Independent living is a term used to describe senior living options that allow residents to maintain their independence while enjoying the benefits of companionship and support. Independent living is typically not a one-size-fits-all option; it can take many forms depending on what works best for each resident.
You can live independently in your home or apartment with the right services and support systems. Or you can move into a retirement community or assisted living where everything is taken care of for you. There are also some unique programs that provide accommodations for seniors with special needs such as physical disabilities or mental health conditions like dementia. And then there are Independent Living Facilities (ILFs) which offer a different set of services altogether!
Community
When ones move into independent living, one often experiences an increased sense of community. Independent living communities become an extension of the family and help residents feel connected to others. The social aspect of an independent living community is important for many reasons:
- It helps your loved ones feel safe and secure in their environment
- It gives them a sense of belonging and purpose
- It provides them with structure, stability and routine that can enhance their quality of life
- Transportation
- Whether it’s a ride to the doctor or grocery store, transportation is needed for many daily activities, and retirement communities are no exception. The communities offer a variety of affordable options:
- In-house transportation
- Shared shuttle services that can be used throughout the community or outside it
- Accessible vehicles on-site for those who prefer driving themselves but need help with loading groceries and passengers
Maintenance
Maintenance staff can do more than just fix a leaky faucet or unclog the drains. They are trained to diagnose and repair almost any problem that may arise in your home. This includes appliance issues (your washing machine doesn’t spin), plumbing, electrical issues (you have no power) and heating and cooling problems (the thermostat is stuck on “hot”). If you have an issue with something in your Independent Living apartment that needs to be addressed, call the maintenance department at your community, and they will send someone out within 24 hours to address it.
There is also no more chores to worry about. You can leave your dishes in the sink overnight or let laundry pile up for a few days without any fear of being told off by someone else! – That’s all taken care of by someone else. All you have to do is enjoy yourself and live life on your own terms, with as much freedom as possible.
Security
- Security is one of the top reasons old adults choose to live in independent living communities. These communities offer security measures such as:
- Security guards
- Alarms, which can be connected to a 24/7 monitoring system and will sound if any door or window is opened without permission from the residents or staff.
- Security systems, which are installed throughout the property and work together with alarms so that if someone tries to break into one area, it triggers other alarms as well. They also allow the team or police to run checks on any movement within the buildings at any time of day or night.
Social Activities and Events
As you get older, it’s important to have activities and events that keep you social. Social activities help people make friends and stay connected with others. They can also help people feel better about themselves, be mentally active, and stay physically active and socially active.
The main benefits of social activities are:
- Making new friends or reconnecting with old ones
- Feeling like part of a community
- Having fun and staying mentally fit
If you’re looking for independent living, we can help. We have an amazing team of professionals who will work with you on finding the right fit. We understand that some people need a little extra support while they live life without their families. At Senior Independent Living, our focus is on the health and wellbeing of residents so that they can enjoy their retirement years in comfort.
