If you have an aging loved one, you might be considering whether or not it’s time for them to change their living situation. Should they be staying home, or should they opt for other independent living options?
We’re here to help you (and them) make an informed decision regarding their housing situation. Read on to learn all about a few options for independent seniors who are still interested in staying active as they age.
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1. Aging in Place
One option that many people don’t consider “independent living” is aging in place. This means that the senior in question stays in their own home (or in another home that’s not inside an independent living or retirement community) and continues to live out their life there for as long as they’re able to care for themself.
This is a popular option for seniors who don’t like change or who feel as though moving into a community of other seniors would remove some of their independence. For seniors to age in place, it’s best if they’re healthy, active, and mobile enough to care for themselves.
Seniors who want to age in place can hire caregivers and other helpers to check on them from time to time. They may also want to make small accessibility adjustments to make sure that their homes are safe .
2. Retirement or 55+ Communities
Retirement communities or 55+ communities are what most people think of when they think of “independent living.” These are truly independent living facilities and neighborhoods.
In these communities, seniors have access to plenty of amenities. They’re still able to live in their own private apartments, but they no longer need to drive on their own if they don’t want to and they don’t have to maintain common areas.
Seniors are surrounded by other seniors, so it’s easy for them to make and socialize with friends.
These communities don’t have the same amenities as other types of senior communities, but they may offer advanced levels of care when a senior ages out of independent living. Click for more info about advanced stages of care and also read about aginginplace.org.
3. Communal or Group Living
Some seniors want to continue living in homes or apartments, but they don’t want to live alone or with family members. While they could get roommates on their own, they could also find a group or communal independent living home.
These homes aren’t much different from standard homes. Each person has their own room (though some group living homes have residents sharing rooms), they share a kitchen and bathroom, and they all work together to maintain the house.
This is often the most affordable option.
Independent Living: What’s Right for the Senior in Your Life?
Independent living isn’t all about retirement communities. The senior in your life has options! Which makes the most sense for their lifestyle?
Whether they move into an independent senior living community, they move in with roommates, or they age in place, they can still live a happy and active lifestyle.
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