Seniors For Living

No two independent senior housing communities are alike, but if you’re interested in this category of care – either for yourself or for a loved one – know the basics before making your decision.

Q:  What services are offered at independent senior living communities?

A:  At most of these communities, residents have access to the following perks: a robust activities calendar/spectrum of social engagement opportunities, a variety of dining plans, some nursing care/medical services, transportation, security, help with household maintenance, and access to/use of in-house services, equipment, and facilities (such as a bank/ATM, fitness center, general store, pool, workshop, theater, library, etc.).

Q:  What kind of housing arrangements are available at senior communities?

A:  Independent senior housing communities come in all shapes and sizes. Some are comprised of standard high-rise buildings with apartments of various sizes (although typically, most of these are efficiency units with a small kitchenette rather than a full-sized/fully-furnished kitchen; others offer spacious luxury apartments in a variety of floor plans/styles on a sprawling campus of condo-like apartment buildings; finally, some senior homes are small, cottage-style individual residences, or more amply-sized villas, typically one-floor, and arranged in an exclusive/private community setting.

Q:  How do you pay for independent senior housing?

A:  Most independent living communities are private pay only.

Research independent living options here.

- Michelle Seitzer