Independent living is a type of community that offers an active lifestyle and removes the maintenance from maintaining a home. This releases time to enjoy more things that interest the individual. These communities are age restricted and do not provide assistance with health needs. The living arrangements typically have a wide range of floor plan and sizes in apartment-style living, freestanding cottages or villas, townhomes, and condos.
They create life by design easy and convenient with housekeeping, dining plans, linen service, transportation services, and security. The daily activity list is endless with programs to promote vitality to residents. The amenities create the convenience for residents to allow for independence right in their home. This typically includes beauty and barber salons, fitness center, pools, entertainment spaces, and wellness programs.
The question remains, why move to a community when you are independent in your own home? Here are a few items to consider.
- Social Activities and Connections – As part of an individual’s well-being, social isolation can be distressing to physical and mental well-being. The community offers activities to engage in social opportunities daily.
- Staying Active –Daily activities and programs available 365 days a year to participate in.
- Freedom from Maintenance – The upkeep and hassles of taking care of a home or yard are no longer a headache.
- Access to Care – If you need further assistance with health-related needs, from an in-home care agency, short term or long term, can come in to help.
The models for independent living communities have 2 payment options – rental or buy-in. This varies by community, a popular model, called continuum of care, allows an individual to buy into a community and they will be taken care of for life. If health needs change, a resident can be moved to a higher level of care within the community without a move to a new and foreign community. Rental communities initially charge a move-in fee and residents are free to move at any time. Take into consideration money and will the community allow you to age in place.
Each independent living community varies on structure, cost, and amenities available. It is important to have a trusted advisor to walk you through the process of finding the perfect community for you or your loved one. Please reach out to us to request more information, an introduction to communities, or placement agency.
