What is A Senior Independent Living Community? Apartment Style Living with Minimal Help.
When you need help caring for your loved one or helping them make the transition into their golden years, assisted living facilities and nursing homes aren't the only senior care choices available to you.
Simply put, an independent living community for seniors is there for those who need more socialization than living alone at home. They don’t require regular medical services, but they may need a little help around the house.
Most independent living communities nationwide provide personal senior apartments — with one or two bedrooms — along with their own full or partial kitchens and laundry rooms. Residents also enjoy the added choice to eat with friends in a community dining room with prepared meals. There are no living restrictions, and seniors have the freedom to come and go whenever they please. The primary goal of independent living is community.
When you partner with CarePatrol, it becomes our mission to empower you and your loved one to live independently, join a built-in community of active adults, and start an exciting new chapter of life. Once they find the right independent living community, they won't have to leave their interests behind, either. Residents in independent living facilities can stay active and make new friends as they enjoy cooking classes, book clubs, movie nights, support groups, fitness classes, and other planned events and activities.
To tour and learn more about vibrant senior living communities in your area, reach out to CarePatrol and connect with your local senior living advisors today.
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Benefits of Independent Living Communities
Independent living communities offer numerous benefits that align with the independent living philosophy, appealing to seniors who are looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle while retaining their autonomy. Here are just a few of the benefits of these communities:
Independent Living vs Assisted Living: What's the Difference?
Assisted living and independent living cater to different needs and preferences among seniors, and understanding the distinctions between the two can help you make the best choice for their circumstances. Here are the main differences:
- Assisted Living: Offers a higher level of care, including assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility. Staff are available around the clock to help meet the healthcare and personal needs of residents.
- Independent Living: Primarily designed for seniors who can live independently without regular assistance. While some supportive services like housekeeping and meals may be offered, the focus is on convenience and lifestyle rather than care.
- Assisted Living: Typically has more comprehensive on-site medical support and access to medical professionals. This makes it suitable for those who may experience health declines or need regular monitoring.
- Independent Living: Medical services are generally limited or non-existent. Residents are expected to manage their own health, although the community may facilitate access to external healthcare providers.
- Assisted Living: Residents may live in private or semi-private apartments or rooms, with design features that accommodate mobility and healthcare needs.
- Independent Living: Often offers more diverse housing options, including apartments, townhouses, or even single-family homes, with a focus on comfort and independence.
- Assisted Living: Generally more expensive due to the higher level of services and care provided. Costs typically include personal care services and health monitoring, in addition to room and board.
- Independent Living: Less expensive relative to assisted living, as fees primarily cover rent and amenities rather than extensive care services.
- Assisted Living: While these communities often have social activities and amenities, the offerings are typically designed to accommodate residents’ healthcare needs.
- Independent Living: Emphasizes lifestyle, with amenities like fitness centers, clubs, and various recreational activities aimed at active seniors. The environment is geared towards those who seek a community of peers with similar levels of independence.
- Assisted Living: Best suited for those who need regular assistance with daily activities or those who anticipate needing such care in the near future.
- Independent Living: Ideal for those who are still active and independent but want to live in a community setting that eliminates the burdens of home maintenance and offers more social opportunities.
Services Available in Local Senior Independent Living Communities Nationwide*
- Planned Social Activities
- Community Meal Services
- Continuing Education
- Basic Housekeeping Service
- Basic Laundry Service
- Beauty & Barber Services
- Lawn Maintenance
- Fitness Facilities
- Additional Security
- Transportation Services
- Secure Premises
- Medication Management
*Amenities, activities, and services vary by community.
Answers to the Most Common Questions About Independent Living Nationwide
An independent living community is for those seniors who can care for themselves but need more socialization with others. There are several things to consider when independent living may be a benefit for your loved one(s). A telltale sign is a sudden or gradual decline in socialization.
Friends move away or pass away, leaving your parent(s) feeling isolated or depressed. A lack of socialization has been linked to elderly depression. Sometimes, with those feelings, seniors tend to be less active in the community. You may notice them driving less than they used to or not going out for errands or shopping as much. These feelings could also explain why they could be missing doctor's appointments or are late for activities that they have planned.
At CarePatrol, we work hard to help older adults maintain independence as long as possible. To find an independent living community that best fits your needs, reach out today.
Let Us Recommend an Independent Living Community Nationwide
All CarePatrol senior advisory services are available at no cost to you and come with our promise to help you find the best home for your loved ones. Independent living facilities are for people with disabilities, retired seniors, and other aging adults who need light assistance with daily living but still want more freedom than that of a typical assisted living facility.
Senior living communities have everything you need to make independent living easier. Residents can choose an apartment size based on their specific needs and/or existing home situation. They'll often enjoy access to a fitness center, tennis courts, numerous social events, and much more. To find a senior living community near you, contact a CarePatrol advisor now.
Top 10 Signs It May Be Time to Consider an Independent Living Facility
CarePatrol Local Senior Care Advisors are able to quickly assess your loved one’s situation and help you find the care they truly need. We can find the right vibrant independent living community for your loved one that will stay consistent with their lifestyle and enhance their well-being.
Is it time to help your loved one find the care they need?
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"Kevin was there for us from beginning to end, answering our many questions and offering helpful suggestions and insights. He made this extremely difficult transition much more bearable for us. I highly recommend this service." - Angela
"The advisor was extremely helpful and caring during a difficult and emotional time for me. She helped me find a good safe place for my husband. In a situation where I couldn’t personally check out the facility because of the virus quarantine, I felt confident in her recommendation of the care facility I chose." - Terri
"Assisted living help with Bonnie was amazing. She helped set up video visits with my mother in the hospital and explained well her placement options. She talked with my wife and I at length and found my mother an excellent place for her new home." - Jeff M.D.