What Is Independent Living? Who It's For, Cost, and Benefits

Retirement is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, dive into your passions and rediscover your hobbies. But, while “home is where the heart is,” the everyday tasks of maintaining a house, from basic utilities to home repairs, can start to feel burdensome. Independent living communities offer an excellent option for self-sufficient older adults, typically aged 55 and older, who want to enjoy all the comforts of home without the hassles of homeownership.

In this comprehensive guide, we answer the question, “what is independent living?” and more — to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Key Features Of Independent Living Communities

Independent living communities offer a wide range of amenities and services specifically designed to support older adults who desire a maintenance-free lifestyle. While each community is unique, residents typically enjoy a mix of light housekeeping, convenient amenities and plenty of social activities to make every day enjoyable.

Here are some key features you can expect:

Convenient amenities: Most independent living communities offer a wide range of services and amenities, like on-site dining options, fitness centers and beauty salons, to make residents’ lives easier and more enjoyable.
Meals and snacks: Residents get to enjoy delicious, chef-prepared meals in a restaurant-style setting without the hassle of cooking or cleaning up.
Light housekeeping: Independent living communities typically have on-site employees who provide light housekeeping services, such as making beds and cleaning, to ensure your living space stays clean and tidy, allowing you to focus on activities that bring you happiness.
Social activities: Everything is more enjoyable with friends! From game nights and group outings to fitness classes and more, most independent living communities offer plenty of fun social activities.
Security and safety: Most communities have security features, like gated access, 24-hour employee availability and emergency call systems, to ensure help is always nearby if needed.
Transportation services: Some communities offer scheduled transportation services for shopping trips, medical appointments and social outings for individuals who can no longer drive or those who prefer to not use their vehicles.
Personalized care options: While independent living is designed for adults living without major health conditions, some communities provide additional support, like medication management or mobility assistance, if needed.
Variety of housing options: From cozy apartments to spacious cottages and single-family homes, you have a wide variety of housing options to choose from, depending on your needs and specific situation.

Benefits Of Independent Living For Seniors

Independent living can have many great benefits, including, but not limited to:

Freedom and autonomy: Residents in independent living make their own decisions about daily routines, meals, activities and more.
Access to a supportive community: Independent living communities usually offer a supportive community-style environment designed to foster new friendships and a sense of belonging.
Maintenance-free living: Everyday tasks, like home repairs, lawn care or household chores, are all taken care of, allowing you to focus more on activities that you enjoy.
Safety and security: Independent living communities often prioritize safety and security to provide peace of mind for both residents and their families.
Access to amenities and services: Many independent living communities offer amenities such as fitness centers, libraries and organized social events to make residents’ lives more comfortable and enjoyable.

Who Is Independent Living For?

With so many choices available, choosing the right housing option can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. You can consult with senior housing advisors, health care professionals or even trusted family members to help you choose an option that best suits your specific needs and preferences.

An independent living community is an excellent option for older adults who desire:

A communal lifestyle: Independent living offers a great chance to connect with other seniors who share your interests and experiences. Most communities provide plenty of opportunities for socializing through planned activities, group outings or casual chats in the common areas.
Maintenance-free living: If the hassles of home upkeep are starting to feel burdensome, independent living can be an excellent option. All those chores are taken care of, giving you more time and energy to do what you love.
Independence: An independent living community can be the right choice for those who desire a worry-free lifestyle. Typically, residents have the freedom to make decisions about meals, daily schedule and more, while knowing that help is available if needed.
Convenience: Most independent living communities offer a variety of amenities, like fitness centers, swimming pools, on-site dining options and more for individuals seeking to stay active, healthy and engaged without having to leave the community.

The Cost Of Independent Living

When exploring housing options, you might wonder: what is the average cost of independent living? Before making your decision, it’s helpful to consider both the cost of independent living and the potential cost of living at home.

On the surface, staying in your own home might seem less expensive. However, there are various expenses to consider. For example, the median cost of independent living in the United States is around $3,100 per month. In contrast, living at home involves costs such as groceries (about $300 per month), rent or mortgage payments (which can range widely but average around $2,200 per month), utility bills ($300 per month), property taxes (which can be $400 per month or more) and home maintenance expenses ($200 per month or more). While living at home may seem like the less expensive option, it’s important to carefully consider all the actual costs and the convenience and benefits of living in an independent living community.

Factors Affecting The Cost Of Independent Living

When considering senior living options, it can be useful to understand the various factors that can affect the cost. Here’s a look at a few key factors that can impact the cost of independent living:

Location: The location of a community can significantly impact the cost. Generally, communities located in urban areas or places with a higher cost of living tend to be more expensive. If you choose a community in a desirable location, you might pay more compared to a community in a more rural or less populated area.
Amenities and services: The range of amenities and services offered by the community can also affect the cost. Communities that provide extensive amenities, such as swimming pools, fitness centers and transportation services, typically charge higher fees. It’s important to consider which amenities are most important to you to see if they justify the additional cost.
Housing layout and floor plan: The size and type of the living space you choose can impact the cost. Private apartments or standalone cottages are generally more expensive compared to semi-private units. Carefully consider how much space you need and what kind of living arrangement suits your lifestyle best.
Level of care: Some communities offer additional support services, such as personal care, medication management and health monitoring. These extra services can add to the overall cost.

Learn How Much Senior Living Costs Near You

Senior living communities provide a comfortable and supportive environment for older adults. While it’s hard to put a value on care, it can be useful to understand how much senior living costs. Our cost calculator helps you get a clearer picture of what to expect financially and find the option that best fits your specific situation and budget.

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Senior Living Compared To Staying In Place

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Independent Living: For independent seniors who want to maintain an active lifestyle while downsizing their daily living responsibilities.

Assisted Living: Provides daily support for seniors who need help with tasks such as medication management, bathing and dressing.

Memory Care: Specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other memory impairments.

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