Independent Living Retirement Communities

Independent living retirement communities are scattered about the world. Florida retirement communities are quite popular here in the United States, but there are many other areas that provide an ideal setting.

Let’s discuss what comprises these communities, so you can determine if they may be a viable option. There are both pros and cons in senior living retirement communities.

What are Independent Living Retirement Communities?

Senior independent living communities are basically any home living arrangement including detached single-family homes to apartments and condos that are senior-friendly. There is not a lot of maintenance to do and they are easy to get around.

These places serve mostly folks who are 55 years of age or older. These places encourage and foster the independence of the residents. There are plenty of things to do such as movies, adult education classes, arts and crafts, as well as clubhouses and recreation centers, fitness centers, swimming pools, and even golf and tennis in some of these facilities.

Each facility varies in the number and types of services, amenities, and activities provided. In some, there are meals prepared, housekeeping, laundry services, and salons. People who may be looking for assisted living retirement communities may even find them as a transitional feature in some of these retirement facilities so that assisted living can be accessed when needed.

In most independent living retirement communities this is not the case and any in-home medical services need to be acquired separately. Some of the best independent retirement communities do offer the transitional feature into assisted living with medical services provided on-site.

Different Types of Independent Living Retirement Homes

There are a variety of independent living retirement communities available for senior living. Again, it depends on preference and personal needs. The costs vary as well.

Let’s review a few:

• Retirement homes and communities — these are housing units in the same area that are restricted by age; usually around fifty-five years of age and up (55+). These can be condos, townhouses, duplexes, single-family homes, or mobile homes. After a unit is purchased there may be additional monthly fees for clubhouses, recreation centers, and other services such as maintenance.
• Congregate care housing (senior apartments) — these are apartment buildings also restricted by age (usually 55 or 62 and older). Included in the rent may include a communal dining room, transportation, and recreation programs.
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) — these types of facilities provide independent living as well as nursing home care. The same site allows individuals to transfer from independent living to a skilled nursing facility or assisted living.
• Subsidized senior housing (low income) — in the United States this type of senior housing is subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This is specifically for low-income seniors.

Differences Between Independent Living Retirement Communities and other Senior Housing

The main difference between an independent community and other types of senior accommodations available is the level of care on a daily basis. Some folks require more personal attention that may not be available in these types of retirement communities.

As I previously mentioned some of these independent retirement communities offer transition into assisted living within the same location. Others do not. For those who immediately require daily assistance with dressing, eating, and other activities, an assisted living community would be the better option.

Some Common Concerns about Independent Living Retirement Communities

Here are a few things that folks may be concerned about when considering any type of senior housing.

• The need to give up current interests, activities, or hobbies — the majority of these types of senior living facilities offer activities and events that address a person’s interests and needs. Many people who move into a senior living community often find they are busier than ever with new social contacts and an abundance of activities from which to choose. Everything from adult education classes, book clubs, arts and crafts to working in a garden can be found in some of these facilities.
• Not having the social contact of family and friends — these facilities provide opportunities to meet new people as well as to have family and friends visit. Also, independent living facilities provide staff who are there in case of emergencies as well as to secure the living area.
• Loss of independence — actually these senior facilities are designed to preserve independence by providing some of the day-to-day living services so that people have more time to enjoy their retirement. Living independently here only involves the loss of spending time with the maintenance of your home.

Are Independent Living Retirement Communities the Right Option for You?

This is a question that you can only answer for yourself based on your current circumstances, preferences, desires, and needs. Here are a few things to consider.

• The current health of self and significant other — it’s important to consider current and future health and how active we currently are. Is there a need for assisted living or need only minor assistance?
• The present level of social activity and interactions — independent living homes can provide social interaction with peers as well as a varied choice of activities in which to participate such as field trips, arts, and sports.
• Mobility — many of these independent retirement facilities provide transportation within the community for visitations, activities, shopping, and appointments.
• Home maintenance — living in these retirement communities alleviates the need for spending time and energy on the upkeep of a home.
• Choosing the right type of facility — this will depend entirely on individual needs, desires, and preferences. Consider what is most important now as well as into the future. There are many options available from which to choose. Visit several independent living retirement communities and check out the amenities and activities, the type of folks living there, the staff, how well the place is managed, location and size of the place, how safe the area is, and the overall feel of the atmosphere.

Lots to Consider

When making this important move it is critical to take the time to consider all of these factors. This type of major life event can be stressful, but with proper preparation, it can be a lot easier.

Leaving a home and neighborhood filled with memories is never easy. These feelings are quite normal and will dissipate over time as new relationships are formed in a new community with new interests, experiences, and friendships.

It is important to do our best to enjoy this transition and new adventure. We all adjust to change differently, and it’s always good to have the support of a trusted friend or family member during this time.

Independent living retirement communities offer many options in alternative living and may be a good move depends on your individual needs and circumstances.

All the very Best,

Joseph William

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