What is Independent Living?
Independent living is a type of senior living facility that offers residents a more independent lifestyle. More specifically, independent living can be defined as an apartment-style accommodation where residents live independently, but receive assistance with household tasks and activities of daily living. In an independent living facility, seniors can live with other seniors and enjoy the services, amenities, and activities of the facility's community.
What is included in independent living?
Independent living communities give their residents access to dining, medical care, entertainment and more. Independent lifestyle offers residents a safe living environment, but with minimal assistance. The core features of independent living facilities are covered below:
Independent Living Features
- A central location that offers access to shopping, dining, healthcare, and entertainment.
- An on-site manager or concierge who can assist with socialization and community engagement opportunities.
- A communal space for gatherings and entertainment such as a pool table or game room.
- An on-site restaurant or café where residents can meet up with friends for meals or coffee breaks
- Emergency support services and on-premises support.
Independent living facilities offer many of the same services as assisted living facilities and memory care facilities. They provide personal assistance services such as help with dressing and grooming; transportation services including taxi or wheelchair van service; housekeeping; laundry service; storage of medications; and other daily living support depending on individual needs. They also offer social activities such as bingo games or book clubs; educational activities such as computer classes or art classes; health screenings like blood pressure checks or flu shots; wellness programs like Tai Chi or yoga classes; and excursions off-site such as visiting museums or going swimming at local pools.
