Senior Living Arrangements: Independent Living Retirement Communities

By Jody Smith HERWriter

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Gone are the days when older persons who are no longer quite able to take care of their homes on their own are faced with only two choices. In the past, they could either move in with their grown children and their families, or become members of a nursing home.

If they chose a nursing home, they could choose between a large institutional type of place, or a smaller more home-like facility. Not much scope there.

But things have been changing dramatically, and with some creativity and ingenuity. The senior citizen is now being viewed more fully as an individual than in the past.

This is a great stride in the right direction. Each senior's unique needs and interests are being addressed by the diversity in available living arrangements.

The expanded range of options are even causing some seniors who are self-sufficient to choose, of their own volition rather than from necessity or family pressure, to move into Independent Living retirement communities.

Seniors who are active and self-sufficient but who are finding the day-in, day-out upkeep of their homes to be a burden may be interested in this type of arrangement. This type of community offers the opportunity to become a part of a community of seniors.

The Independent Living retirement community is geared to those of the 55 and older crowd, who want to be independent, but who could use a little assistance with the care of their homes. It is possible to find houses, apartments or townhouses that are reasonably priced.

In order to qualify, a resident is required to be healthy and self-sufficient and able to take care of their own dressing and bathing needs along with any other aspects of personal care. Seniors who need ongoing medical care or home care are not suited to this type of arrangement.

There's no need to sit at home when activities and resources are so close at hand. That is, of course, unless the senior prefers to maintain his or her privacy.

Many retirement communities offer recreational facilities like swimming pools and fitness centers, computer centers, libraries and home theaters, as well as community dining halls for those who enjoy socializing at mealtime.

For those seniors who are interested, these communities also offer housekeeping and grounds maintenance. Residents may take advantage of the programs and services if they choose, but are under no obligation to do so.

Independent Living retirement communities can offer the best of all worlds. The desire for privacy and independence is accommodated as much as possible. And some assistance is available when a little help is needed.

Resources:

Independent Living
http://seniors.lovetoknow.com/Independent_Living

Understanding Care Categories
http://www.myguideforseniors.com/senior-education/understanding-senior-care-levels.asp#IndependentLiving

What is Independent Living?
http://www.senior-community.net/independent-living.htm

Visit Jody's website and blog at http://www.ncubator.ca and http://ncubator.ca/blogger

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.