Independent Living

Independent living is a means for senior citizens to maintain their freedom and privacy while living in a supportive retirement community. It also is a great way to transition into senior living without having to sacrifice independence. There are many options for independent living that give seniors the option to choose the type that best fits their specific needs and lifestyle.

Independent Living Lifestyle

Independent living is the term used to describe a particular type of residential community that is geared strictly toward seniors. Generally speaking, you must be at least fifty-five years of age to be eligible, but some communities set the age bar slightly higher.

An independent living situation usually means moving into an apartment or small home that is part of a larger community of senior citizens. The living spaces are designed for easy maintenance, and certain amenities may be included, such as:

Housekeeping
Laundry service
Landscape maintenance
Community dining halls
Recreational activities
Exercise facilities
Security systems

Level of Assistance

In an independent senior community, no around-the-clock medical care is close at hand as it is in an assisted living situation. If you become ill, you must see your own physician and be prepared to bring in your own outside healthcare services if needed. There are also no custodial services provided.

Seniors must be able to manage their personal care and other needs on their own, unless a specific service is offered at large to the community. For example, some retirement communities offer local transportation for their residents. If the community you choose doesn't offer transportation, you'll either need to drive your own vehicle, or hire someone to transport you wherever you need to go.

Who Qualifies?

Independent senior facilities differ from assisted living facilities in that prospective residents must be in good health and be self-sufficient. This includes being able to dress yourself and carry out your own hygiene routines. No visiting nurse or home care assistance is provided.

Income is another consideration. Applicants will need to either lease or purchase the location of their choosing, or qualify for housing in a government-subsidized senior community.

Choices

There are several basic types of living spaces; within each type there is a wide variation on luxuries, depending on the price you are prepared to pay.

Apartments

Individual apartments are part of a larger retirement apartment complex. The design of each senior apartment is "senior friendly," so you can expect handrails in tubs/showers, ramps and/or elevators rather than stairs and wider doorways.

Most apartments have at least a small efficiency kitchen, even if community dining is part of the package.

Homes and Condominiums

If you prefer a bit more privacy and space than apartment living typically offers, then you might want to consider looking into a home or condominium in a retirement community. Your choices might include:

Single family housing
Duplexes
Triplexes
Mobile homes
Manufactured housing
Row condominiums

All of these units are arranged just like the average neighborhood, complete with subdivisions. Landscaping services are often included in this type of package, but you may still have the opportunity to do your own mowing and gardening if it pleases you. Just make sure to ask about the association's rules beforehand.

Subsidized Housing

Low income seniors may be eligible for housing subsidized under the government's Housing and Urban Development agency. The downside is that the waiting list for this type of senior housing is usually quite long, and you'll likely have far less choice in the locations presented to you.

What You Should Look For

Here are a few tips to help you find your best match. When considering a location be sure that it:

Is in the vicinity of a medical facility
Is close to community transportation
Comes with adjacent parking to your living space
Includes an adequate security system, including alarms and patrols
Consists of single-level construction
Includes extra amenities that will help you, should your mobility decline
Allows pets, if you have one

Making a Move

If you're feeling the need to begin living in a community with people of like age and interests, but you're not ready to completely hang up your independence, then independent living may be just what you're looking for. Take your time looking around, and be sure to check out any agency you choose to deal with at your local Better Business Bureau before signing a lease or purchasing a home.