Unlike assisted living, independent living is ideal for people who can still live independently but have access to assistance when needed. Independent living communities provide residents with convenient access to restaurants, medical care, entertainment, and more. The independent lifestyle provides residents with a safe living environment but with minimal support. Catering services such as cleaning services, meals, and laundry may or may not be included in the monthly rent, but are usually available.
In the wide range of retirement homes, independent living facilities are the ones with the greatest independence. Residents of assisted living communities are free to live an independent lifestyle but are also provided with regular support for a range of daily activities, ranging from cleaning to preparing meals. Comfort is king in independent living communities, and access to local amenities plays a big role. At CareasOne, we hope you’ve learned what you can expect from independent living facilities and how your loved ones can benefit from them.
For seniors who need help with daily living activities (ADLs), financial assistance programs may be available to cover care costs in independent living. Independent living facilities are senior apartments that are designed for older adults, usually 55 years of age and older. With many seniors choosing independent living for access to convenient services and amenities, it’s important to find out which ones are most valuable to you. As you start your search, you may notice different terms for housing types that fall under the umbrella of independent living for seniors.
Unfortunately, you can’t use Medicaid and Medicare to pay the monthly fee for staying in an Independent Living community. As the name suggests, independent living gives healthy seniors the freedom to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle by offering convenient services and amenities that make their lives easier. Whether you’d rather have meals prepared for you, social activities on your calendar, or exercise classes to stay active, it’s helpful to know what your “must-haves” are when you’re looking for an independent living community to call home. For an older adult, the choice between assisted living and independent living usually depends on how well a person is able to manage daily activities without additional support.
This emphasis on maintaining independence makes it a great choice for self-employed seniors who want community living but don’t currently need daily access to caregivers or personal care support. Now that we have an idea of what independent living facilities have to offer, let’s explore the different types of facilities. Residents of pension communities are generally much more independent, active and able to work than residents of other senior housing options.
References:
- Independent Living Facilities: Requirements & Regulations – Careasone
- https://www.agingcare.com/articles/difference-between-independent-living-and-assisted-living-168142.htm
