Independent Living Near Me

If you are beginning to explore living options for yourself or a loved one, you may find out that aging is a balancing act of many different competing needs, such as:

• The need for privacy vs. the desire to be social 
• The need for freedom vs. the security of medical care at a moment’s notice
• The need for your own space vs. the inability to keep up with housework 

Independent senior living is a great option that is a perfect balance between all of these things and more. The senior is still free to do as they wish, to come and go as they please, and to live the life they have grown accustomed to; the only difference is that they can get all the help and support they need to continue this lifestyle!

It is not a nursing home or hospital, but rather it is simply flipping the page on a new, exciting chapter in life. It preserves all the good things about aging—freedom, no longer having to do housework, a chance to continue growing and learning—while still offering security when it comes to the changing needs that arise when growing older. 

Here at Caring Advisor, our representatives want to help kick-start the journey of choosing the senior living option that is right for you or your loved one. If you are looking at independent living near you, you probably have a lot of questions and things to consider before choosing a location. We’re here to help!

What Does Independent Living Mean?

Independent living means many things to many people: freedom, security, comfort, wellness, and so much more. This level of care preserves a feeling of autonomy and security, all on top of offering a range of social activities, dining programs, and everything a senior could need to enjoy their golden years. 

With independent living, residents that are typically aged 55 and up get all the benefits of living on their own while having the peace of mind of knowing that assistance is available whenever it is needed. Those who choose this type of senior housing generally live in their own private quarters with floor plans that vary in size from cozy studio apartments to spacious multi-bedroom villas. These living spaces are located on campuses that offer a myriad of activities and programs for residents to enjoy.

Overall, independent living is a safe and affordable first step in the retirement journey for many people across the country. 

Independent Living Services and Amenities

At most independent housing communities, you can expect care services for a broad range of needs. The items below may already be included in a monthly or yearly fee or you may opt into some items for an additional charge. Be sure to ask an independent living community near you what types of services they offer to help you or your loved one make a decision.

• Access to as much or as little health care as needed: As part of a continuum of care, residents benefit from easy access to assisted living, rehabilitation services, and skilled nursing care should the need arise. This might be on a short-term basis after an illness or surgery, or long-term if health status changes. For example, if a resident has a planned surgery, they can rehab on campus before returning to their apartment or villa.
• Amenities and services: Residential living may include lawn care, concierge service, interior and exterior home maintenance, transportation, housekeeping, laundry services, utilities, etc.
• Daily social activities: Opportunities to socialize are a leading reason that seniors choose to move to an independent living community. When a senior enters into retirement years and beyond, they finally have more time to reconnect with old passions or pursue new ones. The common areas bring people together for life-enrichment activities, wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, and more.
• 24-hour security: Retirement communities also offer individuals a safe and secure environment. For example, in many senior living communities, security personnel are on campus around the clock which helps with everything from crime prevention to emergency response.
• Exercise and fitness: Good health is the result of so much more than the finest nursing care. Staying active also means engaging in routine physical activity. Access to walking trails, golf courses, wellness programs, and physical trainers means that residents can keep up with their overall wellness long into their retirement years.
• Cook on your own or dine with friends: When seniors live in their own independent living apartment, they have the ability to cook in their very own home or they can enjoy a meal with friends in a restaurant-style dining room. 

What is the Difference Between Independent and Assisted Living?

Seniors and their families are sometimes unfamiliar with the difference between independent and assisted living. Yet, this is an important distinction to understand.

While an assisted living facility focuses on providing support with personal care and activities of daily living, an independent living community is dedicated to providing services that support a thrilling lifestyle for an active adult. This senior housing option makes it easier for older adults to have the freedom they need to live every day to the fullest while giving them as much or as little support and medical care as they want.

Independent Living For Your Loved One

When home care begins to be too much for caregivers, many people have described a move to senior living as a gift that seniors can give to their children. Knowing that an elderly parent is safe and secure provides adult children with peace of mind.

When an adult child is free from worrying about who will do a parent’s laundry or how to arrange

transportation for them to go to the grocery store, families are able to spend quality time together. Reconnecting over intergenerational activities instead of chores helps families build

lasting memories.

Independent Living Costs and How to Pay

For many seniors of various backgrounds, independent living is a realizable goal and is more affordable than one might think. For example, there is no need to pay for 24/7 nursing or other expenses associated with things like memory care, continuing care retirement communities (ccrc), or other senior living arrangements. Also, there are no longer additional expenses that might be a drain on resources, including mortgage, property taxes, home maintenance, cleaning costs, etc.

Many people may ask if insurance or long-term care pays for independent living. There are certainly many different programs that can help cover the cost of independent living for yourself or a loved one, such as employee retirement insurance, VA benefits, private health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and more. Get in touch with your insurance to see if you qualify.

How To Find Independent Living Near You

If you’re ready to make the switch to an independent living community, choosing the right one should come down to your needs, personality, and lifestyle. Here are some tips on how to find independent living near you that meets all of these requirements:

• Step 1: Make a list of essential needs – Find out what is most important to you or your loved one, such as activities that are available, pet-friendly apartments, transportation options, proximity, pricing,social interaction, visitation policies, and safety measures (especially during a pandemic such as COVID-19), etc.
• Step 2: Begin the search – Many people start with asking family and friends for referrals. This is particularly helpful if you talk to someone whose needs and lifestyle match the senior’s and if they have experienced a senior community first-hand. Other routes may include the senior’s doctor, community leaders and, of course, online searching. CaringAdvisor is a great online option to explore communities both near and far.
• Step 3: Location considerations – You will want to choose a senior care option that is near you, but that’s not the only consideration. Think about if it is important to you or a loved one to be surrounded by a rich community that perhaps has a theater nearby, bustling city life, or is conveniently located near another loved one so that it’s easier for them to visit. 
• Step 4: Schedule a visit – Not only should you tour the senior apartments, but also explore the grounds and the common areas. Go during a mealtime when more people are active so that the senior can see the community life and taste the food to see if it meets their standards.
• Step 5: Take your time – Ask lots of questions while you’re there and even after you get back home. The goal is to walk away with a clear idea of what community life will be like and where the resident can fit in and be happy. This is a major decision and one that demands time and careful consideration.

To learn more about our many different communities and the care options search Caring Advisor today!