What is ‘Independent Living’?

What exactly is “independent living?” When considering your retirement options, it’s important to understand what you’re searching for. You’ll hear the phrase ‘independent living’ often. It’s typical to wonder what that means. We all want to live independently so how is that defined in senior living?

Plainly put, it’s a lifestyle option available to older adults that are looking to simplify. It lessens responsibilities and offers an array of amenities. In essence it’s regaining the time to do the things you want to do.

Independent Living Lifestyle

Living with Less Burden

Owning a home requires a considerable amount of time and resources. From repairs to modifications, time and money can begin to add up.

Independent Living accommodations in senior living communities have been designed for retirement. Presenting an environment free from time-consuming activities such as:

• Major repairs or replacements, such as those to the roof, appliances and utilities.
• Lawn care and snow removal.
• Modifications to your home to fit your changing lifestyle.
• Preparing the home for sale in the future.

These homes are built with the aging in mind. From single floor living to accessibility- ease is the goal.

Services & Amenities

Independent living residents often select a community based on services that will enhance living. Those tired of cooking prefer to have dining options available to them. Snowbirds or those who simply like to travel, want their home to be safe and secure. For others, there is a motivation to be prepared for their future healthcare needs. So they seek priority access to services they anticipate in later years.

Services and amenities that are sought may include:

• Dining Options
• Concierge and Transportation Service
• On-site offerings such as Fitness Center, Salon, and Community spaces
• Space for private events such as community rooms or Clubhouses
• Programming and Trips>
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Life Safety monitoring
• Housekeeping

Types of Accommodations

As you begin to investigate communities you’ll discover there are many living options available. Apartments, attached homes often referred to as “villas” or “patio homes,” and free-standing homes are among those.

You’ll find these accommodations vary in size and number of bedrooms, may offer garages and can even include bonus spaces such as patios, sunrooms or dens.

Opportunities

One of the most appealing features of an Independent Living lifestyle is that is entirely by your own design. There are ample opportunities to become involved in volunteering, join social groups or clubs. You’re also able to partake in the trips and special events.

For those already highly involved, your schedule can remain the same with less worry over the to do’s that come along with homeownership. Come and go as you see fit in your community of peers, with the peace of mind that your future is secure.

Not sure if independent living is right for you? Explore all your options with this FREE eBook!