There are a large number of alternatives, when it comes to long term living facility for seniors. Some of them are: assisted living facility, nursing homes, in-home care, and so on. Among all these, independent living offers, the maximum amount of independence and flexibility.
Independent living is a special facility, wherein the seniors live in a small private apartment, located inside a community of elderly citizens. In such a case, any neighborhood, premeditated specially for senior citizens, may be referred to as independent living society. Such societies are known by many other names such as retirement homes, senior homes, retirement communities, etc.
Main Features Of Independent Living
Independent living centers differ from assisted living in many ways. It is like any other housing society but is exclusively meant for people in a certain age group. Assistance is not provided for daily activities such as personal care, bathing, etc, as in senior homes. Similarly, health services are also not a part of the independent living arrangement. However, if an individual needs medical care, they are allowed to hire an outside help.
Advantages Of Independent Living
Independent living facilities have a large number of advantages. The main feature of independent living centers is that they offer a large number of social activities such as: sports, social events, cultural outings, shopping sprees, leisure activities, libraries, club areas, lawns, walking tracks, pools, gymnasium, spa, etc. These centers also provide community services and housekeeping facilities such as cleaning, laundry, maintenance of apartment, etc.
The residents are in a good physical and emotional health and thus do not require extensive medical or protective care. They are in a position to take care of themselves. Independent residences provide a secure environment to the seniors. They do not need to undertake the responsibility of caring and maintaining their house. It also provides a great deal of emotional satisfaction to be among the people of their own age group and be able to do things in their own way.
Features Of A Good Independent Living Society
An independent living center must have the following features in order to qualify for a good senior housing society. The society must have:
- Security features at entrance and within the housing unit.
- Well-lit parking area.
- A medical care facility or hospitals close by.
- Public transport facility.
- Elevators in case of a multistoried housing society.
- The community services as claimed by the society.
Cost Of Independent Living
Independent living units are just like any other housing apartments; therefore the cost entirely depends upon the prevalent market rates of real estate in that area. However, depending upon what you wish to spend or invest, you can go for, low-end, mid-range or high-end facilities. You can also get these housing units on rental basis. Besides the cost of the apartment, the residents are required to pay additional charges for the communal amenities in the tune of $1000 to $2000.