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The world of senior living offers a wide assortment of living arrangements for older adults and their loved ones to consider, such as 55+ communities, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and independent living. With ever-growing options and plenty of ambiguous terms, taking the first step into your family’s senior living journey can often feel intimidating.
Moving into any senior living community is a deeply personal decision, so it makes sense that families would want to carefully weigh their choices and consider what will work best for their loved one’s unique wants and needs. They may find themselves asking a lot of questions, like “What is the difference between independent living and assisted living?” or “How much will this cost?”
To help older adults and their families navigate some of these questions, we are breaking down what seniors and their loved ones can expect from one of the more popular senior living options: independent living communities. Read on to learn more about what they are, what features they provide, and who benefits the most from moving into them.
What is independent living?
At its core, independent senior living is community living for older adults who want to minimize the stress and labor of daily tasks while still maintaining the independence and privacy of an individual home. For an inclusive monthly fee, seniors can rent an apartment, townhouse, cottage, or similar residence, with the added benefit of certain services and amenities as well as opportunities to easily socialize and engage with others.
Independent living differs from other senior living options like assisted living communities and memory care. While independence is encouraged at every level of senior living, “independent living communities” are designed for seniors who are generally in good health and self-reliant. Assisted living and memory care communities are designed to meet the needs of seniors facing challenges with daily tasks or experiencing cognitive change.
Some independent living communities cater to specific age groups, such as 55+ communities that typically focus more on an active lifestyle and social opportunities than personal care services. Others are part of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), which have a higher cost upon moving in, but allow seniors to stay connected to a network of community care and multiple senior living options as their needs change over time. With a bit of research, your family can determine which type of independent living community best suits your aging loved ones’ lifestyle and desires.
What are the benefits of independent living?
Independent living communities offer a wide array of benefits, especially for older adults looking to enjoy their golden years with fewer household responsibilities. Laundry, housekeeping, and landscaping services take away the stress of daily tasks that may become more difficult to keep up with as you age. Independent living communities also typically offer maintenance services that make indoor and outdoor repairs as simple as submitting a maintenance request.
In addition to these amenities, independent living communities offer an assortment of services that help the senior in your life maintain their health. While independent living homes usually feature a kitchen or kitchenette, most also offer healthy and delicious dining options in an on-site dining area or café. Wellness centers, on-site personal care and support, salons, and barber services are other common features of independent living facilities.
For most seniors, three benefits of independent living take priority: safety, socialization, and financial sense.
Safety: Quality independent living communities make the safety and security of seniors a top focus. With staff members on-site 24/7 and security personnel monitoring the area, seniors in independent living can feel comfortable and well-protected. Most communities also implement accessible infrastructure that helps prevent injuries, adding a further level of safety.
Socialization: Perhaps the largest draw of independent living is that these senior-focused communities provide abundant opportunities for older adults to stay active and socially connected. Studies have consistently emphasized the link between human connection and greater overall health for seniors. Independent living communities encourage socialization in a fun and accessible way, which can be particularly appealing for seniors who have lost touch with proximity-based social circles or who may not drive as much as they used to.
Whether the senior in your life is an introvert who prefers a good book at home, an extrovert who enjoys a night out on the town, or somewhere in between, independent living communities offer something for everyone. Communal spaces like lounges and libraries, daily activities like game nights and movie nights, shared interest groups like book clubs and gardening clubs, and even transportation to outings at museums and other attractions all contribute to a social, well-connected atmosphere. Socialization is encouraged but not forced, allowing older adults to participate as much or as little as they’d like.
Financial Sense: Cost is another significant reason seniors may choose to move into an independent living community. While senior living is certainly an investment, the expenses of living alone can become a financial burden. Bills, home repairs, and other necessary services can add up and become more than a senior’s budget can realistically handle, especially if the home needs to be modified for safety purposes. Seniors and their loved ones may be surprised to find that the cost of senior living may be the most affordable option for their family.
The Bottom Line
Making the transition to a senior living community is a significant decision for older adults, one that must be weighed and considered carefully. If chosen, independent living offers a wealth of benefits for seniors who are ready to move out of their current home and move into a transitional space that maximizes their comfort and connection.
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether independent living is the best fit for your family is to reach out to the senior living communities in your desired area directly. At United Methodist Homes, we are committed to your loved one’s well-being and welcome any questions you may have about the realities of senior living.
To learn more about how United Methodist Homes provides relationship-centered living options to support the health and well-being of residents and their caregivers, contact us today or schedule a complimentary visit now.
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