Your Definitive Guide to Senior Independent Living
Table of Content
Introduction
Maintaining a house with extra costs and next to no support may become an extreme inconvenience in a post-retirement life for seniors. So, it's natural for them to start looking for an option to meet like-minded people while within a sense of community. Wouldn't it be wonderful to get rid of the added burden of chores as well? In that case, moving to an Independent Living community might be the right choice for them.
Still, many people think that moving to nursing homes is the only choice. But that is not the case. Seniors today have many different options to choose from. And one of the very popular options is independent living.
Residents in an independent living community keep their independence by living in their own home, apartment, or suite. These communities, often known as retirement homes or 55+ apartments, do not provide nursing care or support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, or grooming.
What is Independent Living
Independent living refers to retirement housing where seniors live with other senior companions in the same community. Here, they do not need daily assistance with personal activities as they are mostly healthy and capable of managing ADLs.
Senior Independent Living is for those who don’t need personal assistance but want to move into a community to ease their lives. There are many services available that will help make the lives of seniors easier and more enjoyable. That way, they can spend less time doing work around the house, freeing up time so they can do something else with it. They can spend quality moments with family or friends or work on hobbies or interests while still living independently and without needing extra care from others, which comes as part of assisted living homes too often these days.
Independent living gives seniors the freedom to make their own decisions without having someone check up on them all day. There are also plenty of amenities that will help them stay active as long as possible!
The primary difference between independent living and other types of senior living is that the emphasis is not on providing regular medical care or assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing and bathing. Of course, some on-call caregivers can support these activities. But the focus is on independence which makes it an excellent alternative for self-sufficient seniors who want to live in the community but do not require daily nursing or personal care help.
What Are the Benefits of Independent Living Communities?
Independent Living facilities allow seniors to avoid the hassle of maintaining their homes. These communities often offer 24/7 security and sometimes housekeeping services. It also enables people to drop their regular commitments and chores. The seniors can value spending full-time with their families, learning new skills, and living in a stress-free environment. Below are a few of the advantages of an active lifestyle in independent senior housing:
Dining arrangements
The dining services in senior independent living facilities are designed to support senior requirements. Seniors who don't want to cook can enjoy meal services. In contrast, seniors who like cooking can utilize the fully or partially equipped kitchen. They can host dinner parties, private meals, and cooking sessions of their own inside the kitchen
Typically, every independent living facility serves three meals a day. Menus are created with senior nutrition in mind, and they accommodate a variety of dietary limitations. In addition, snacks and drinks may be available in all-inclusive resorts.
For people who appreciate good conversation over meals, dining at an independent living facility can help them network. It gives you the chance to meet up with old friends and make new ones.
Living conveniently
For older seniors, household maintenance and tasks can be a stress. For example, while some people find cooking or planting pleasant, other household tasks like sweeping, cleaning, and house maintenance can be stressful. In addition, seniors can be prone to injuries from such daily living activities.
Residents in independent senior living don't have to worry about lawn care, home maintenance, or house cleaning. These services, along with restaurant-style eating, errand assistance, and transportation services, are significant perks of independent living.
Social life in a community
When seniors live in an independent living facility, they are not necessarily living alone. However, chronic illnesses, mobility issues, divorce, and death can contribute to senior loneliness. As a result, it can exacerbate health problems and raise the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly.
Independent living gives older individuals access to a built-in community of people in similar stages of life. Residents can easily interact with others and make new acquaintances thanks to shared amenities and various activities.
Community recreation and social activities
Independent living provides a wide range of social activities to suit a variety of preferences. Physical, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional components of wellness are all focus of the planned events. In addition, movie nights, exercise courses, book clubs, transportation to religious services, and visits to theaters are available to those who want to have an active lifestyle.
Safe and secured independent senior apartments
Seniors are the priority in the design of independent living residences. Accessibility features are included in common areas and residential units to accommodate people with varying levels of physical ability. Standard features of independent living facilities include low thresholds, wide doorways, handrails, well-lit areas, and walk-in showers and tubs.
Senior independent living homes also include 24-hour on-call staff services. If any senior has a personal emergency, caregivers will be assigned to him or her.
Transportation and mobility
Car accidents are more likely to occur in older people. While some residents of independent living homes may opt to continue driving, many communities offer scheduled, complimentary transportation services for outings, medical appointments, shopping, and other errands.
Pet-friendly independent living systems
Many seniors may be surprised to learn that independent living communities are all about freeing you from whatever is preventing you from thoroughly enjoying your retirement years. They aren't interested in enforcing regulations to limit relaxation, and having pets are one way many communities achieve that.
Seniors don't have to say goodbye to their pets when moving to an independent living facility. Pets are welcome in many areas. Some may, however, impose restrictions on the types, sizes, and numbers of pets.
A variety of housing options exist when you or a loved one want to move into an Independent Living community. Housing options include:
- Studio flat: a bedroom, kitchenette cum living room, a bathroom
- One bedroom apartment: one bedroom, one restroom, kitchenette cum living room
- Two-bedroom apartment: two bedrooms, one or two restrooms, kitchen, living room, patio
What Are Some Types of Independent Living Facilities?
There are a number of independent living facility types, from apartment complexes to stand-alone houses, which range in cost and the services provided. Some of the different communities you can choose from:
Active Adult Communities
Active Adult Communities are ideal for people who are 55 years or older and don't need healthcare services and assistance with ADLs. Such living facilities may include single or multiple-family homes, condos, and other mixes of housing types.
Active adult communities have a variety of recreational amenities to improve the living standards of vivid adults. Some of the services and facilities provided include:
- Golf courses
- Clubhouses
- Common areas
- Swimming pools
- Outdoor maintenance
Some Active Adult Communities may also offer transport options such as buses to nearby shops. For these amenities, residents need to pay a monthly fee.
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Communities)
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is also known as a life plan community. CCRCs offer independent living and a full range of amenities, along with medical care access when needed by seniors. Seniors have the comfort of living in their homes because of this continuum of care.
CCRCs offer a complete plan for the cycle of aging for their residents. These communities provide a full range of facilities encompassing Independent Living, Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and Memory Care. Moreover, CCRCs have an initial membership fee. But they ease the transition to different types of care when those requirements arise.
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments are designed to meet the physical and emotional requirements of the elderly people. These apartments feature infrastructures that are specially designed for senior residents. A standard unit has 1-2 bedrooms and ranges from a few hundred square feet to over 2,000 square feet. These apartments include all of the conveniences of homes and additional features built into the units and buildings' construction. They also include safety equipment such as handrails in restrooms and low stairs
Senior apartments are primarily located in age-restricted buildings. This restriction helps create a sense of community among people of similar ages. The apartments range from single-family apartments to suites with private bedrooms and restrooms. At the same time, the living space and kitchen are shared.
Age-Restricted Communities
Age-restricted communities are also known as active adult communities or retirement communities. These communities are homes that are only available to anyone over the age of 55. These developments may include Single-family or detached houses, prefabricated homes, apartments, or condominiums. They often offer a club-style setting with high-end amenities, including golf courts, tennis courts, clubhouses, and swimming pools. Residents can either buy or rent them because they are mainly privately owned.
These communities are designed for elderly persons in good health and thus do not offer any support services. However, residents can get in-home assistance and support if they need it.
Senior Cohousing
As seniors approach retirement and contemplate their alternatives for the future, they are increasingly seeking options that include sociability, mutual assistance, and growing old in place. Cohousing perfectly fits the criteria for many seniors.
Senior cohousing is often characterized as a community for people aged 55 and over. They adhere to the same cohousing community principles, such as shared property administration and maintenance, group meals, large shared spaces, and smaller private residences.
Property and services that fall under cohousing management include:
- Carpooling
- Eldercare
- Flower gardens
- Lawn mowing
- Vegetable gardens
- Jacuzzis
- Fitness rooms
- Bicycles
The residents often share a home where housework and recreational activities take place. Senior Cohousing could be a desirable option if they want to move in with any longtime friends. Often, people find cohousing opportunities through companies and organizations that renovate homes.
Subsidized Housing for Independent Seniors
Housing subsidized by the government targets people who fall into the "low income" or "meager income" categories. Eligible residents pay no more than 30% of their monthly income for rent, as government subsidies cover the rest. This funding happens via the Section 202 program Supportive Housing for the Elderly.
NGOs facilitate this subsidized housing for Independent Living. The NGOs coordinate with the USDA's Rural Housing Service and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund housing. These housing facilities for seniors are designed to meet the basic needs of living independently without ADL assistance.
But there is intense competition for these funded residencies. The high demand often results in a long wait of almost 12 months to secure housing.
Seniors can check other ways of obtaining such housing through your region's Public Housing Authority (PHA), Section 8 vouchers of the HOME Investment Partnership Program. The local HUD office is in charge of this program.
What Are Some Services and Amenities Offered by Independent Living Facilities?
When seniors consider moving into a new home in an Independent Living facility, feeling overwhelmed is not unusual. After all, there are lots of options available. It may be exhausting to weigh the pros and cons of selecting and moving into an Independent Living.
To find the optimal option, they need to check the amenities and services needed. Then, compare them with the amenities and services offered by Independent Living nearby. The Independent Living community that matches their needs the best will be ideal.
Is Independent Living Right for You?
Consider a situation where you want to live alongside peers in safety and independence (without tedious housekeeping tasks, yard work, etc.). In that case, Independent Living might be the best choice for you.
You may want to consider Independent Living if you meet the following criteria:
- You want to be around people of your generation and build meaningful friendships. You also want to take part in social activities within the community.
- You want your independence. You'd like to have security where you live as well.
- You want to maintain your privacy. Yet, your home feels isolated and too large or difficult to maintain
- You want to stay independent. You also wish to delegate some daily obligations such as housework and cooking.
Signs that it’s time for independent living
Seniors can often struggle to decide whether to opt for independent living or not. Here are 4 signs to help you decide that.
- You’re tired being a homeowner- as you age, it becomes harder to look after your home all by yourself.
- Think about your future- the more you age, you will start becoming sicker. You will need instant support in those days.
- Get into a better social life- independent communities can bring like-minded seniors together.
- Being budget conscious- independent living is extremely budget-friendly. We will look into how the resources can reduce the overall costs for you.
When you shouldn’t consider independent living
There are certain situations when independent living might not be suitable for you. They can be:
- Sudden changes in eating behaviors
- Memory loss and difficult in communication
- Unable to keep up with personal care
- Being forgetful about medicines
- Falling down frequently and getting hurt
How Much Does Independent Living Cost?
The monthly cost of independent living can be from $1,500 to $6,000. The costs depend on multiple factors such as the independent facility location, amenities offered, and the care and assistance required by the seniors. For example, buying condos can cost as much as a million dollars and luxury apartments about $100,000. In comparison, a low-income residence might cost about $1,000 per month.
Independent living is generally the least expensive option of senior care because it does not include personal care help or health services. Independent living costs can be 30% to 50% lower per month than assisted living costs.
Independent Living costs vary broadly. Prices are dependent on a variety of factors. And there are quite a few hidden costs associated that can be a concern for independent living. They entail the following:
How to calculate independent living costs
BoomersHub can help seniors find the ideal Independent Living near you. Our experienced local advisors will provide you with the necessary expertise:
- First, find the total costs of moving into a preferred Independent Living.
- Then, compare it to the homeownership costs.
- Finally, weigh the cost difference against the advantages of moving into Independent Living.
How Do I Pay for Independent Living?
Residents in active adult communities generally pay with personal income and savings. Medicare, Medicaid, and other long-term care insurance plans do not cover Independent Senior Living expenses.
Seniors can fund independent living with the following options:
- Retirement pensions
- Equity loans or HELOC
- Bridge loans
- Housing assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Retirement annuities
An annuity requires you to make a fixed lump sum investment in a financial asset. Annuities can be in the form of shares, bonds, or mutual funds. The investment will give seniors a fixed periodic payment at a coupon rate over an agreed number of years.
Retirement annuities ensure that seniors receive a steady stream of income after retirement. The earlier ahead of retirement, they buy the retirement annuity, the higher will be the interest yield.
Home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC)
Home equity loans or HELOCs allow seniors to borrow against their current home's value. They can use these borrowings to purchase anything. An example would be a home in an Independent Living facility.
The bank transfers this loan as a lump sum. Seniors can spend the loan and repay that sum in periodic installments. Making use of such a loan can be more cost-effective than depleting investments and breaking them into savings. However, every senior must assess these terms well.
Also, it needs to be noted that the consequences of defaulting on Home Equity Loans (or HELOCs) can be severe. For example, defaulting on repayments may lead to the loss of ownership to the bank.
Bridge loan
Many seniors may be unable to wait for their homes to sell before relocating to an independent living community because they require care right now. In such a situation, a bridge loan allows seniors and their families to cover these expenses and relieve the stress until they receive additional financial resources.
A bridge loan can be beneficial for seniors to bridge the gap between permanent financing and the repayment of existing debt. It gives the user quick cash flow, allowing them to meet their financial obligations. Bridge loans are short-term loans with high-interest rates that are often secured by real estate or products.
Personal funds
Most seniors and their loved ones prepare for retirement ahead of time with savings, investments, and assets. In addition, many use their income from salaries or savings to pay for their Independent Living community.
Social Security benefits and pensions
Almost every American worker's retirement plan includes Social Security. It offers qualified retirees and their families with supplemental income. Elders who have received Social Security benefits can use them to finance their Independent Living costs. Seniors can receive this amount as a lump sum or monthly amount.
Housing assistance
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides various services to help low-income seniors. They aid in finding affordable living arrangements, including public housing in Independent Living communities, rental assistance, and vouchers. But, waiting lists for this option tend to be quite long.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI might cover basic needs like clothes, food, and shelter for seniors aged 65 and older. The requirement is for a senior to have limited assets or a disability. Also, the amount they are eligible to receive as SSI depends on their income, living arrangements, and other variables. SSI payments can fund Independent Living if seniors meet the named conditions.
Differences among Independent Living and Other Senior Living Options
Seniors have several options to choose from to live out the rest of their days. Before making such an important decision, they will need to understand the differences between each care type. The senior living communities differ in their costs, services, amenities, and many more.
Independent Living vs Assisted Living
Seniors with varying needs might choose between independent living and assisted living. Both alternatives provide secure, senior-friendly accommodation, amenities, social events, and ready meals. However, the key difference between the two is that independent living does not offer assistance with activities of daily living like dressing, grooming, and bathing.
More on the differences between independent living and assisted living are shown in the table:
Independent Living | Assisted Living |
Very minimal personal care on ADLs | Focused on ADL and IADL assistance |
Skilled nursing facilities are not available on-site | Skilled nursing availability is limited |
Professional medical supervision is not available on-site | Professional medical supervision is limited |
Complete home-like atmosphere, similar to luxury apartments or condos | Home-like environment, comparable to residential apartments or hotels |
Independent Living vs Nursing Home
Independent living and nursing homes differ significantly in terms of their core services. A nursing home mainly focuses on expert nursing care for seniors. More on the differences between independent living and nursing homes are shown in the table:
Independent Living | Nursing Home |
Very minimal personal care on ADLs | Focused on ADL, IADL, and full-time medical assistance for any elderly patient |
Skilled nursing facilities are not available on-site | Skilled nursing availability is 24/7 |
Professional medical supervision is not available on-site | Professional medical supervision is always available |
Complete home-like atmosphere, similar to luxury apartments or condos | Minimal home-like environment, with more similarities to hospital settings |
Independent Living vs Memory Care
Memory care, like assisted living, is a residential institution that provides meals and assistance with everyday activities. The key difference between independent living and memory care is the particular help that memory care facilities provide for people who are suffering from memory loss.
More on the differences between independent living and memory care are shown in the table:
Independent Living | Memory Care |
Very minimal personal care on ADLs | Focused on ADL, IADL, and full-time medical assistance for Alzheimer’s, dementia, or amnesia patients. |
Skilled nursing facilities are not available on-site | Skilled nursing availability is 24/7 |
Professional medical supervision is not available on-site | Professional medical supervision is always available |
Complete home-like atmosphere, similar to luxury apartments or condos | Minimal home-like environment, with more security to prevent wandering or getting lost |
Independent Living vs Home Care
Home care provides assistance and respite for caregivers and cares for seniors who choose to grow old in one place. Companionship, assistance with ADLs, light housework, cooking, transportation, and other services are available from home care assistants.
Home care significantly differs from independent living when it comes to sociability, intellectual stimulation, and expenses.
Independent Living | Home Care |
Very minimal personal care on ADLs | Focused on on-call ADL, IADL, and medical assistance |
Skilled nursing facilities are not available on-site | Skilled nursing availability is only on-call |
Professional medical supervision is not available on-site | Professional medical supervision is only for special cases |
Complete home-like atmosphere, similar to luxury apartments or condos | Receive care from the comfort of their own homes |
How to Make the Transition to Independent Living Smoother?
Post-retirement downsizing is a significant life event that may be stressful for everyone. Despite the numerous benefits of independent living, the decision to relocate could be challenging.
The first approach should be acknowledging everything they feel. Talking to a sympathetic person can sometimes be beneficial. Speak with a trustworthy family member or friend, or seek help from a counselor. Keep in mind that you're not alone. Most people over the age of 65 will require some form of long-term care, so there's no shame in admitting you need more assistance than you did before.
4 tips on downsizing for seniors
Going through a whole household of possessions and memories can be daunting for both seniors and caregivers, but sticking to this essential list can help keep the process smooth and simple. Some helpful tips to consider include:
Understand the space and sorting system
Figuring out how you will work through your possessions can help you stay on track and ensure nothing is overlooked. One good strategy is to start big. Move through every room – beginning with those you use the least – and get rid of the oversized items you know you will no longer need in your new home. This helps to clear out space so you can more systematically and more efficiently address the minor clutter in each room. Next, throw-away items that are not useful to you, hold no sentiment and donate items you think somebody else could use. Make sure anybody who is helping you donate understands the types of items you plan to keep, toss, or donate.
Give yourself enough time
Sorting through your possessions and getting rid of things is not something you should expect to be able to accomplish on a random Saturday. The process takes time and thought – and you will feel much less stressed if you leave yourself with plenty of time. You will need to consider the schedules of the people who are helping you get rid of bigger items. And also, you have to account for the time it will take to get items to the dumpster or charity drop-off center.
Consider the gifts and other belongings
Just because you won’t have room in your new home for something doesn’t mean someone in your family couldn’t use it. This is especially true for items that have been in your family for several generations. So, ensure your children or loved ones have a fair shot at taking things that they want from your possessions before you trash or donate them.
Feel the overflow of emotions
Last but not least, you need to be ready to deal with some intense emotions throughout the downsizing process. You might be surprised about the things you find while sorting through your possession and the feelings of sentimentality that could pop up. All the small things you’ve kept that summarize your life can hold deep power. That’s why it’s important to leave yourself time to savor the memories and reflect before you decide if you’ll keep things or toss them. In many cases, downsizing can be a very emotional process for everyone involved.
Choosing the Right Independent Living Facility with BoomersHub
There is a multitude of retirement communities available to choose from. Finding the proper fit might be difficult with so many alternatives available. Many of them may appear to be the same, with beautiful grounds and cutting-edge facilities. What counts most is finding a community where you will live and be a valued member. Choosing a place with a collective culture that accepts and celebrates your unique perspective and hobbies is essential. The ideal independent living community for you is more than a location; it's a vibe. The anticipation of a new adventure, full of new people and experiences, with the best still to come.
They offer a variety of Senior Living apartments. BoomersHub can help you find the one that matches your needs. We can help you decide with expert advice from our senior advisors. Here are a few questions that we suggest you ask when visiting a home for independent living:
- What are the lists of recreational activities available for me?
- How many will senior residents participate in different social activities?
- What options do I have known for personal care? What options do I have for medical care?
- How does the fee structure work? Is it a monthly fee or a one-time fee? Will the final amount fluctuate every year?
- What kind of meals do I get if I am not cooking for myself? How will the facility follow dietary and nutritious needs?
- Does the community allow visitors? Are there any restrictions with overnight visitors?
- Can I keep my pet with me? Are there are restrictions on the size and type of pets?
- What kind of mobility facilities does the community offer?
- How does the neighborhood look like? What is the history of the surrounding place?