Independent Living/Senior Housing

A: Generally, these fall into two categories, some of which can be customized for you; apartments or townhouses, and patio homes or cottages, which are single or semi-attached one-story houses, usually with your own garage. Either option can also include features such as front porches, balconies and patios, with the opportunity to add your own landscaping and flower gardens. Most Independent Living communities also offer common areas where residents can gather with other residents, family and friends.

A: Maintenance-free living is one of the best aspects of Independent Living. Your monthly rent generally covers all exterior maintenance, such as roofing, exterior window washing, painting, lawn mowing and snow removal. You also have interior maintenance services available—painting, help with hanging décor, carpet cleaning, repairs to your kitchen and bathrooms, and other help as needed.

A: These can range from assistance in deciding what to bring from your or your loved one’s previous home to a new apartment or patio home, to a choice of housekeeping, dining, health and wellness programs, medical services, transportation, social, entertainment and other services, such as resident security. Some of these may be included with your rent, and others are often purchased separately, on an as-needed basis.

A: Whether you choose Independent Living or Assisted Living for yourself or a loved one depends on whether help is needed with daily activities—things like bathing and dressing, medication management, making meals, laundry, housecleaning and other chores. These types of supports may be available in Independent Living but are the foundation of an Assisted Living community program.

A: Yes, and it’s smart to think about future needs as you decide where you or a loved one will live. Now, many senior living communities offer a full array of care and services to make it easier to transition from one type of living option to another, and most communities will offer their residents priority consideration to other levels of care when they’re needed. It’s worth considering a senior living organization that offers you or your loved one these additional levels of care along with the extra peace of mind when you compare your choices.