Golden Years Senior Living Independence and Enjoyment
The retirement years should be enjoyable. In fact, some say
they're the best years of life since you don't have to deal with
the stresses of mortgage, kids and jobs.
When a senior chooses an independent living community, he or she
has the physical and mental capacity to live independently, but
wants companionship from others his/her age. And independent senior
living provides not only socialization, it also provides fun
activities and stimulation.
Independent living communities offer specific services and
amenities that cater to senior citizens and promote active, healthy
lifestyles for the golden years. Here are a few of the active
lifestyle offerings at retirement living communities:
- Community involvement
- Continuing sense of self
- Amenity-filled, maintenance-free living
- On-site and off-site activities
Cost of Independent Living
Independent living offers a carefree lifestyle, free of many
everyday living responsibilities, such as meal preparation,
housekeeping, laundry and house maintenance. Independent living
costs can vary by retirement community, based on the size of the
apartment, geographical location of the community and the services
needed at the community. According to Genworth.com, the average
cost of a one-bedroom, independent living or retirement community
in the U.S. in 2012 was $2,750 a month.
Often times there is a basic rate that covers all independent
living services, with an additional fee for special services. Here
are some typical services included in independent living:
- Monthly rent and all-inclusive utilities, except local
telephone services and cable
- One to three restaurant-style, chef-prepared meals in a
community dining room
- Maintenance repairs, including appliance, safety and living
repairs and updates
- Housekeeping, including laundering of linens and towels
- Weekly, socially-engaging activities
- Transportation for shopping, medical and off-site
activities
It's important to ask each community about their individual
costs and services, as they can vary by community. For example,
conceirge and guest services may include an additional cost.
Services Offered in
Independent Living
Some independent living communities offer a wide variety of
non-medical services:
- Comfortable private, or semi-private, rooms
- One to three daily, home cooked meals
- Basic housekeeping and laundry service
- Exercise and activity programs
- Onsite beauty and barber salon
- Social programs and activities