What Are Independent Living Communities? A Comprehensive Guide
Independent Living communities go by many names, such as senior living communities and retirement communities. In essence, they are residential housing neighborhoods for like-minded seniors who wish to live more straightforward and supported lives.
You can enjoy more social engagement, fewer obligations, and more fun in everyday life. If you’ve been thinking about transitioning into an Independent Living community, you may find the information you’re looking for in the guide below.
Senior Housing
You deserve to have a safe and comfortable place to call home. That’s what you can expect in most Independent Living communities. Apartments and cottages are among the most popular living options, boasting different layouts to suit their unique residents’ needs. They generally have kitchenettes and bathrooms for convenience.
While one-bedroom apartments are typically the most common, many communities also cater to couples with two-bedroom apartments and cottages. Some also have garaging for vehicle storage.
Services
The services you can expect in Independent Living communities can differ from one community to the next. Many offer housekeeping and maintenance at a minimum.
However, many highly-regarded communities go above and beyond by providing convenient access to on-site occupational and physical therapy services. Residents are typically also welcome to access third-party-provided services if required.
Common Areas
Moving into an Independent Living community is about more than enjoying a comfortable and safe home. You can also access a variety of shared spaces to enjoy by yourself and with others.
What these communal spaces are can vary from one community to the next. However, you can typically access game and activity rooms, beauty salons and barber shops, libraries, and idyllic outdoor spaces to relax in.
Common areas are ideal spaces for residents to socialize and make new friends. However, you can also access services in them, such as healthcare and beauty treatments.
Safety and Security
Many seniors transition into Independent Living communities when they no longer feel safe and secure in traditional communities. They might worry about being at risk of falls or not having a support network to help them if needed.
Safety and security are a priority in most respected communities. You can typically expect on-site security and emergency response systems like pendants and pull cords. There are also several safety measures in shared and private spaces, like handrails, wheelchair accessibility, and well-lit pathways.
Dining Options
Cooking can sometimes be a challenging task for seniors. You don’t always feel motivated to cook for one person. Some seniors also struggle with their mobility. Fortunately, cooking is not something most people need to worry about when joining 55+ Independent Living communities.
Most communities have on-site chefs preparing at least three restaurant-quality meals every day using fresh and local ingredients. Residents can also prepare snacks in their own apartment kitchenettes or dine out in their local communities.
How to Choose the Right Independent Living Community
With thousands of respected Independent Living communities across the United States, choosing the right one for your unique needs can be challenging. However, you may streamline the process by considering these factors:
Location
Location can be an essential consideration when choosing an Independent Living community. You may wish to stay in a familiar location or move somewhere new to explore new hobbies and meet new people.
Reputation
Don’t underestimate the importance of reputation when selecting a new senior living community. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and talk to community members. You may soon find a community that stands out from the crowd.
Services and Amenities
Some communities offer more services and amenities to suit your needs than others. Schedule tours of various communities and learn more about available services and amenities before deciding.
Schedule a Tour of Elison Independent Living of Orchard Glen Today
If the time has come to explore new Independent Living communities, look no further than Elison Independent Living of Orchard Glen. We welcome you to schedule a tour of our community to learn more about us today. We look forward to welcoming you.
