Benefits Offered by Independent Living Communities for Seniors

When a person retires, they can finally kick back and spend time enjoying the rest of their lives and doing the things they enjoy. For those who want to eliminate the burden of home ownership, a smart alternative is an independent senior living community.

Getting to know more about what this type of community is and what it has to offer is essential.

Understanding the Specifics of an Independent Living Community

The main word here is independent. People who wind up thriving in an independent senior living community are, essentially, taking care of themselves.

These individuals are usually in good health and don’t require any help with ADLs (activities of daily living). Some residents still drive, too.

Independent living communities are not equipped or staffed to care for seniors who have any chronic medical issues. As a result, if a senior needs constant medical care, then this type of facility won’t be a good fit.

Keep reading to learn about the specific benefits offered by these types of communities.

No Need to Worry about Maintaining their Home or Housekeeping Tasks

Purchasing a home is a huge milestone in any young adult’s life; however, maintaining it is quite a bit of work. Mowing, yard work, and snow shoveling are just a few of the tasks that have to be done regularly.

On the inside, there are just as many tasks. While younger people can easily perform these chores, but for seniors, they are often too difficult. In many cases, after a person retires, they want to get rid of these responsibilities altogether.

With an independent living community, this is possible. Regardless of the type of housing offered, the residents simply pay a maintenance fee, as well as their rent, and all these tasks are handled.

Meal Plans Available

Some seniors enjoy making meals in their kitchens. With independent living this is possible.

However, for other seniors, the process of cooking meals each day is a huge burden. If they remain living at home, they may not bother cooking at all.

An independent living community can help to solve this common problem. Many offer meal plans where residents can eat together in a restaurant-style setting or a cafeteria. The food prepared is delicious, fresh, and the staff can accommodate senior’s specific dietary needs, likes, and preferences.

This eliminates the need for a senior to go to the grocery store or prepare food. It gives them more time to relax and participate in other activities they enjoy.

No Transportation Worries

While some seniors living in independent living communities still drive, others don’t. This is fine, as many of these communities offer transportation options.

This eliminates the need to drive while ensuring a senior can get to point A to point B without an issue. It also eliminates the need to maintain a vehicle, purchase gas, and get stuck in traffic.

Privacy On-Demand

With an independent living community, seniors can enjoy having a private space all to themselves, or that they share with a friend. Also, in these living facilities, the senior can choose what activities they want to participate in, and when they want to remain in their room.

This increased level of privacy is something many seniors prefer opposed to an assisted living facility or nursing home. No other residents are wandering into someone’s room during the day or night, and seniors can be alone or with people when desired.

The Opportunity for Human Connection

When living in an independent living community, residents have the opportunity to meet residents around their own age. While socialization was mentioned before, it’s important to reiterate, as this can help to significantly improve the quality of life for those who choose to live in this environment.

The other individuals living in the community are going to become friends, and the seniors can all attend events and activities together. Also, there’s a built-in support system for residents when needed.

These relationships aren’t forced. They can be nurtured over time as the residents begin to get to know one another. This makes for an experience that’s similar to what it was like living in their own home.

Safety and Freedom

These communities provide seniors with their own space and their own home. Residents can come and go as they desire, decorate their home, and choose the look and feel of their space.

The senior also can determine the type of interaction or support they want, while having confidence that their freedom is also guaranteed.

The majority of independent senior living facilities include on-site security systems that help to create and promote a safe community. If there are ever issues with the function of the home or if a resident needs help with any aspect of independent living, the facility staff is available to help.

All Inclusive Rent

With an independent senior living community, seniors pay a single, flat rate for their residence. There aren’t separate charges for utilities, garbage pickup, cable television or anything else that would be charged separately if the senior continued living on their own.

This makes this type of community a much more affordable option than remaining in the senior’s home. This is the case even if the home has been paid off. The savings are significant and will allow the senior to spend time doing other things they enjoy, rather than having to put all their income toward rent and other bills.

Keep in mind, though, all-inclusive rent isn’t something offered by all independent living communities. Make sure to ask about the availability of this perk before moving in.

Senior Life Made Easy

Senior living is versatile and flexible. While there are assisted living facilities and nursing homes available for those who need ongoing care, there are also independent living communities that offer an array of benefits without a higher level of care.

If considering these facilities, be sure to find a quality option. Always keep in mind, location matters along with care and staff support.