Your Time, Your Way: The Freedom of Choice in Senior Living

When it comes to retirement lifestyles, we all have a range of experiences that inform our opinions. Some of us have visited relatives or had friends who moved into a senior living community. Of course, many of us have been informed by the stereotypes portrayed in movies, on TV or in books.  

But unless you’ve lived in a community or spent significant time at one, what you think you know may be different than the reality. Plus, depending on how long ago you visited one, it could be different now than what you experienced then. Retirement communities change with each generation to offer services, amenities and a way of life to meet the wants and needs of new residents. 

To help dispel any possible misconceptions, let’s look as some of the most persistent senior living myths and the reality (and possibilities) a lot of communities, like Freedom Square of Seminole, offer today’s older adults. 

Senior Living Myths vs. Freedom Square Facts

I won’t know anyone there. 

It’s true. Moving into senior living means joining an already established community so you’ll have to learn the names of your new neighbors – and everybody else. That’s why we work hard to ease new residents in with a hospitality committee to match your interests with residents who share them, communal dining tables, and other social opportunities. At Freedom Square, we also offer ways to meet a wide range of people through various activities like: 

• Group fitness, including yoga classes 

• Personal training classes 

• Frequent outings, shows, concerts and parties 

• Lifelong learning, including classes and lectures 

• Arts and crafts instruction 

• Bridge and bingo 

• Themed dinner parties 

• 45+ interest groups and clubs 

• Energizing volunteer opportunities 

• Weekly outings to the Seminole area and beyond like top-rated Gulf Coast beaches and we’re minutes from Seminole City Center; Pinellas County shops, restaurants and golf courses; and world-class sports, culture and entertainment. 

I’ll be bored. 

You decide how you want to spend your time. You can curl up with a good book from our extensive library, or practice a hobby like painting, drawing or other craft. You could also pursue your personal best in our fully equipped fitness center. Or maybe you like getting together with friends over coffee or lunch. Plus, you can join a group or club. For most residents, they do some combination of quiet independent time and engaging social activities. 

I’ll be giving up my freedom. 

At a senior living community, no one tells you what to do or where to go. Many residents who move to Freedom Square bring their cars with them and continue to maintain relationships and activities outside the community. Even if you’ve given up driving, we offer transportation to area shops and points of interest, along with rides to medical appointments.  

What most older adults discover is that when they release the responsibility of owning a home, they end up having more free time and the ability to live life the way they want. At Freedom Square we offer services that actually give you more freedom, including: 

• Maintenance-free residences 

• Housekeeping and linen services 

• Lawn care and grounds maintenance 

• Restaurant-style, chef-prepared dining 

• Scheduled transportation 

• Personal concierge services 

I won’t have any privacy. 

With your own apartment, you’ll only have visitors when you want them. Not even staff will enter your residence without your prior knowledge and consent. You also get to choose the level of involvement you want. While your privacy will always be respected, it’s nice to know that if you are sick or injured, people are here to help. 

I don’t need to live in senior communities until my health declines.

Research has shown that being part of a community leads to a happier and healthier life. At Freedom Square, we take a holistic approach to your well-being with our signature program integrating eight dimensions of wellness. You’ll find a range of services and activities that balance your physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, vocational and environmental wellness, along with on-site care services to match where you are in the continuum of health. 

I’ll have to live in a small apartment. 

At Freedom Square, we feature Beautifully designed one bedroom, two bedroom and studio independent living apartment residences. You can add your own personal touch by choosing your favorite flooring and paint colors. You’ll also be able decorate your residence with personal items and pictures. 

Senior living is expensive. 

Moving to a retirement community can bring lots of financial benefits. While retirement communities do have a monthly cost, it varies depending on apartment size or levels of care. In fact, the average cost of senior living is often comparable or even less than receiving the same services and support at home.  Plus, our fee includes many expenses that you would otherwise pay for separately, like taxes, insurance, upkeep, utilities, gym membership, groceries, hobbies and more. 

I won’t like the food. 

Our chefs and culinary teams use fresh seasonal ingredients for every meal, and menus change frequently so there’s always something exciting to try. We can also accommodate special dietary needs, including vegetarian, heart-healthy and sodium-free. 

Eat in? Get it to go? Or delivered to your home? It’s always up to you. Enjoy the elegance of our formal dining room. Treat yourself to casual fare at the Black Swan Pub and Grille. Or gather with friends for drinks and the game on the pub patio. Your friends and family are also always welcome, and we offer private dining rooms for entertaining large groups. 

Get a Reality Check at Freedom Square

As a consistent award-winner for independent living and awarded the 2024 People’s Choice award by Tampa Bay Times, Freedom Square gives you one of the best carefree retirement living options available. Use our Community Assistant chat feature, contact us here or call us today for a personal visit of our outstanding community today and separate the myths from reality. 

To learn more about assisted living myths vs. reality, go here.