Independent Living Explained
The image in a person’s mind when they think about long-term senior housing is often of a nursing home or other medical facility. There are, however, long-term housing options that aren’t centered around medical care.
Independent Living communities offer residents a living environment in which they can maintain their autonomy while having basic services provided for them. Independent living is a good option for seniors who are not in need of medical care but want opportunities for social engagement and daily needs like housekeeping, food, and transportation provided for them.
Facilities are generally apartment buildings with a dining room with meal plans, common areas, transportation, housekeeping, and activities provided for residents. Community options include both apartment suites and individual houses or co-op housing. The focus of independent living, unlike Assisted Living, isn’t on providing daily care for residents like bathing, changing, or medical care, but caregiving options are available.
Services
- Housekeeping: Staff cleans rooms and facilities for residents
- Meal service: Options for both sit-in dining and room delivery, Independent Living communities will offer different meals plans that can include two or three meals a day
- Transportation: Communities provide transportation for residents for things like groceries, medical check-ups, and community events
- Social activities: Independent Living communities often direct a variety of activities like bingo, holiday events, church services, exercise, yoga, card games, invited speakers, and others
- Home Maintenance: Staff to help with appliances, plumbing, air conditioning, and other maintenance issues
- Specialized programs: some communities offer services like physical therapy and beauty shops
Caregiving in Independent Living
Independent Living communities are not state-regulated healthcare facilities, but most communities will offer caregiving plans for residents through an outside agency. Residents can schedule physical therapy or help with the activities of daily living through these agencies, and costs vary based on the amount of care needed; 24 dollars per hour of care provided is a typical amount you can expect to pay.
What to Look For in Independent Living Communities
When deciding which community is best for you or a loved one, it is important to keep in mind what is most important in a living environment for you and what your level of need is.
Amenities vary between communities. Patio areas, indoor common areas, chapels for church services, dining rooms, libraries, recreational rooms, quality suites with comfortable living conditions, gardens, and exercise rooms are all things to look for when considering which facility is right for you.
Getting to know other residents and staff to make sure they’re a good fit for you can also ensure that you can find a community that you can engage with. Some communities offer temporary stays that can help you familiarize yourself with the community before deciding on a long-term residency. The quality of services also varies, so it’s important to make sure of the quality of housekeeping, meals and meal service, and maintenance before committing to a community.
It’s a good idea to check out the activities offered as communities can have a wide range of options. Guided exercises, yoga, educational events, church services, games, holiday events, group trips, and other social activities may be available.
It is also important to consider your long-term future. If you do not require consistent caregiving now but don’t want to have to move to a different community as your needs increase, communities that offer Independent Living along with Assisted Living or Memory Care can make the transition easier.
Madison County Independent Living Communities
Apartments at Russell Erskine
Brookdale Jones Farm
Clarkston Square
Dublin Village Apartments
Franklin Hills Apartments
Garden Park Apartments
Gateway Place Apartments
Madison Crossings
Mayfair Towers
Merrill Gardens of Madison
Neighborhood Concepts Inc
Patterson Place Apartments
Redstone Village
Seventh-day Adventist Towers
Shepherd Living at the Range
Stoneridge Villas
The Commons
The Lodge at Johns Road
The Summit
Todd Towers
Valley Garden Apartments
Willow Run Adventist Towers