Senior Living Apartment — Is it Right for You?

Senior Independent living is any housing arrangement designed exclusively for the elderly, generally those aged 55 and over. Housing differs widely, from apartment-style living to single-family detached homes. In general, the housing gives easy access to aging adults, often being more compact, with easier and safer navigation and no maintenance or yard work to worry about.

Independent living facilities may also offer facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, even a golf course or other clubs and interest groups. Other services offered may include onsite spas, beauty and barber salons, daily meals, and basic housekeeping and laundry services.

Since independent living facilities are aimed at older adults who need little or no assistance with activities of daily living, most do not offer medical care or nursing staff. You can, however, hire in-home help separately as required.

To help decide if independent living is the right choice for you, answer the following four questions:

1. Do you still enjoy maintaining your home?

Maintaining your home can be a burden when you age. Perhaps your home has a large yard, or maybe it’s becoming more difficult to clean those extra rooms. If your home is difficult to access, such as on a steep hill or up several flights of stairs, it may be harder for you to leave your home as often you’d like, leading to more isolation.

If you’d like a place that does not require a lot of maintenance and upkeep, independent living may give you more freedom and flexibility in the long run.

2. Connect to friends and family?

The more isolated you are, the greater your risk for depression and other mental health problems. You may have a difficult time getting out of the house, perhaps due to trouble driving or increased mobility issues. Or your friends and neighbors may be busy with other work or family commitments, or the neighborhood may not be easy to get around.

Senior independent living can give you a built-in social network of peers, while many also provide structured activities such as sports, arts, or field trips.

3. How easy is it for you to get around?

If you find yourself less comfortable with driving, you may find yourself relying more and more on public transportation or family and friends to get around. It may be harder to visit others, pursue activities you enjoy, or keep doctors’ appointments.

As well as onsite amenities, many independent living or senior independent living apartments also offer convenient transportation options to outside activities.

4. How is your health?

It’s important to consider your current and future health. It’s also important to consider the health of your spouse if you are married. Can you manage the activities of daily living, such washing, showering, and eating? Can you manage your finances? Can you manage medications and doctor appointments?

If you see needing only minor assistance with activities of daily living, independent living may be right for you.