The concept of home sharing can have a huge impact on aging adults. Apart from the fact that it makes independent living an affordable option when it wasn’t before, it can also improve their quality of life. A recent study from the University of Toronto found that nearly 60% of people who rented rooms in their homes expressed a greater sense of well-being. They slept better, experienced less anxiety, and even ate healthier. This shows that having a roommate when living in senior living communities in Seabrook, TX is not just a great idea, but a very beneficial one.
As great as having a roommate could sound, you should however understand that it is not for everyone, therefore if you are considering getting yourself a roommate, follow these simple tips to ensure that things play out well.
- Know What Works for You
You must understand who you are and what you are comfortable with. If you happen to be an introvert and would love to have your alone time, sharing your personal space just might not be the best idea for you. Bear in mind that living with a roommate doesn’t have to mean compromising privacy, most independent living and assisted living communities offer residents different options for apartments. You can have an option for your full bathroom and walk-in closet in two-bedroom apartments. If you prefer to have some personal space, you can choose to share a two-bedroom apartment. And, if a potential conflict is a worry, retirement living communities have team members available to help you live together harmoniously with your roommate.
- Discuss Your Plans with Your Loved Ones
Ensure you discuss your plans about getting a roommate with your children or loved ones that might be concerned. Your grown-up kids may be worried about the difficulties you face while living alone, so they may be relieved that you’ll have a companion. But they might have concerns about how safe the whole thing is for you. They must be able to clear their worries and understand the benefits. Getting a roommate is an ideal option for aging adults who are mainly independent but should not live alone. Living with a roommate can help you remain independent with the added safety of someone always being around to check up on you, and support you with daily tasks. Additionally, living alongside other aging adults in a retirement community offers social opportunities and diverse programming for you to explore at your leisure.
- Get Everything in Writing
As great as the idea of getting a roommate sounds, to ensure that things work out as expected, ensure you get everything in writing. Be specific about expectations and responsibilities. You might, however, give room for a level of compromise, be ready to be flexible, and make changes as needed. You might have to consider speaking with a lawyer as you draft your formal agreement.
- Be Ready to Let Go
Sometimes, things might not go as expected, and you would realize that you would prefer to be alone again. This could be due to various issues from either party. Be prepared to bring the agreement to an end in a respectful, non-confrontational way.
