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Independent living retirement homes are ideal for active, healthy, self-sufficient seniors who want to be with a community of people their same age. While seniors in independent living homes take care of the majority of their own needs, they may also be provided with meals, laundry services, linen delivery and planned activities.
Many independent living communities provide some form of transportation service to community members.
Independent living communities do not necessarily exclude the option of medical assistance. Residents may be allowed to hire in their own medical help. Many homes may include assistive technologies such as pull cords and handrails. In general, though, residents are in good health and as implied, they need no help from other people.
Types of independent living retirement homes
Independent living comes in many different shapes and forms. Housing arrangements can include:
- suites or apartments in a tower
- townhouse complexes
- mobile homes
- standard subdivision complexes
- bungalow style single residences or “cluster housing”
Usually, there will be a communal area but the size of this may vary greatly. Each unit will almost certainly include its own kitchen, even though the residence may offer communal meals.
Independent living retirement homes are most often rentals but they can include subsidised housing. The cost of renting can vary widely depending on real estate costs in the region you are considering as well as services offered. In some areas, there can be high cost, high end independent living available. In some cases, you may have the option of purchasing your home.
Things to look for when considering independent senior living:
- How convenient is parking?
- What is the closest access to public transit?
- Is it going to be adaptable to me as I age?
- Do the community services offered meet my needs and desires?
- Is it convenient for me to get around my home? Consider stairs, width of hallways and doorways, etc.
- What do current residents say about the community?
As with any move, you will want to carefully consider all aspects of the area. Take your time in making your decision and look at many different independent living communities in your area.
Independent living is different from other kinds of housing options in retirement homes including Active Adult Living, Congregate Living, Assisted Living or Continuing or Long-term Care.
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