For years, I told myself I wasn’t ready to move. My home was familiar. I knew where everything was. Moving felt like a big change, one I didn’t think I needed.

But here’s what I didn’t realize at the time: staying home wasn’t as easy as I made it out to be.

I told myself I was fine managing the house. But the repairs, yard work and upkeep became more overwhelming every year.

I told myself I was social enough. But the truth was, my world was shrinking.

I told myself I liked cooking for myself. But more often than not, I was eating something quick and easy instead of a full meal.

When I finally settled into independent living, I had one thought: Why didn’t I do this sooner?

If you have been telling yourself that staying home is better, I’d like to gently challenge you to think about whether it truly gives you the best quality of life. Here are five reasons I prefer independent living (and why you might, too).

1. A Like-Minded Community, Right Outside My Door

At home, if I wanted to spend time with friends, it required making plans, driving somewhere, and working around others’ schedules, which were often off-kilter from mine. Some days, I barely saw anyone.

Now? I have friends right down the hall. We meet every afternoon for conversation, play games on Tuesdays and Fridays and go out for dinner together.

There’s something wonderful about being surrounded by people who understand your stage of life, who share your interests and who make every day a little more fun.

Does staying home give you that?

2. Less Maintenance, More Enjoyment

How much time do you spend thinking about home repairs? Calling a handyman? Cleaning, fixing, and keeping up with everything that comes with owning a house?

Here’s a glimpse at how things work at independent living:

  • When my smoke alarm needed fixing, security took care of it immediately.
  • When my showerhead broke, maintenance replaced it for me.
  • When I wanted to decorate for Christmas, maintenance helped set up my holiday village.

At home, these tasks were my responsibility. Here? Someone else takes care of them. I just get to enjoy my home and my life. What a joy! 

3. Meals Made Easy (and Delicious!)

I used to love cooking. But over time, grocery shopping, meal prep and cleanup became more of a chore than a joy. Some nights, I skipped cooking altogether.

Now, I can eat in the dining room with friends or have meals delivered. If I feel like cooking, I still can! The difference is I don’t have to.

Could your life be easier if you didn’t have to worry about meals every day?

4. Fun Activities Every Day

At home, I found myself watching TV more often than I’d like to admit. I wasn’t bored, exactly, but I also wasn’t making the most of my days.

Now, I have access to so many activities:

  • Exercise classes in the fitness center
  • Social gatherings, games and outings
  • Holiday and community events

There’s always something happening, and I get to join in when and if I want. Now, I have more to look forward to, without the effort of planning things myself.

What’s keeping you from enjoying life a little more?

5. Still Close to Family without Being a Burden

One of my biggest worries about moving was that I’d be leaving family behind. But I’ve come to realize I’m just as close as ever.

My family visits often, and now when we spend time together, we’re making memories, not handling my to-do list. I no longer feel guilty asking for help with the house, and my children have peace of mind knowing I have support if I need it.

Staying at home may feel like the most comfortable option, but is it giving you and your family the best quality of life?

I Only Wish I’d Moved Sooner

I used to think that “independent” living meant giving up my independence. Now I see that it gave me more freedom than ever!

If you’ve been holding off on making the move, ask yourself:

  • Are you spending more time maintaining your home than enjoying your life?
  • Do you have easy access to social opportunities, support and activities?
  • Could you benefit from a little more ease, a little more fun and a little less stress?

Moving was the best decision I ever made. It might just be the best decision for you, too.

Inland Christian Home now has openings in Independent Living. If you would like to learn more about an Ontario Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) known for offering a warm and welcoming full continuum of care, call us at (909) 983-0084 or visit our Independent Living Services page for more information.