Independent Living

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As we age, the strength, flexibility, and endurance our bodies once had decreases. The quality of life we once had can drop significantly, especially if living without assistance. When it comes time that health and wellness cannot be maintained at home for you or a loved one, you and your family should begin to discuss plans for the future.

For many people, the thought of living in a retirement home is not a desirable one. Making such a drastic change in life from complete independence to complete reliance on a senior care center has made many seniors’ lives incomplete. This solution is not right for everyone, especially if the individual still has the determination and opportunity to live without 24/7 assistance. A fantastic compromise between the two choices is independent living, which allows for a great amount of freedom while maintaining your overall health.

What Is Independent Living?

The term “independent living” comes up frequently in elderly care, but what does it mean? This can be particularly difficult to keep track of because it is used to mean different things by various institutions. We’ll examine three ways the term is used in the caregiving world to help you better navigate and understand your senior care options for living an independent life.

Independent Living in Retirement Communities

Independent living truly differs from location to location in retirement communities. There are retirement communities or 55+ communities that are advertised as independent living, but that type of independent living is still different from a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). Fortunately, there are independent living centers all over the country that offer many different amenity packages, senior care services, and price ranges.

55+ Retirement Communities

Within 55+ retirement communities, independent living typically refers to elderly individuals living as they would in a regular community but with an added social atmosphere of others in a similar stage of life. Individuals and couples have their own apartment-style or small single homes with compact and manageable layouts.

These types of communities often have a clubhouse or other main building for the residents to use. They can also include hair salons, recreational centers, continuing education classes These communities may also offer home association benefits like snow removal, yard care, or exterior home repairs, but they don’t include health care of any kind.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is similar to an assisted living facility but without nurses and medical care. This type of retirement community offers a variety of care levels, one of which is independent living. What this level of independence looks like varies depending on the establishment or even the individual’s preference.

Generally, CCRC independent living includes a daily check-in, prepared meals, and housekeeping. However, various establishments might also offer classes, activities, and transportation as well. Health care may be an option but is typically small, like giving a reminder to take medications or retrieving prescriptions.

Independent Living with Visiting Angels

At Visiting Angels, we use the term “independent living” to refer to an individual living in their home without live-in caretakers. Although those who live independently may not have continual care, the individual may still receive care from the assistance of family members and caregivers. The key to independent living is the capacity for a person to do most tasks on their own, from preparing meals to general house cleaning. For the most part, people living independently can take care of themselves, from daily tasks to various activities. However, a little support is still useful from time to time. This is where Visiting Angels can help you and your loved ones age in place independently.

Aging in place is often the most comfortable and accessible option for the elderly, especially for those who are in relatively good health. Aging in place allows individuals to maintain an independent life and still get help with the little things. Our companion care services offer basic assistance for running errands, preparing meals, and helping with more difficult household chores. This kind of care makes it possible for the elderly to enjoy the safety and comfort of their own homes without sacrificing the care that makes their lives easier.

Get Started on The Next Step of Your Independent Living

If you or a loved one are getting to the point that having someone help with some basic tasks would make living at home easier, you have options. Living independently is still possible with the help of our professional caregivers. Our staff at Visiting Angels is eager to help you. Our priority is to get you on the road to comfortable independent living.

For more information on how independent living might be the right answer, contact Visiting Angels. If you’re ready to get the independence you want, contact us today!