Independent Living Communities

Unlike other types of housing for seniors like assisted living, nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities, there is less emphasis on aspects of community life in a community of independent living. The things like eating and group activities organized and clubs can be offered to certain places, but it is not uncommon for an independent living community not to offer services focused on the group at all.

Today, there are a wide range of independent living communities for seniors to choose. For more information on communities of different types, please see Senior Independent Living and many options .

What To Expect: Residents

The key word to a community of independent living is "independent". Most of the residents are active seniors who are ambulatory and are able to perform all activities of daily living without assistance. Many people continue to drive, are employed and maintain an active lifestyle and ties to the community as a whole. Applicants may be required to obtain a note from their doctor stating they are healthy enough to live on their own. Toward a community of independent living can be a great option for independent seniors who are considering downsizing to a home that requires less maintenance than their current home.

What to Expect: Services and Facilities

The services and amenities you will find a community of living can vary, but generally they do not exist to support or care services that you find in other types of housing for seniors. Typical services include light housekeeping and laundry. Meal plans may also be available. If a resident develops health problems that require temporary or ongoing care, either at his residence of more independent living communities will hire help that resident care, but most cases, that person would be responsible for organization and management of care on his or her own. In addition, the Community may require a formal publication of the responsibility to be performed and / or the resident uses suppliers that are licensed and fully bonded.

Amenities are perhaps the most variable in independent living communities as they depend significantly on the type and location of residence. An urban high-rise, for example, can have a concierge, banquet and an exercise room and a small yard or garden, while the university community can offer a library of more land with hiking trails, a golf course, tennis courts and several types of recreational facilities. Of course, depending on the community, there may be no common areas.

What to expect: typical accommodations

Independent living communities generally offer a variety of housing to persons and couples as well. Studios, one bedroom and two bedrooms are the most common types of living conditions. The residences are more varied and may be in the form of apartments or condominium complex, single family houses, cottages, townhouses and more.

independent living communities ranging from budget to luxury, reflected in housing, services and facilities offered. Price points are too widely, as there are two options for renting and buying office.