Independent Living

What is Independent Living?

Independent Living offers a hassle-free, senior-friendly environment for older adults looking for a more leisurely lifestyle. 

A woman and a boy in a kitchen.

These facilities typically provide a wide range of convenient amenities, which may include:

  • Prepared meals in dining facilities or delivered to apartments.
  • Inclusive converge of selected utilities, cable, or internet services under the base fee, simplifying bill-paying.
  • Transportation around town to events, shopping, and medical appointments.
  • Social activities, such as entertainment, field trips, movie theater, and arts & crafts room.
  • Housekeeping and maintenance services.
  • Personal services such as a beauty salon, barbershop, or mail/package delivery.
  • Shared areas such as a library, chapel, or exercise room.
  • Concierge services.

Benefits of living in an Independent Living community

  • Convenience:

    Residents are relieved from many household maintenance chores, including housekeeping, simple repairs, and tasks such as replacing lightbulbs.

  • Dining:

    Seniors no longer interested in cooking three healthy meals each day can experience variety and easy access, knowing menus are prepared with senior health concerns in mind. Sharing meals also provides social engagement, and many units have full or partial kitchens, allowing residents to prepare some meals independently.

  • A sense of community:

    Independent Living communities provide daily opportunities to connect with like-minded folks who share interests such as walking, playing games, watching movies, listening to music, or dancing. In addition, regular all-resident meetings allow for feedback and assistance in planning future social events.

  • Safety:

    Independent Living communities keep senior health and safety at the forefront of their design considerations. Accessibility features such as handrails and walk-in showers minimize dangerous situations where falls may happen. In addition, many senior living communities have trained medical staff available, first-aid supplies, and emergency call equipment or alert systems conveniently located in both apartments and common areas.

  • A pet-friendly environment:

    Many Independent Living communities welcome pets, allowing residents to move without anxiety about separation from their animal companions.

  • An inclusive rent/fee structure:

    By including meals, utilities, cable TV, internet, and other services as part of the monthly rent, residents avoid the hassle of remembering and organizing payment of numerous bills.

Independent Living FAQs

What’s the difference between an Independent Living community and other senior living options?

A major difference between Independent Living and Assisted Living is the level of personal care required. Those in Assisted Living often need assistance with taking daily medication, getting dressed, attending to personal hygiene, and essential mobility. Both types of communities typically offer the same benefits, including safety, dining, activities, personal services, and inclusive rent. Those in Assisted Living pay more for the additional services required.

55+ Adult Communities are open to all individuals aged 55 and above. They offer a neighborhood alternative geared toward all-adult communities and often include access to pools, tennis courts, golf courses, a fitness center, restaurants, stores, and more. Unlike Independent Living, residents have complete responsibility for the care and maintenance of their unit (home, condo, or apartment), utilities, meals, and social activities. Some communities may have shared responsibility for lawn maintenance and other exterior services.

How do I know if an Independent Living community is the right choice for me or my loved one?

When considering whether to move into an Independent Living community, take into account the following criteria:

  • Can you care for yourself without assistance regarding personal hygiene, mobility, decision-making, and basic day-to-day tasks?
  • Are you looking for a safer environment with additional security?
  • Would you like the flexibility of preparing your meals while also having access to prepared food when you choose?
  • Are you seeking a greater sense of community, with peers nearby to share interests, activities, and social engagement?
  • Are you ready to delegate the chores of maintenance and repairs, housekeeping, and other home-owning responsibilities?

With so many questions and factors to consider, connect with one of our Senior Living Advisors, who can help you evaluate the best options to meet your needs. Our team is ready to help you assess Independent Living and other options to ensure you find the right solution for your situation.

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