What's independent living really all about?

By Susan Bythrow
Parc at Buckhead
Atlanta, Georgia

Member of the national ElderCare Matters® Alliance, Georgia ElderCare Chapter

There's no place like home…

To so many of us, our home means security and independence. But, owning a home also means maintenance, constant upkeep, grass to cut, and a multitude of expenses to pay, including mortgages, taxes, insurances, and utilities, to say the least.

That's the main reason so many seniors today are choosing independent or retirement communities to hang their hats and say "there is no place like home."

More and more older adults today live an active lifestyle, and don't want to be obligated to maintaining a house.

Independent or retirement communities are designed for seniors who want to continue an active lifestyle without the burdens of owning a home, while being able to benefit from the abundance of services and amenities available.

Today, seniors are realizing that the "dream" to stay in one's home may not be practical or even desirable. Friends age and can no longer drive to visit. The neighborhood has changed and the folks once known have moved on, and the rest are busy with their own lives.

Married couples find that ailing mates can no longer remain at home. A couple then becomes separated with one at home alone, while the other is cared for in a facility with the result that both suffer from economic and emotional stress.

Look ahead

But, by thinking and planning ahead, such sad stories can be averted. Aging adults have a difficult time admitting that the time has come for active decision making to insure that their later years are planned for based on their values and their economics. This article strongly encourages such individuals to consider the advantages of a retirement community as an alternative lifestyle.

What optional services and amenities are usually provided?

• Local transportation to doctors and shopping, banks, and cultural learning centers;
• Accommodations with a variety of floor plans;
• Recreational, educational, and social activities on a daily basis;
• Fitness centers, pools and saunas with a wellness program;
• Active dining rooms with a variety of menu options;
• Housekeeping and linen services weekly;
• Beauty shops on site;
• Libraries with TeleSensory machines;
• Gardens and walking paths;
• Emergency response programs;
• Professional staff available 24 hours a day.

What are typical types of senior independent living communities?

• Senior apartments - usually under one roof with community services and amenities.
• Retirement communities - usually a group of homes such as cluster homes or condominiums that may have a common clubhouse or activity center with limited community services and amenities.
• Low-Income Housing - may be subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Are you right for senior independent living?

Independent Living is for seniors who:

• Want to live independently and can;
• Want to live among their peers;
• Are healthy and capable of taking care of themselves with limited assistance;
• Do not want to continue having the responsibility of home ownership.

What should you look for?

• Is individual parking available?
• Is the parking in a safe area that is secured and well lit?
• Does the community meet all fire codes and regulations?
• Are the bathtubs and/or showers adaptable and safe?
• Are there sufficient grab bars installed?
• Is the community close to shopping, banks, and public transportation?
• Does this community allow you to age in place?
• Does the staff appear to be happy and accommodating?
• Would family members enjoy visiting and be welcome by staff and residents?
• What is the overall feeling of the dining room? Is it a social setting and how is the food presentation?

Keep in mind, whether you are looking for yourself or for a love one, that this is a critical life decision well worth making. Take your time, do your homework and research several communities. Always allow enough time to tour the entire community, stay for a meal, talk with residents, and join in on an activity.