Studies reveal that 6% of seniors reside with their extended family. For many, the decision to live independently is just a preference. So, here comes the option of moving into an independent living system. These are housing arrangements specifically designed to accommodate seniors and their regular needs, allowing them to spend their time and resources as they wish. Further, seniors can find ways to enjoy a free, independent life while maintaining a peaceful mind.
Independent living options for seniors
Independent living for seniors refers to housing dedicated to seniors above 55 and has all the features and facilities that make their lives easier and more comfortable. The independent house can be a senior living apartment, single-family home, or retirement community. Moreover, these independent living houses are targeted at seniors who can live on their own and need little assistance with their daily routines.
Features and amenities in independent senior living facilities
The attraction of independent senior living communities is that one can live without the hassle of day-to-day chores like laundry, cooking, shopping, and house cleaning. The community developers have a well-equipped staff that takes care of many essential services within the community. Seniors only have to worry about the housing they live in, and the rest of the care is taken care of by the staff. Moreover, independent living is ideal for seniors who want to spend the rest of their lives for themselves and spend time with partners without having to worry about mundane things. They have to pay for the facilities and services the community has to offer apart from paying the cost of the housing. Some amenities that are commonly found in senior independent living are –
- Dining venues
- Walking paths
- Recreational and hobby studios
- Tennis courts
- Swimming pools
- Fitness clubs
- Beauty salons
- Libraries
- Movie theaters
- Gardens
- Pet care services
- Laundry and housekeeping services
- Transport services
The amenities help keep seniors active and involved in many things, which improves their quality of life. With fewer chores, they have enough time to spend on hobbies and other creative pursuits or lead a relaxed life, making friends, reading, and watching movies. However, all the features and amenities come at a cost, so seniors should choose communities that offer the amenities they really need.
Some independent senior living facilities do not offer personal care services but may be prepared to provide emergency services for seniors. Also, the type and scale of amenities may differ from one retirement community to another. Some very upscale communities may offer many of these facilities, while some only provide necessary amenities and services sans the luxury ones.
Types of independent living for seniors
Seniors can choose from many types of independent living options based on their income level, lifestyle habits, living preferences, and the required services.
Low-income or subsidized senior housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides subsidies to low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. These subsidies include housing in senior housing complexes and single-family homes that seniors can buy or rent at lower costs.
Retirement homes/retirement communities
These communities consist of multiple types of houses, such as single-family homes, townhouses, apartment complexes, duplexes, condominiums, and mobile homes – all within the same community. Seniors have the flexibility to either own or rent them. Retirement home communities offer a house of common facilities like meals, transportation, emergency care services, and recreational programs for seniors. Apart from the housing, seniors need to pay for services like common maintenance, gym, swimming pool, or libraries. Some communities permit seniors to live with their families if they want to. Also, seniors can choose to manage their food, laundry, and housekeeping to reduce their living costs.
Senior apartments
Apartments are large residential complexes built exclusively for seniors. These apartments offer different types of housing, like independent living, assisted living, and memory care. These apartments are very similar to retirement communities in terms of facilities and features, but the difference is the type of housing. In communities, there are multiple types of housing options, while in senior apartments, one can only live in apartment units but enjoy the multiple facilities and features that are available, like a retirement community. Also, in some instances, these apartments are subsidized based on one’s income.
Other types of senior living facilities, like assisted living centers, memory care, care homes, and continuing care retirement communities, facilitate senior living. Though they are considered independent, they need people to assist them with their daily routine activities.
Things to know before moving into an independent living
Before choosing independent living facilities, seniors who are either alone or with their partner should prepare themselves to transition into this type of community living. For decades after living in a regular society, one should prepare to live within a community with fixed boundaries. The cost of independent living can be slightly expensive whether one chooses to buy or rent a facility. Moreover, the additional amenities and features chosen can also spike the overall costs. Therefore, one should be aware of the financial capacity, prepare a proper estimate for monthly and yearly costs, and ensure that they have adequate finances to continue living in such facilities. It is also recommended for seniors to visit multiple communities and learn bout the amenities offered to understand if they are comfortable enough to live in this type of facility in the long run.