What Is Independent Living?
When looking for a senior living community, you’ll find that many have several types of senior living options under one roof. You may find yourself asking, “What is independent living?” Let’s dive deeper into what independent living offers to the modern senior community.
While many seniors would like to age in place in the homes that they are established in, many choose to move to an independent living community after downsizing a home or moving closer to family after retirement. When costs and time are presented side by side, you’ll notice that the cost of independent living is comparable, if not less, than living alone in the home.
What Are Independent Living Communities?
Among the types of senior living, independent living is the most autonomous, allowing residents to maintain independence for as long as they can. Senior living residents in independent living communities, as opposed to assisted living communities, do not need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing or feeding.
Independent living communities are sometimes included in a continuum of care, allowing residents to age in place as their needs change over time. These communities often feature a range of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing, ensuring that senior living residents can receive the appropriate level of support as their circumstances change.
Independent living communities for seniors are known for their warmth and opportunities to socialize with new friends and neighbors. Many communities feature a calendar of social activities and events nearly every day of the week so there is always something to do and someone to talk to in an independent living community.
These vibrant independent senior living communities are driven by residents’ needs and preferences for a customized retirement experience.
Benefits of Independent Living
While all types of senior housing options have their perks, independent living communities stand to offer a vibrant, active and independent lifestyle tailored to the needs and interests of seniors. Offering all-inclusive independent living with a comprehensive monthly fee, here are the top reasons seniors are choosing a senior living community:
Maintenance-free living: Our living options for seniors take the burden of home upkeep, maintenance repairs and replacements, and more with 24/7 on-call maintenance teams.
Chef-prepared dining services: Teams of culinary professionals work to provide a homelike dining experience at every meal, incorporating new tastes and old favorites. All dietary accommodations and requests are welcome.
Daily social opportunities to connect with neighbors: Studies show senior living residents who have more social connections and interactions with friends and family have improved mood and a better quality of life.
On-site amenities and services: Residents love living in a senior community because of access to a variety of senior living options and services. A variety of independent living activities every day, delicious meals and amenities such as an on-site salon or theater make it easy to live an easy retirement lifestyle.
Other services in all-inclusive independent living are:
- Scheduled transportation to and from appointments and outings
- Daily activities and events for all interests and activity levels
- Laundry and linen services and weekly housekeeping
Independent living apartments may offer various apartment styles and floor plans, including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. While independent seniors do not require assistance with everyday living, each apartment comes with an emergency call cord, in case they need help right away. Other accessibility features, such as handrails, may also be available.
Interested in learning more? We would love to host you for a casual visit where we can show you what sets us apart from other communities.