Independent living for senior adults is a residential option that some seniors and their families overlook when searching for safe alternatives to the isolation of living alone. Also known as adult communities, retirement communities, senior apartments, active adult communities, or 55+ living, independent living is for the senior who doesn't need physical help, who wants security and easy access to some activities and services, and who would like someone else to take care of the grounds and building maintenance.

Next to living at home without support, independent living offers the most freedom of choice and variety of living options. Some large independent living communities offer a choice of compact, easy-to-care-for homes or apartments set on expansive grounds. Some will have one or more swimming pools. Others may offer tennis or golf. Smaller apartment residences may be inconspicuous and far less elaborate. There is an independent living residence for every taste and just about every pocketbook.

Some independent living communities offer a broad selection of supportive services. Some will offer one or meals every day. Many offer weekly housekeeping, local transportation, recreational outings and social events. Others simply offer the opportunity to live in a community of like-minded adults. A few will be part of a continuum-of-care with assisted living and nursing care also available.

Most communities have lease/rent arrangements, although many of the larger retirement communities will require residents to purchase their units. Continuing care retirement communities almost always require residents to purchase their units and to pay a monthly maintenance fee.

As with any living alternative, cost will depend on the kind of residence you choose. Subsidized HUD apartments have few frills but are usually very affordable. Continuing care retirement communities are usually quite costly. There will be an unlimited number of options between these two ends of the financial spectrum.

Who is Best Suited For Independent Living?

The best candidate for an independent living residence is someone over the age of 65 (over 55 in some cases) who is in relatively good health and able to manage his or her daily life without much assistance. These residences will not provide help with personal care or medical needs, although any resident is always free to hire private home help or use Medicare home care services if required.

In addition to having good health, the most successful independent living residents...

• Enjoy their privacy while at the same time having easy access to their peers. They do not especially want to live close to children or younger families;
  
  

• Are able to manage their routine needs without assistance. Many independent residences do not have staff available at night.

Where to Find Senior Independent Housing

HUD housing for adults over age 65 is subsidized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. They maintain a nationwide list of "Section 202" housing on their website at

http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/mfh/progdesc/eld202.cfm

Because these apartments are subsidized there is usually a lengthy waiting list for apartments.

New Lifestyles Online

http://www.newlifestyles.com

New Lifestyles is an advertising venue for all kinds of senior living options. Simply enter your location and the kind of housing you are seeking and their search engine will return a list of their advertisers who match your criteria. They also offer print directories for many cities and metropolitan areas around the country. You can order directories on their site. Remember that advertisers pay to be listed, so descriptions are not necessarily objective.

Local senior center staff will frequently have extensive knowledge of the retirement and independent living facilities in your area.

Local clergy often visit their members in retirement apartments and have a good first-hand knowledge of your local options.