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If you're researching the various living
alternatives for older adults in the US, you'll undoubtedly come
across the terms "Independent Living" and "Retirement Living."
Even though they sound pretty much the same, there are
significant differences.
Retirement Communities are simply living environments designed
to appeal to the "younger" senior. Most have restrictions
excluding any residents under the age of 50 or 55. Many are
built around golf courses or lakes and waterfronts. Resident of
these communities may take advantage of a restaurant and various
activities on the campus, but they are expected to be able to
prepare their meals and care for the inside of their house,
apartment or condominium quite independently.
Retirement communities appeal to active and able adults who are
nearing retirement, or who have reached retirement. They want to
live without concern for outside maintenance, free of the work
and responsibilities of home and yard maintenance. Many say they
choose this kind of living because they want to be able to
simply lock up their homes and travel whenever they want.
"Independent living communities," on the other hand, usually
offer a much greater variety of supportive services to their
residents. Some offer as many as three daily meals. Others offer
meal plans that can be designed as the resident wishes. Many
independent living residences also include housekeeping,
organized activities, and local transportation in their basic
fee structure. Others offer an "a la carte" menu of services.
Seniors who choose to move to an independent living residence
are often quite a bit older than those you will find in a
retirement community. In the area where I live (Dallas, Texas),
the average age of a retirement community resident will be over
75. Women usually outnumber men in these residences by a wide
margin.
Even though they cater to the needs of older residents, few
independent living communities will offer health care services.
In order to provide health care, a residence would have to
conform to state licensing regulations covering health care
facilities. Few choose to do so. However, many residences will
permit a home care agency or other provider to lease space in
their facility. Residents may then contract directly with the
health care agency for any home care or other personal care
services they might need.
While most independent living residences are rental communities,
some are contained within
continuing care retirement communities. A few require that
residents purchase their homes or units outright.
If you are considering an independent living retirement
community for yourself or for a senior, be sure to read the
lease agreement thoroughly. As people age, health can take a
turn for the worse without notice. If it is necessary for a
resident to relocate to
assisted living or to a
nursing facility, what are the provisions for breaking what
could be a 12-month lease? This is important information to know
before you sign any documents.
Be aware, too, that the residents in an independent living
community are there because they hope to "age in place." Some
communities will irresponsibly promise prospective residents
that they can do so. This means that the average age of the
residents will creep upward over time. Some "independent living"
communities begin to look more and more like nursing homes as
their residents decline. A well-run independent living residence
will monitor their residents and encourage them to move on into
assisted living or nursing when appropriate.
This means that, in a well-run residence, your senior will also
probably need to move on in time. It is important to keep this
in mind as you do your research. Many independent living
residences also offer assisted living care on the same campus or
even in the same building. This option will make the possibility
of aging in place more realistic.
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