More adults are committing to aging in place, and senior living communities are attempting to help with the process. Senior living communities provide a safe and enriching environment where adults can live among their peers while receiving the assistance they need. Explore what a senior living community is and who can benefit from one.
What Is Independent Living for Seniors?
Many adults have the ability, both physically and cognitively, to live independently. Some may need assistance with household tasks or getting to and from places, but they can generally care for themselves. These adults often thrive in independent senior living communities.
Independent living housing for older adults often is single-story for increased accessibility. Cottages and townhomes abound in these neighborhoods. However, there is also a steady demand for apartments or condominium-style housing. Elevators make them accessible and a smaller footprint helps independent older adults manage cleaning and upkeep.
What Is a Senior Living Community?
Senior living communities are residential communities designed specifically for older adults. Residents often live independently, although some communities offer assistance with activities of daily living.
Communities can include a range of housing, including apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. They generally have multiple accessibility features, such as single-story designs, grab bars, and security and fall alarms. This provides a safe and comfortable environment for older adults where they can create a meaningful sense of community.
While there are many similarities between independent and active adult communities, they are not the same. You should understand these differences before making a decision about which one is a good choice for you or a loved one.
What Features Do Independent Living Communities Offer?
As its name suggests, an independent living community for seniors offers individual housing options for adults of a certain age, usually 55 and better. It may have special programming including:
- Bingo
- Crafts
- Exercise classes
- Parties
- Social activities
Many independent living communities also have fitness facilities, sports courts, and meeting areas. Some have specialty services, such as salons, meal plans, and transportation.
Security is often provided through gated communities and on-site security personnel. In-unit alarms protect against intruders and other emergencies, such as falls. Many units include communication systems where residents can request assistance if they need it.
Games, performances, and movies abound in these communities. After all, what is independent living for seniors without entertainment? They are a direct attempt to engage residents and promote social interaction.
Another feature of independent senior living is that most household maintenance tasks are taken care of by the property management team. This includes landscaping, snow removal, gutter cleaning, and basic repairs. In some communities, all exterior maintenance and repairs are included, while others may also include some interior repairs.
There is usually a cost for these services. Many communities charge it upfront as a one-time entrance fee. Others charge a monthly rate for upkeep, similar to an HOA fee.
What Features Do Active Adult Communities Offer?
Unlike independent living communities, those catering to active adults offer minimal services to help with ADLs. They do often include some landscaping services and home maintenance options, although you may pay extra for them. Social activities may include cards, games, sports, crafts, movies, and live entertainment.
Many active adult communities have fitness centers with exercise equipment and classes. These are often modified to be appropriate for residents over the age of 55. Examples include walking clubs, chair yoga, and Zumba gold.
What Features Do Assisted Living Communities Offer?
Assisted living is another type of senior living. These communities offer a more comprehensive suite of services that help residents with daily activities and self care. Examples include:
- Bathing, grooming, and personal care
- Feeding
- Meal preparation
- Medical coordination
- Transportation
These services are in addition to the others offered at independent living. In many cases, caregivers can also help residents get to and from and participate in group activities.
Who Should Consider an Independent Living Community?
Adults over the age of 55 who can live independently but either need some assistance, want the convenience of less maintenance, or are planning for future needs are excellent candidates for independent living. Many different people will consider moving to independent living communities, but there are some commonalities among residents that could indicate it is a good fit.
Age
Virtually all independent living senior communities have age restrictions, with 55 being a common minimum age. Most allow a younger spouse to live with the primary resident, and some allow adult children. Visitation may also be restricted, so be sure to check that, especially if you often have younger children or grandchildren staying overnight.
Because everyone in the community is a similar age, it is easier for them to form social connections. This creates a true sense of belonging and community. It also helps staff when planning activities, events, and services.
You should keep in mind that just because everyone in the neighborhood is over 55, it doesn’t automatically mean they have the same abilities or lifestyle preferences. Just like any other community, you will find people with all ranges of interests and activity levels.
Abilities
This is a big differentiator between independent living and other types of senior living communities. People choosing this style can function on their own. They can handle bathing and grooming, cooking meals, and basic household tasks such as dusting and vacuuming.
However, they are looking for a little more assistance to help them age in place. If you find yourself struggling to keep up with the maintenance and landscape of a traditional single-family home, independent living may be a good fit.
Another consideration is where you see yourself in five or 10 years. Moving to independent living in anticipation of future needs allows you to build connections when you are still active and engaged. As a result, you may find that aging in place is more realistic if you need assistance down the road.
Is Independent Living for Seniors the Right Choice for me?
Only you know if independent living for older adults is the right choice for you. It is a decision that you must make. Elder Care Alliance operates apartment communities for adults aged 55 and over who can live independently. If you are considering moving, come out and visit one of our senior living communities to see if it is a good choice for you. Schedule your visit today.
