My daughter (58) has been living in a long-term care facility for 4yrs; my spouse was in nursing care for the last 6 yrs of his life before that, and previous to that, my mother in memory care for 9 yrs. I've seen a lot of what day-to-day life in those facilities is like.
Although you are looking at independent living, as I would be as well, the Covid crisis has led me to determine that I will stay away from such congregate living as long as possible. The reason, - you give up a certain control of your life to others and their "rules". I understand, rules and standards (appropriate dress at meal-time, for example) are necessary and good. I just don't want to be obligated when I don't feel like it on any given day. I go along with community standards as a way of living, and, in fact, am non-confrontational as a rule ( except when I have to defend my daughter in her living situation - aides and staff can be less than kind at times).
There may come a time when health and medical needs require that I get the care required in a congregate setting, either assisted living or nursing care. Like you, I can afford my independent home at present and with the help of other family members I get by on the maintenance. I believe I would prefer to have part-time help in my home to living with the rules set by others for the common good of the group.
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