fitness programming knowing that youve put a plan in place for future care.The sooner you move, the sooner you can start enjoying the full breadth of services and amenities that Life Plan Communities have to offer.

No one heads to a car dealership eager to explore the latest models airbag and brake systems.But the advanced safety features on a new car give us comfort and a sense of security as we hit the road, even as we hope that we never need to test their effectiveness. By the same token, very few seniors visit a retirement community excited to inquire about the on-site care facilities. But having a plan in place to get high-quality care if you need it can offer the same type of confidence, even though that planning can cause some discomfort as we admit we wont be young forever.The need for care is a reality of aging for many of us: Adults over 65 have about a 70% chance of requiring long-term care services or support as they age.1Today, well break down the realities of care and what it means for you.Care isn't all or nothing Many people believe that when they get older, theyll either be healthy and living comfortably at home, or theyll be in a nursing home with around-the-clock care. But thats just not true!We use the widely encompassing word care because its a broad concept: Yes, skilled nursing and memory support exist at one end of the care spectrum, but at the other end of that spectrum are more temporary care services like post-surgery or post-accident rehab.Why plan for care now? Though its not as fun to think about as whether youll play a quick nine holes before lunch or catch the symphony after dinner, thinking about your future care now is an essential part of planning your next move.Putting care considerations off until you need it could put you in a more vulnerable position, potentially even leaving those decisions to someone other than yourself. Youve planned and prepared throughout your life; here are some of the top reasons to make a plan now for your future care:No one else is controlling your decision you choose the care option thats right for youPlanning now allows you to visit care facilities and choose the one that makes you feel most comfortableProactively planning for care takes the burden off your family and loved onesYoure free to enjoy the present knowing a plan is in place for your futureYour care options Among each of the possible living scenarios, there are vastly different considerations when it comes to care. Life Plan CommunitiesOne of the biggest benefits of Life Plan Communities is baked right into the name: Youve got a plan in place for your life ahead, including care.The big questions surrounding who will care for you and where youll receive your care are already answered as well as how much it will cost, if you choose a Type A community, also known as inclusive care.Type A Life Plan Communities (like 9 of Vis 10 communities) are designed for residents to move in while theyre independent, with medical and age qualifications in place but care is included later on, from assisted living to skilled nursing and memory care.If the need for care arises, you have 24-hour staff on hand to help, including licensed and certified caregivers who have been vetted by a credible third party. And, of course, through your entrance fee and monthly fees, your costs are predictable and do not change between independent living and higher levels of care.Types B and C offer the same security of the on-site care benefits; the important difference between these and Type A is that you would pay for these services as needed.Medicare.gov offers a Nursing Home Compare tool to search for detailed information on skilled-nursing facilities all over the United States check it out as you evaluate your options.Staying at home or rentingOn the surface, aging in place at home or moving into a rental community can seem more cost-effective and simpler, logistically, than a move to a Life Plan Community.But if you dig a little deeper into potential needs for care in the future, things get more complex. Although there are plenty of in-home care options out there, you'll have to do the research yourself to find trustworthy care providers. Keep in mind, the person you hire will ultimately be invited into the privacy of your home to play this role, so vetting is a hugely important part of the process.You dont have to navigate these decisions alone: Many municipalities have Area Agencies on Aging that are designed to help. Visit eldercare.gov for more information on services where you live.Learn more about what to consider with staying at homeStandalone care services: assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursingIf youve chosen to stay at home or move to rental community, the time may come where you need more dedicated care that simply cant be provided where you currently live.So a move (temporary or permanent, depending on your situation) to a specialized care provider may be in order. Assisted living, memory support, and skilled-nursing facilities provide around-the-clock staff that provide services ranging from basic living assistance to specialized medical care.When choosing a standalone care service provider, you can tailor your decision to suit your budget at the time, as well as your level of need provided youre in a position to do the research necessary to make an informed decision about where you go.Consider, too, that if youre planning on only a temporary stay in skilled nursing, for example, as you recover from surgery or a fall youll need to arrange for someone to take care of your house, collect your mail, ensure bills are paid, and more while youre gone.Whether you plan to stay at home, rent, or need a standalone facility, the cost of your care will be at market rates. Want to learn more about the financial aspects of care? Visit our online resource.Loved ones as caregiversWithout a plan for future care in place, decisions about caregiving can fall to spouses, children, and other family members. In many cases, the caregiving itself can fall to loved ones, resulting in an even larger burden.According to a 2015 survey, about 34.2 million Americans reported providing unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the previous year, with 85% of those caring for a relative such as a parent or spouse. 2And providing that care is no small task Life Plan Communities, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care come with significant price tags for a reason. In the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index,3 caregivers reported spending:13 days each month on tasks like shopping and cooking, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation6 days per month on feeding, dressing, grooming, walking, bathing, and assistance toileting13 hours per month researching care services or information on disease, coordinating physician visits, or managing financial mattersGetting care at Vi Care is core in every Vi community.In addition to independent living, our assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care facilities are located on the same campus for convenient access. That means its easier to maintain relationships and connectivity to the everyday life you love:Spend time with friends nearby even if youve moved to assisted living or are temporarily in skilled-nursing rehabEnjoy the same great food from Culinary Institute of Americatrained chefs as you do in independent livingRemain comfortably at home while your spouse is visiting the care center nearby (or vice versa)Make an informed decision A top-of-the-line safety system may not be the No. 1 reason you purchase a certain vehicle, but chances are you wouldnt dream of buying a car without the assurance that system can provide.Factoring the availability, accessibility, quality, and cost of care into your senior-living decision may feel like an unpleasant exercise, but we hope its one that leaves you feeling empowered to make the move thats right for you both now and in the future.If you have questions about care at Vi or in general were here to provide answers.References1. How Much Care Will You Need? (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Oct. 10, 2017)2. Caregiving in the U.S. (National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, 2015)3. Caregiver Statistics: Demographics (Caregiver.org, April 17, 2019)

The retirement landscape has really changed in the past few decades and thats due in part to the simple fact that Americans are living a lot longer than they did before.According to the Brookings Institution, the likelihood of a 65-year-old reaching their 90th birthday more than doubled in the past 50 years (19652015). That means you may have decades to enjoy life after retirement and lots of senior living options to help you make the most of those years!Finding happiness in retirementWith that in mind, you can almost think of retirement in phases. Phase 1 is all about finding happiness in retirement: You leave your career and embrace your time off, perhaps with more travel, golfing and enjoying your family and friends. During phase 1, you might also relocate to a warmer climate, a city with a higher population of older adults like you, or even a 55-and-older retirement community.In phase 2 of retirement, we begin to consider the realities of aging a bit including pragmatic thoughts of ensuring we can access the care we may need later on. These thoughts can arise for many reasons, including nagging soreness in the morning, witnessing the struggles of friends or peers, or even the loss of a loved one.In Life Plan Communities, many seniors are finding the best of both phases of retirement: the sense of freedom to enjoy their retirement in unique and meaningful ways, plus the comfort of having a plan in place for securing care in the future, should they need it.More than 90 percent of the people who walk through our doors are already retired, said Amy Rosen, sales director at Vi at Aventura, near Miami. Many start as snowbirds who buy a condo and come for the winter. Then they fully retire to Florida, and later on they find themselves looking for something more: They want to know their potential care is planned for.What is a Life Plan Community?Life Plan Communities offer residents a range of independent living options with a plan for potential care, from independent to assisted living, skilled nursing to memory care, should their needs change. We've created this short video to break down the features of this modelRetirement living in a Life Plan CommunityLets take a look at some of the benefits of Life Plan Communities as a senior living option.A lifestyle that adapts to your needsLife Plan Communities offer residents plenty of opportunities to choose how they spend their days, living life on their terms and that offering grows and changes as their needs change. People often think of senior-living communities based on what their needs are in that moment but you also have to think about what your needs might be in the future, said Kelly Parkins, sales director at Vi at La Jolla Village near San Diego.For example, many senior living communities offer valet parking, and residents are free to come and go as they please to enjoy retirement beyond the community. But if residents decide to stop driving for any reason, some communities offer shuttle service and other transportation options to help them keep moving.For residents who simply want to take advantage of activities closer to home, theres a range of programming and activities to enjoy in a Life Plan Community, such as:Group and one-on-one fitness classes for varying activity levelsLectures from local area experts and educators as well continuing-education opportunitiesCommunity clubs that present opportunities to cultivate new hobbiesOrganized outings with neighbors and friends to area cultural attractionsTeam sports leagues and clubs, like bocce, golf, swimming and moreLife Plan Communities afford access to these activities consistently, and immediately within reach, even virtually when needs arise, which becomes increasingly valuable as residents age.Retirement livings built-in communitySocially, Life Plan Communities offer a smooth transition out of one phase of retirement and into another.Many older adults who move into Life Plan Communities continue spending time with their large social networks of friends and family outside the community for many years. But, as some friends and family move away to pursue their own retirement wants and needs, Life Plan Community residents will have been able to develop friendships with fellow residents organically.If you move into a Life Plan Community early on, you can keep enjoying life the way youre living it now but also have time to develop those close relationships within that community that grow with you as you age, Rosen said. Making a home in a Life Plan Community surrounds you with a hyperlocal support network to help you through rough patches, from the loss of a spouse or friend, recovery from major surgery and even national crises like the recent outbreak of COVID-19.Care in a Life Plan Community: having a plan in placeOf course, the real star of the show for Life Plan Communities is the access to care they provide to residents.Care exists on a spectrum in Life Plan Communities: Though care levels vary from community to community, many offer services from short-term rehab after an outpatient surgery to assisted living and long-term memory support, and many things in between. Best of all: Seniors who choose Life Plan Communities as their senior living option have empowered themselves to make decisions about their future care before it can become a true necessity, and while its still easy for them to do is. This relieves the burden on family members of researching options during a crisis. Seniors living in life plans communities know who will be providing care, should the need arise.Where is the best place to live after retirement?Theres a lot to think about as you move through the phases of retirement but theres also a lot to enjoy!Life Plan Communities are just one of the senior living options available to older adults, and theyre the perfect choice for seniors who want to live for today while having a plan in place for future care. Ready to learn more? Browse our Life Plan Communities resources, and reach out if you have questions!

From figuring out what type of care you need to finding a community thats the right fit for you, wrapping your arms around the world of senior living can feel like an overwhelming task.Senior living is also associated with a lot of acronyms and technical terms. Your research is going to be a lot easier if you understand some of the most common terms and just think of all the fun facts you can share at your next cocktail party!With that in mind, weve put together a glossary of some terms youll want to know related to senior living, assisted living, nursing homes, and more. We hope this helps you feel more prepared to make the best senior living decision and fully enjoy the next part of your retirement. AccreditationAccreditation is one way for prospective residents and their families to weigh their senior living options using objective criteria.This process measures how a senior living facility stacks up to an established standard. Senior living accreditation is especially prevalent in assisted living. Accreditation bodies in this space include The Joint Commission, CARF International, and Accreditation Commission for Health Care.While not an official accreditation body, Medicare.govs Nursing Home Compare website also offers an objective five-star rating system for patients and their families to evaluate nursing homes, home health services, hospice care, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, long-term care hospitals and more.Activities of daily living (ADLs)ADLs include everyday tasks that seniors in assisted living may need help with, including:WalkingTransferring, including from bed to a chair, or into a wheelchair or walkerFeedingDressingGroomingBathingToiletingAging in placeAging in place refers to remaining at home as you get older, rather than moving into a senior living community. More than three quarters of adults 50 and older want to age in place at home for as long as possible, according to an AARP survey.Is it right for you? Learn about the pros and cons of aging in place versus moving to a senior living community.Assisted livingThis level of care is designed for people who need assistance with activities of daily living, also known as ADLs. Caregivers in assisted living offer support with those activities of daily living as well as medication management. However, most seniors in assisted living remain relatively independent and dont require around-the-clock medical care (in contrast to skilled nursing care). Assisted living facilities In assisted living facilities, seniors receive assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Residents have private residences along with access to community spaces like dining rooms, game rooms, fitness centers, salons and more. They receive hands-on care from skilled professionals according to a personalized care plan.Certified nursing assistant (CNA)These healthcare workers provide personal care to patients, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and medication management. CNAs, also known as nursing assistants, nurse's aids or patient care assistants, work in a variety of settings, including skilled nursing facilities.Congregate housingThis is an umbrella term for any residential community where residents have their own private living space but share some communal living spaces, such as dining rooms, recreational and wellness areas, outdoor spaces, and other social gathering places.Senior living communities are an example of congregate housing.Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)In these communities, residents enjoy an independent lifestyle along with access to a care center that offers a comprehensive continuum of care, including assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care.CCRCs offer three different types of contracts, some of which build care access into monthly fees and offer it on site, while others provide care (or access to off-site care) at market rates.CCRCs are also sometimes known as Life Plan Communities.Continuum of careThis term refers to the levels of healthcare services available to senior living residents. In a Continuing Care Retirement Community or Life Plan Community, Independent Living residents have access to all levels of care along the continuum, starting with independent living and including assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care.Director of nursing (DON)DONs are ultimately responsible for all nursing care in their facility and will also communicate with residents and their families and physicians as needed. These registered nurses are responsible for supervising the operations and staffing of a nursing unit, including clinical, financial, HR, and quality assurance.Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)This United States federal statute was signed into law in 1996. Most notably, HIPAAs Privacy Rule (Article 2) protects patients protected health information, including medical records and any data that is considered individually identifiable. This rule also gives individual patients the right to:See or get a copy of their health recordsRequest copies of their health records be electronically sent to a third partyAsk for corrections to their health recordsHome health careFor seniors who are aging in place at home, home health care providers can offer assistance.They have a range of skill levels and credentialing, from unlicensed personal care aides who provide non-medical care and companionship to licensed professional nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses who can provide higher-level medical care.Independent livingIn independent living, seniors live on their own with a lower-maintenance lifestyle that allows them to fully enjoy their retirement. Independent living residents can take advantage of a variety of services and amenities included with their monthly expenses, including home maintenance, chef-prepared meals, and wellness activities.Licensed practical nurse (LPN)These healthcare professionals work under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse to monitor patients, administer medications, and ensure a residents care plan is carried out properly. Their responsibilities may also include taking vital signs, charting, inserting catheters, providing wound care and more.Life Plan CommunityAnother term for Continuing Care Retirement Community.Living willIf you cant make decisions for yourself, these written instructions can dictate your medical wishes. Theyre also known as advance healthcare directives, personal directives, advance directives, medical directives or advance decisions.Doctors, caregivers and loved ones will need these documents if youre terminally ill, in a coma, living with advanced dementia, seriously injured or nearing the end of your life.Long-term care facilityFor those who are no longer able to live on their own, these facilities provide medical and personal care and support. Despite the name, patients dont always remain in long-term care permanently and can often move back home or into independent living after they recover from an illness, surgery, fall or other malady.Nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities are examples of long-term care facilities.According to the Administration for Community Living, an adult turning 65 has a nearly 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care.Long-term care insuranceThese insurance policies defray the costs of care for chronic medical conditions or disabilities.Long-term care insurance policies may reimburse you for costs associated with home health care and treatment in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult day care centers. A policy may also dovetail with the services offered in a Continuing Care Retirement Community.Memory careMemory care, also known as memory support, provides comprehensive care for patients diagnosed with more advanced dementia conditions, including Alzheimers Disease.Caregivers in these facilities design custom treatment plans, in partnership with doctors and family members, to manage residents cognitive decline and keep them engaged with their lives.Nursing homeIn nursing care facilities, residents receive specialized, highly supervised medical care, either long-term or as they recover from a surgery or illness.The term is sometimes incorrectly used as a catch-all for senior living communities or standalone assisted living facilities. But in fact, it refers only to communities where residents receive around-the-clock skilled nursing care.Registered nurse (RN)A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed medical professional who can work in a variety of medical and community settings.RNs work hands-on with patients and alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals.Residential care homesMost residential care homes offer care like what assisted living residents receive but on a smaller scale. These intimate senior living communities are home-like settings that offer personalized care for a small number of residents (think 10 residents as opposed to hundreds).Sandwich generationThis population is made up of middle-aged adults who are caregivers and/or providers for both their own children and their aging parents.Senior move managerSenior move managers help seniors prepare (both physically and emotionally) for a relocation to a senior living community or other facility.Senior move managers can assist with downsizing, estate sales and auctions, donations, packing and unpacking, the move itself and even creating floor plans for a new residence.Skilled nursingSkilled nursing is around-the-clock, hands-on care that could include physical, occupational and/or speech therapy. In skilled nursing, licensed professionals create and manage care plans that are tailored to each residents individual needs.Seniors might require short-term skilled nursing services for post-surgery recovery or rehabilitation, or they might need longer-term nursing care.Universal designThis design approach is focused on creating spaces that are accessible to all people regardless of age, disability, and other factors that traditional design might limit.Universal design in a residential environment could include no-step entryways, wider doors and hallways, adjustable-height counters, non-slip surfaces and grab bars in bathrooms, lever-style door handles, and more.University-based retirement community (UBRC)Senior living communities that are directly affiliated with a nearby higher-education institution are known as UBRCs. University-based retirement communities are formally tied to the university and encourage lifelong learning as well as interaction between community residents and the general student population. They are an especially powerful draw to university alumni, retired faculty and former employees.Many are Continuing Care Retirement Communities that offer residents access to the full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care.Veterans Aid & AttendanceThis Veterans Administration (VA) pension benefit provides tax-free funds for long-term care services to veterans and their surviving spouses.In general, the VA does not pay for room and board or basic services in assisted living, but funds from this program can be used to pay any expenses associated with long-term care, including residential expenses in assisted living.To find out if you qualify, contact the VA.

In Henry Schwenks seven years as a resident of Vi at The Glen, hes left an indelible mark on the community as their trivia master for nearly the same length of time.He got into the game by accident while dining with friend and fellow resident Leah Grant, who was helping the Lifestyle Department plan resident-focused events. Leah was coming up short on ideas, so she enlisted Henry to help. The first possibility to pop into his head? Trivia. Before he knew it, Leah had deputized him as the communitys trivia master.Seven years later, Henry has never looked back.I read three newspapers a day and I get ideas. My mind is tuned to trivia, Henry said, And when I have dinner with people, which is every night or lunch, Im listening.Ive got a mind that kind of records things.For brain bending or bragging rightsInspired by his own research, the interests of his fellow residents and a level of precision befitting a former engineer, Henry has devised more than 2,000 questions that are fine-tuned to foster a fun environment and a perfect level of challenge. The results have been undeniable: Trivia nights regularly packed Glen Hall before the pandemic.And while COVID-19 could have spelled the end of Vi at The Glens favorite game, Henry and the Lifestyle Department kept it alive via the communitys in-house television network, giving residents a bit of normalcy and a regular dose of intellectual stimulation when they needed them most.Youll find that if you put your mind to work, you can come up with some amazing things, Henry said.Of course, not all residents play trivia with mental exercise in mind. Some, he said with a laugh, are in it for the glory.Wed give five prizes for the five highest scores: bottles of wine or boxes of candy or gift certificates. That all worked. But mainly, they werent there for the prizes. They were after the bragging rights, getting their name on the trophy.This coveted trophy is covered with the names of teams that have claimed victory under Henrys watchall 42 of them.A new lease on lifeMoving to Vi at The Glen didnt just lead to Henrys prolific career as a quizmaster. He says it gave him a new lease on life, a refreshing way to fight boredomand an opportunity to start a new chapter among friends.I like the lifestyle program and the fact that theyve given us a variety of activities, Henry said. Ive done a whole lot of things since Ive been at the Vi that I probably would not have done. The seven years have gone by in a hurry.Turning trivia nights into a community institution certainly counts as one of those unexpected endeavors. After well over a year without in-person events, the first normal trivia night took place in September 2021, and residents are clamoring for more.Every time I go down the hall, somebody will say, Henry, whens the next trivia?If youre inspired to try your hand at the competition thats quickly become a tradition, get in touch with us  we would be happy to secure a guest invitation for you.

Youve been investing, saving, and making savvy decisions about money your whole life so now what?More choices await you as you plan your next chapter and as you consider whether to move to a retirement community, financials will likely be an important piece of the equation. So take the time to gather the information and resources you need around the cost of senior living to make the right decision for you. Understanding the financial landscapeBy this point in life, many seniors may have paid off their mortgages and other assets and are living comfortably.As youre starting your research on retirement communities, you may be venturing into some uncharted financial territory. Whats more, weighing the pros and cons of Life Plan Communities, rental communities, aging-in-place scenarios, and more can often feel like an apples-to-oranges comparison. Consider it an investment for tomorrowAs a first-time homeowner, you likely wouldnt have purchased a one-bedroom condo if you knew you wanted to have children. Youd have invested in a home you and your family could grow into comfortably as your life progressed.The same goes for senior living: It pays to weigh what you want and need today and anticipate what your future needs will look like.In general, aging in place at home or moving into a rental community can be an affordable solution for your life now and in the immediate future. But in terms of future care, there are variables to consider. Should your needs change over time, you'll have to figure out solutions as you go and pay the current market rates.Life Plan Communities take the big picture into account: where you are now as well as what care youll need as you continue to age. And because of this, they come with a higher up-front price tag.No matter what you choose, each living situation comes with a different set of cost considerations.What's your bottom line?It pays to have a complete picture of what youll be paying for and why over the life of your senior-living investment not just how much youll be paying out of pocket, but also how those investments will serve you in the future. (Just think what it would have been like trying to raise a family in that one-bedroom starter condo)Yes, taken at face value, options like assisted living over aging in place with home care, or Life Plan Communities over rentals, can seem like disproportionately large investments.But when you look at the big picture and take ongoing and long-term costs into account, an apples-to-oranges comparison can suddenly seem more apples to apples.Some senior living companies, including Vi, offer pricing sources right on their website. Others require a call to sales or a request for more information.Do you want to talk more about your financial options? Were here to help. Contact us with your questions around paying for senior living.

What does independence look like to you? Living a life of independence and freedom means different things to different people its all about your perspective.Does it mean maintaining your morning gym routine, and then heading out to meet friends for a cup of coffee?Or gearing up for your next global getaway?Maybe its pursuing a passion like photography or putting in a little extra time on the golf course?Perhaps it means being mentally and financially prepared for lifes little curveballsOr maybe, for you, its as simple as having a plan in place for your home, your belongings, your lifestyle, and even your future care needs.Right now, you choose how to fill your days. From how you spend your time and money to the company you keep, its all up to you. Good news that sense of flexibility shouldnt have to change with whatever retirement living option you ultimately choose!What makes you feel independent and free is personal and will likely play a role in the choices you make as you consider where you want to spend the next chapter of your life.Staying at home: a comfortable and familiar lifestyle Choosing to age in place in your home allows you to maintain your comfortable and familiar status quo. You get to remain in your neighborhood longer, with access to activities you already enjoy, and in the company of people you know and love - continuing this lifestyle may be a way to maintain a feeling of independence.Keeping your membership at the local country club, saying hello to friendly acquaintances during your weekly errands, enjoying your home-cooked food and meals at your favorite restaurantsall of these things are some of the enticing benefits of remaining at home.Its also important to consider how your needs and lifestyle will change. Think about how different your life was ten years ago and consider what else may change in the next ten years. The other side of the independence coin for staying at home is that you may need to navigate those life changes, as well as any future care needs you might encounter, on your own or with the help of loved ones.Retirement communities: an opportunity to expand your comfort zone We know what the stereotypes out there are. For some, moving to a retirement community may be perceived as giving up your personal sense of independence and freedom. But if youre picturing hushed environments, boring activities, and dining rooms serving up uninspiring fare, maybe its time to reconsider this option.Weve said it before: This is not your grandmas senior living!Not all retirement communities are assisted living or skilled nursing in fact, most are robust communities full of residents with varied interests doing what they want to do not things they have to do. Think about the life you lead today you can continue to do many of these things and much more. You still get to choose how to spend your days - and at Life Plan Communities, in particular, with the added benefit of having a plan in place for many of your future, but perhaps unanticipated, needs.This continuity of your lifestyle is not limited to how you choose to spend your days. Many Vi residents bring their cars, pets, and favorite personal belongings with them when they move to one of our Life Plan Communities, which helps make their new homes feel uniquely their own. Also worth noting: in our 2018 Resident Satisfaction Survey, 96% of Vi residents reported feeling they have the freedom to create a lifestyle that reflects who they are.So why should you consider moving into a retirement community sooner than later?Inviting new friendships: Hang on to the relationships you have now but you can also branch out to build new friendships with people who share your interests. Find a gym buddy, a fellow theatergoer, even a mutual culinary enthusiast!Upbeat lifestyle: Make reservations at the new restaurant down the street. Spend the day with your grandkids on their birthdays. Treat yourself to an afternoon of shopping or see a matinee at the local playhouse. Or stick around the community to try out a new activity, from a Pilates class to a talk in an ongoing lecture series.Retirement living  your way: Add to your social calendar with the many ways to get involved and leave your mark at a retirement community, whether you want to start a new book club, sit on a resident board, or even host a cocktail party or progressive dinner. Be as busy as you want to be!Turnkey perks: Another great benefit for residents is the turnkey lifestyle of a retirement community. With all your basic needs accounted for think maintenance, security, and other concierge services youre free to zoom off for your next vacation.Life Plan Communities - A lifestyle for today with a plan for tomorrow: A Life Plan Community allows you to continue doing the things that make you feel independent and is designed to provide a lifestyle that helps support your sense of freedom well into the future. Plus you have the added benefit of a plan for care should you need it - allowing you and your family to live for today and tomorrow, knowing some big decisions have already been made! Did you know?Life Plan Communities are actually designed to fit your lifestyle today and fuel your sense of independence into the future! (Rental communities are as well.)At Type A Life Plan Communities like Vi, there are also medical qualifications. Care is included later on, from assisted living to skilled nursing and memory care.In Type C Life Plan and rental communities, the medical requirements are generally less stringent, as assisted living isnt included in your fees.Make a plan for your future The steps youre taking to carefully research your options while you have the flexibility in your choices may be one of those things that makes you feel independent and free. No matter where you end up living out the next chapter of your life - youre empowering yourself to make the best decision for you today and in the future.Are you curious about what your personal vision of independence might look like in Life Plan Communities? Explore our communities.