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.
See The Costs Of
Senior Living Compared To Staying In Place
We created this senior living calculator to help you determine the costs of senior living compared to remaining in place.
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To accurately estimate the cost of senior living, simply enter your monthly expenses in the field below.
To see an estimate of the cost of senior living, simply select the state and level of care you think is right for you or your loved one.
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(The National Average Cost Is $3,360-5,760 Monthly*)
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*This information is intended to aid in the evaluation and the decision-making process related to senior living alternatives. It is based on information and assumptions provided by you and information compiled from multiple accredited sources for comparison purposes. The calculations and comparisons provided should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice. In addition, such information should not be relied upon as the only source of information.
How To Choose The Right Independent Living Community
Choosing the right independent living community is an important decision, as communities can vary greatly in terms of housing options, services, amenities and costs. With so many options available, finding the perfect fit for your needs and preferences can feel overwhelming at first. Here are some key factors to consider when narrowing down your options:
- Location: Think about where you want to live. Do you prefer to be close to family and friends, or perhaps in a specific climate or environment? Consider factors like proximity to shopping centers, parks or cultural attractions that are important to you.
- Amenities and services: Look into what each community offers in terms of amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, dining options and social activities. Services like housekeeping, transportation and on-site medical care can also vary widely between communities, so it’s important to prioritize which services are most important for your lifestyle.
- Cost: Cost can be an important factor when considering independent living for seniors. Compare monthly fees and what they include. Some communities may have entrance fees or additional costs for certain services, so make sure to inquire about all potential expenses upfront.
- Access to health care services: Consider your medical needs and how easily you can access health care services both within the community and nearby. Are there medical professionals on-site or on-call? Is there transportation provided for medical appointments?
- Hobbies and interests: Evaluate whether the community supports activities and interests that align with yours. Whether you enjoy gardening, arts and crafts or educational lectures, it’s important to find a community that offers opportunities to engage in activities you love and enjoy.
Alternatives To Independent Living
Whether you’re considering different levels of care or just weighing your options, knowing about alternatives to independent living can help you make a more informed decision about your living arrangement. Here are some key alternatives to independent living:
- Active adult communities: Active adult communities are designed just for seniors, usually aged 55 or older, who desire a vibrant and social lifestyle. These communities typically offer a variety of amenities, like fitness centers, swimming pools and clubhouses, to help residents stay active and engaged.
- Assisted living: If residents need assistance with daily tasks like bathing, medication management or meal preparation, assisted living can provide the help they need.
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): These communities offer a continuum of care, ranging from independent living to assisted living and even skilled nursing care. This option allows individuals to stay within the same community even when their care needs change.
- Home care: Home care services offer personalized assistance for individuals who wish to receive support from the familiar surroundings of home.
- Nursing communities: Nursing communities provide 24/7 skilled nursing services for individuals requiring extensive medical care and round-the-clock supervision.
Transitioning To Independent Living
Although independent living offers many great benefits for older adults, making the move can seem daunting at first. Here are some practical tips to help make your transition smoother:
- Plan ahead: Start planning your move early to avoid a last-minute rush. Make a checklist of tasks to complete, and set a timeline for packing and organizing your belongings.
- Downsize wisely: Moving into a smaller space can often mean downsizing. Take time to sort through belongings and keep what’s essential or holds sentimental value. Consider donating or selling items you no longer need.
- Personalize your space: Decorating your new home with items like photos, artwork or favorite furniture pieces can help to create a more “homey” feel.
- Get to know your community: Building meaningful connections early can ease the transition and help you feel more at home.
- Stay positive and be patient: Adjusting to a new living environment usually takes time. It’s important to be patient with yourself as you settle into your new home.
Let StoryPoint Group Be Your Guide
At StoryPoint Group communities, we recognize that everyone’s journey is unique. That’s why we take the time to understand their individual needs, meeting them right where they are. Whether you’re considering senior living for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to provide the support you need every step of the way. To learn more about our services, contact us or give us a call today at 1-844-275-9990.
