| Today, healthy, active seniors are increasingly | | | | no longer work. These communities can be a cluster |
| choosing Independent Living facilities as the best of | | | | of houses, private or attached living spaces, |
| the retirement options available to them. Many | | | | manufactured homes or may have the standard |
| seniors find the traditional escape to Florida less | | | | subdivisions. Some retirement communities are huge |
| appealing now than the scenic beauty of sites in | | | | establishments with thousands of residents. Such |
| California and Oregon. Independent living residences | | | | retirement communities range from those that can |
| vary from community to community, depending on | | | | only be rented while others may be purchased. |
| their location and owner business strategy, but they | | | | - Low-income housing - These are senior citizen |
| all offer a self-sufficient lifestyle in a secure | | | | complexes that are sold at rate subsidized by the |
| environment. The best of these residential | | | | government. However, since these apartments can |
| communities feature a comfortable, healthy | | | | be rented at low rates, the waiting lists are long. |
| environment, a variety of lifestyle enhancing | | | | Making the Choice |
| amenities, and easy access to a multitude of social, | | | | When considering the Senior Independent Living |
| cultural and fitness activities. No longer tied to the | | | | option, you will want to keep these characteristics in |
| demands of a family home, healthy seniors are now | | | | mind: Senior Independent Living facilities do not |
| seeking that perfect blend of low maintenance living | | | | provide Assisted Daily Living (ADL) services like |
| spaces, an autonomous lifestyle, and a comfortable | | | | dressing and personal care, however, services such |
| community of friends in their age group. | | | | as housekeeping and room service may be offered in |
| Options Available | | | | some communities. Medical issues are the |
| The common types of senior independent living | | | | responsibility of the resident, but transportation may |
| communities are: | | | | be available for doctor appointments and shopping. |
| - Senior apartments - These apartments are meant | | | | Although staff members may offer some optional |
| for people above the age of 55. Some of these | | | | programming, such as recreational and educational |
| apartments are converted into private homes or | | | | opportunities, exercise classes and excursions, |
| apartment complexes. They generally have assistive | | | | residents are free to engage in off- and on-campus |
| facilities like handrails and pull cords to aid mobility. | | | | activities as they wish. |
| Some senior apartment communities provide | | | | The cost of the senior independent living communities |
| recreational programs and transport services. | | | | differs according to the neighborhood in which they |
| - Retirement communities - These are communities | | | | are situated, the quality of housing and the level of |
| meant for seniors above 55 years of age and who | | | | facilities and services provided. |