What Is an Independent Living Community – And Who Is It For?

If you are an older adult thinking about the future, it’s likely your goal is to live as independently as possible, for as long as you possibly can. Doing that means achieving a lifestyle that balances your total health and happiness, in an environment that enables you to flourish. Often, moving into a senior living community provides the answer – and by name alone, an “independent living community,” may be the ideal type.

But exactly what is an independent living community, and who is an independent living community for? Why do some seniors choose independent living over other housing options for elders, such as assisted living or memory care? Let’s discuss these questions so you can explore which possibility is right for you or your loved one.

What Are Independent Living Communities?

Independent living is a type of retirement living in which a person resides within a community setting designed specifically for seniors. Like many other senior housing options, independent living residents rent a living space, usually an apartment or a cottage. In this situation, they can also access shared community spaces and a suite of services, amenities, and opportunities to socialize, gather, and connect with others.

Simply put, independent living affords seniors a maintenance-free lifestyle where they can take advantage of numerous touchpoints for hospitality and connection while maintaining their freedom, independence, and privacy.

Who Are Independent Living Communities For?

Independent living is an ideal housing option for seniors who are generally in good health, physically independent, and able to care for themselves with little to no assistance from others. While they can still live self-sufficiently, they do not want the burdens of home ownership anymore, and like the idea of having access to assistance if needed and opportunities to mingle with other people as they choose.

Why Do Some Seniors Choose an Independent Living Community, If They are Capable of Living on Their Own?

That is a frequently asked question with many answers. Thanks to the host of conveniences right on their doorstep, they do not need to stress over responsibilities. Instead, they can devote their days to pursuing their interests, passions, travels, wellness journeys, and vital relationships with family and friends. Or, just kicking back and relaxing!

As a resident, you should find extensive benefits that make life easier than living alone, including:

• A comfortable, pet-friendly, and well-appointed home that you can personalize.
• A location that is convenient for your daily routine, errands, and appointments – and chauffeured transportation available to drive you if/when you prefer.
• A safe and accessible setting with security measures in place.
• Staff-managed services that reduce time spent on difficult, exhausting, and risky chores – meal preparation and cooking, housekeeping, laundry, home maintenance, landscaping, and more.
• Pleasant common spaces – indoor and outdoor – where you can gather with other residents and with visitors for essential human connection.
• Stimulating activities and events calendars curated to appeal to an array of hobbies and interests.
• A focus on your health, including onsite fitness and wellness programs and access to medical care and emergency response.
• Organized off-site trips and outings to local landmarks, parks, shops, restaurants, entertainment, houses of worship, and more.
• Financial empowerment due to no longer paying for house-related costs – like a mortgage with interest, property taxes, insurance premiums, repairs, and upkeep – as well as streamlined finances and bill payment, consolidated utilities, household expenses and some health care costs.

Many seniors find that they truly thrive, enjoying peace of mind and leading a healthier, richer, and more fulfilling retirement, in an independent living community.

When Should a Senior Move into Independent Living?

Of course, this is an extremely personal decision, one typically accompanied by several factors. Many seniors look forward to their move into an independent living community – and embrace the lighthearted lifestyle it brings – and do so as soon as they get matters squared away.

Others feel more apprehensive about leaving their long-time home. Among their influences might be the passing of a spouse or partner, family and friends moving farther away, or the awareness of the dangers associated with a sedentary and reclusive lifestyle. Some are thinking proactively and realize a senior-friendly home can accommodate age-related changes over the years.

Whatever the motivation, the best time to consider an independent living community is sooner, rather than later. Seniors benefit from moving into independent living before a sudden illness or injury, a severe decline in mobility or another unexpected change occurs, or the threats, loneliness, and stress keep rising. By doing so, they can make decisions proactively and sensibly, transition more seamlessly, and avoid a process that could otherwise be overwhelming for themselves and their loved ones.

What If a Senior Needs More Help Than Independent Living Provides?

Some seniors struggle with handling daily living activities on their own. In these cases, they may be better suited for an assisted living option. By moving into an assisted living community, they can enjoy the same, lengthy list of services and amenities as residents in independent living. The difference here is closer supervision and more direct support. Assisted living staff members aid residents with personal care tasks, such as showering, getting dressed, grooming, using the restroom, eating, being escorted around the community grounds, and managing their medication and medical care.

For those seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or any cognitive change – or those for whom these conditions are a potential concern – a senior community with onsite memory care is a valuable option. In a memory care community, seniors benefit from expert support and specialized engagement and activities, brain health fitness programming, and behavioral support. Additional precautions, such as wander protection, secured doors, and increased security, including staff members monitoring the exits, are also in place.

In assisted living and memory care communities, residents and their families can feel relieved, knowing their concerns will be resolved, and they can receive the help they always need.

Is Independent Living Right for You – Or Is Another Senior Living Option Best?

Deciding between independent living, assisted living, and memory care comes down to the person’s specific needs. Each of these senior living options addresses changing care needs differently. Carefully think through the person’s capabilities, limitations, and preferences. Then, align those requirements with the right offerings in your local community.

Remember: While a certain option might appear appropriate now, your situation could change in the future. For example, an independent senior who sometimes has difficulty with organizing and remembering to take medication could benefit from assisted living soon. Minor forgetfulness today could become a need for memory care tomorrow.

Consider a residential senior facility that provides a continuum of care with some or all care levels in a single setting. Prospective independent living residents are encouraged to move in, while they are still predominantly active and self-sufficient. Then, if physical or mental health changes arise, they can transition into assisted living easily – or into memory care – in the same place, while receiving ongoing support, among familiar friends and staff members.

Cardinal Bay offers relationship-centered independent living communities in Texas and Oklahoma, as well as a continuum of care in assisted living and memory care communities. Schedule a complimentary visit to see how our residents thrive. Learn more by reading Cardinal Bay’s free, valuable resources, which are dedicated to the seniors and their caregivers navigating this next chapter. Subscribe to our blog, plus access our eBook, Your Elementary Guide to Senior Living and Care Options in Texas and Oklahoma. Get your copy now!