Summary: What You Need to Know

• One monthly fee covers everything you want and need
• Independent living costs less than assisted living
• Independent living with Life Care gives you a plan for future care
• As a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), St. Mark Village in Palm Harbor, Florida, offers you premium amenities and services, a great location, a full continuum of care and the promise of Life Care

Imagine starting the new year with an exciting new lifestyle that prioritizes your wellness, connection, and peace of mind! As you plan ahead, consider which goals matter most to you, and how with one decision, you can set them in motion.

Move to Independent Living When You’re Ready for Your Dream Lifestyle

Whether you have moved several times in your life, or you’ve been in the same home for years, it can be easy to assume that things don’t really change when your zip code changes. There’s often still a yard to maintain, a roof to repair, and the usual chores that come with being a homeowner. More often than not, your days probably will look much the same.

However, as years pass, priorities change. Having a lush lawn is nice, but you’re ready to put down the rake and instead spend your free time pursuing your favorite hobby, learning something new, planning an exciting trip, or engaging in stimulating debate.

Maybe you’d love to have delicious dining just steps away, as well as a cadre of amenities that makes it seem like you’re on a permanent vacation. And not to mention wonderful friends around every corner.

Imagine: with someone else worrying about everyday details, you could spend your time doing all the things you’ve always dreamed of doing—with the precious peace of mind of knowing that assistance is there if needed. No more worrying about housecleaning, errands, driving to physician’s appointments, or cooking every meal.

Related: Everything to Expect From an Independent Living Community

Questions about Independent Living

You might know a little about independent living but still have questions. What is the cost of independent living? Is independent living cheaper than assisted living? Does it really matter which independent living community I choose?

Here are a few answers:

What is the cost of independent living?

It’s hard to give a “typical” cost for independent living since it varies by location, amenities, size, pricing model, and other factors.

For example, there are senior living communities that are rental only. St. Mark Village is a life plan or continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that is considered a “buy-in” community—you pay an upfront fee in addition to your monthly fee. This is considered a down payment for your future care (a CCRC offers at least three levels of care on one campus).

In addition, when comparing the cost of independent living to staying at home, it’s important to remember what is included in the monthly fee—costs that you’d be paying separately if you remained at home. These can include rent, homeowner’s insurance, utilities, repairs and maintenance, scheduled transportation, utilities, dining options, housekeeping, security, wellness and fitness programs, entertainment, lawn care, and more.

Is independent living cheaper than assisted living?

In general, the answer is yes, because independent living does not include personal care services such as assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, medication management).

Independent living is about offering older adults an active, carefree lifestyle filled with amenities and services that make life more enjoyable. The goal is to help everyone fully enjoy their independence and expand their world as much as possible.

Does it really matter which independent living community I choose?

Yes! Take St. Mark Village. As a Life Plan community (continuing care retirement community), St. Mark Village offers a Life Care Promise. This gives you peace of mind knowing your future care needs are taken care of, as well as protection from future increases in healthcare options.

To benefit, you must enter St. Mark Village through independent living, which gives you priority access to a full continuum of care as needed: assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. You will always have a home at St. Mark Village, even if needs change.

That is precious peace of mind, freeing you to fully enjoy today knowing there’s a solid plan in place for your future. This is not only a gift for you, but also a gift for your family.

So, if you are wondering when to move to independent living, the answer is not only when you ready for an ideal retirement lifestyle, but also when you want reassurance for now and the future—a great thing to have starting the new year!

Related: Independent, Not a Burden: How Choosing a Senior Living Community Now Supports Your Family Later

Explore Independent Living at St. Mark Village

Life at home can get pretty boring, especially if you’re alone. Move to independent living at St. Mark Village and watch your world open wide!

You’ll find a pool, spa, library, card shop, billiards room, woodworking shop, garden chapel, beauty shop, fitness and wellness center and a chapel. Hungry? St. Mark Village offers multiple dining options: a café, bistro, bakery and formal dining. Menus are designed around your health and preferences. Dine inside or outside.

In addition, we prioritize our residents’ wellness. Everything from trivia contests to fall-prevention programs to stress-relief tools to meditation to exercise classes to garden strolls. Our wellness matters program is all about keeping you healthy, active, and engaged.

And all the perks of a perfect location in Palm Harbor, Florida

If you’re still on the fence about when to move to independent living, consider the difference a great location can make. St. Mark Village is in Palm Harbor, Florida, a vibrant and beautiful area that offers a multitude of opportunities for staying health and active, finding purpose and connection, and enjoying a great climate year-round.

Related: Live Well During Retirement in the Tampa Bay Area

New Year, New Life at St. Mark Village

Give your family the precious gift of peace of mind—and give yourself a fabulous lifestyle for the new year and beyond! Say goodbye to chores and hello to whatever the day brings.

At St. Mark Village, you can enjoy all the benefits of a retirement community, while maintaining an active, healthy, and socially fulfilling lifestyle. We’ve compiled a helpful guide explaining everything there is to know. Download the Independent Living guide today!