Why Move to Independent Living in the New Year

Dec 29, 2020 by Danielle Andersen



Each year we make new year’s resolutions as we count down to the new year and watch the ball drop in Times Square. How many of those new year’s resolutions actually become habit, though? It’s not that we don’t want to exercise more, volunteer or finally learn how to play piano, it’s just that other things get in the way.

As you (joyfully) say goodbye to 2020, make the greatest new year’s resolution you can make for yourself in your retirement years. Moving to an independent living community will give you the freedom to exercise, pick up a new hobby and so much more.

The Benefits of Independent Living

The new year is an ideal time to re-evaluate your living situation, especially if you are entering or are currently in retirement. Being a homeowner comes with its perks, like owning your own house and having the freedom to do what you wish. However, it comes with drawbacks like property taxes, utility bills and frustrating home maintenance. Independent living, on the other hand, still offers the same level of freedom you want, just without all the time-consuming and expensive home repairs and upkeep. Moving to an independent living community in the new year offers you:

1. A More Independent Lifestyle. All the housework and house maintenance you do actually prevents you from living the lifestyle you want. As a resident of an independent living community, lawn care, snow removal and other maintenance is all taken care of for you. This leaves significantly more time to spend your days how you want to. Instead of grocery shopping and cooking, you can join an exercise class; instead of spending money to repair a kitchen appliance, you can put that money towards travel or going to the zoo with your grandchildren. An independent living community helps you live well in your golden years.


2. A Continuum of Care. So, what if your health changes as you age? If you move to an independent living community, you don’t want to have to move again if you need additional care support. Senior living communities, like Knute Nelson, offer a full family of aging services that allow you to receive additional levels of care should you need them. Having additional options like assisted living and memory care can give you peace of mind that the care you need will be available for you under the same roof as your new home.


3. Features and Amenities Right on Campus. Independent living communities are designed to provide everything you would ever need right on campus, within a walk’s distance of your front door. From onsite dining and fitness centers to activity calendars with social events and excursions, independent living communities are focused on improving resident wellbeing. At Grand Arbor, for example, residents have access to a state-of-the-art gym, library, movie theater, restaurant-style dining and so much more.

Is Moving to an Independent Living Community Safe?

Even if independent living checks all the boxes for your retirement lifestyle, one question may weigh on your mind: Is independent living safe? This year’s pandemic has made us all question the health and safety of our living environment.

Fortunately, the levels of care in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) have been the least affected by the pandemic. In fact, eight out of 10 CCRCs reporting COVID-19 cases have had fewer than two percent of residents and staff affected. This is largely due to the stringent safety and health protocols senior living communities have implemented to keep residents protected from the virus.

At Knute Nelson, for example, we are closely following the recommendations and guidance of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). We conduct facility-wide testing periodically in our buildings and all staff are required to wear appropriate PPE to keep residents safe. Indoor visitation is prohibited at this time, but we are using our e-Konnect program to help our residents stay connected to their family and friends. With safety protocols like these, you can move to an independent living community knowing your health and safety are top priority.

Live an Independent, Active Lifestyle at Knute Nelson

Are you ready to start the next chapter of your retirement this new year? Look no further than Knute Nelson. Our independent living communities, Grand Arbor in Alexandria and Crystal Brook in Park Rapids, offer the stress-free, active life you’ve wanted in your golden years. Say goodbye to home maintenance and feelings of loneliness or isolation, and welcome more free time, socialization and top-notch amenities.

Contact us today to learn more about independent living options at Knute Nelson.