Independent Living: a Community of Peers
Life in an independent living community will be familiar to anyone who’s ever owned a condo or been a member of an HOA. Membership often includes landscaping, housekeeping and maintenance. In addition, there are often shared entertainment and social facilities, such as swimming pools, fitness rooms and clubhouses.
Independent living includes a wide range of housing options. Some communities feature fully detached houses situated along quiet residential streets. Others are arranged as housing co-ops or apartments.
Independent living communities go by a variety of names. You may also hear them referred to as retirement communities, active adult communities, or 55+ communities.
You might wonder why an adult who can take care of himself or herself would move to a retirement village. Why not just keep living at home? As we age, the responsibilities associated with homeownership become more of a chore. In a retirement community, there’s no need to worry about mowing the lawn, cleaning out the gutters in the fall, or painting the eaves.
Plus, independent living offers the benefit of living among other seniors. Life can be lonely for older folks whose neighborhood friends have moved away. In a senior community, there are plenty of potential new friends and lots of places to socialize.
Need a Little Help? Consider Assisted Living
Assisted living is best for seniors who could use some help with daily activities like getting dressed, bathing, grooming, and keeping track of medications. These services are generally not provided for residents of independent living communities.
You may also hear assisted living facilities referred to as senior group homes, personal care homes, or residential care homes.
Housing in assisted living is typically arranged like an apartment building. Residents have easy access to included services such as dining, social activities, on-site salons and transportation. Some units may feature kitchenettes. In addition, assisted living homes typically provide emergency call systems.
Like independent living communities, assisted living offers excellent opportunities to socialize. Residents gather for classes, card games, shopping trips, and movie nights. Visiting a new friend might be as easy as walking down the hallway. And, of course, there’s no need to deal with the upkeep of home ownership.
