What is Independent Living

Blog Category: Lifestyle

If you or a loved one are on a journey planning for care and learning about available options, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding independent living.

What is Independent Living?

Independent living is a residential setting for senior adults who want to continue living independently while having access to amenities, programs, and services. There are a variety of housing options for people interested in independent living as they age:

  • Retirement Communities: If you want the fun atmosphere of living in a complex of apartments, condos, or single-family units, this is a great choice for adults ages 55 and older.
  • Subsidized Senior Housing: If you want to live in an apartment and receive a low or moderate income, this federal program supports older adults who need long-term care.
  • Residential Care Facilities: If you want to live with others in a smaller setting, these group homes act as a senior living community with many of the services you’d receive.
  • Senior Living Communities: If you want to enjoy social living while receiving quality care, these communities can exist as purely independent living facilities or in conjunction with assisted living options. There are also usually apartments, condos, or patio homes available to choose from.
  • Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC): If you want to experience a thriving lifestyle through multiple levels of care and never have to move as your needs change, this is the perfect option.

What Services Does Independent Living Provide?

Independent living communities provide a variety of programs and services that are accessible, engaging, and supportive for residents, which vary from place to place and may include:

  • Housekeeping, home maintenance, lawn care, and dining services
  • Life safety monitoring
  • On-site amenities, such as laundry facilities, fitness centers, recreational spaces, salons, and libraries
  • Social activities on and off campus
  • Space for private events, such as community rooms or clubhouses
  • Transportation to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, and fun outings

Medicare and Medicaid cover various areas of senior living, so review your plan to see how independent living is covered.

When is it Time for Independent Living?

It’s great to start considering your independent living options when you are 55 and older and:

  • Plan to age alone.
  • Want to age with your partner.
  • Don’t want your family and friends to worry about your well-being.
  • Don’t want the hassle of maintaining your home or cooking for yourself.
  • Want opportunities to socialize in and outside of your community.
  • Want to feel safe and secure in your home with accessible care.
  • Want to spend more time doing the things you enjoy with people you love.
  • Have experienced a fall or mobility issues.

Ready to Make the Move?

If you’re feeling ready to make the move to this next important stage of your life, here are some resources to help make the transition easier:

Are you getting excited thinking about how you’ll spend your time in retirement? Explore all the things you could do in our ebook, Lifestyle Opportunities in Senior Living Communities!

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.

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