As people age, they may no longer feel up to maintaining their current home. Some people may even feel isolated from those their own age if they live in a predominantly young or transient neighborhood, leaving them few options for going out, having fun and meeting new people.
For many, independent living is the ideal solution to these issues. Independent living is exactly what it sounds like – a way for retirees to maintain total independence while still transitioning to a community that’s more pleasant for them to be a part of. Many independent living communities are reserved for those 55 and older, and they often go by other names, such as “retirement communities.” Continuing Care Retirement Communities offer independent living with the assurance of higher levels of care, if needed.
Reasons for Joining
Most people join independent living communities to ease the burden of housekeeping and home repairs, enjoy accessible activities and amenities and meet a fun new community of people.
In many ways, independent living can be thought of as a college campus atmosphere for seniors – residents are surrounded by people their own age, they have a lot of access to fitness activities and learning opportunities, the grounds are maintained for them and they can easily build a thriving social life thanks to their proximity to neighbors.
Types of Housing
Independent living refers more to a style of living rather than a particular type of housing. Different independent living facilities vary in the housing they offer, but here are some common options:
- Apartments (studio, single bedroom or multi-bedroom)
- Homes
- Condos
- Cottages
Level of Care
Stand-alone independent living facilities typically do not offer extensive medical care, if any at all. If medical care is needed for short or long-term care, a third party provider must be hired to assist or a move to another facility is required. This is a large distinguishing factor between solely independent living communities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. CCRCs typically offer independent living, in addition to a continuum of care including assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care. Often, medical assistance may be available in independent living to help with bathing, dressing and other needs prior to the necessity of a move to a higher level of care.
Because of the reduced or absent provision of medical care, stand-alone independent living communities are typically less expensive than CCRCs. However, since CCRCs offer many of the same amenities as other independent living communities, in addition to the assurance of supportive and possibly life-sustaining future care, the CCRC option can be the most appealing and desirable for many retirees. Transition can be difficult, especially at a challenging time in someone’s life, so the security and peace of mind of transitioning within a community they have grown to love is better than moving to a new community every time their care needs change.
Join the Lakes…
Twin Lakes is a nationally accredited CCRC located in Burlington, NC between the metropolitan areas of Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill and Greensboro/High Point/Winston Salem. Since our opening in 1983, Twin Lakes has consistently been recognized as a premier retirement community and leader in the senior industry.
The Lakes is Twin Lakes Community’s independent living neighborhood. At The Lakes, residents find a rich and rewarding lifestyle shared by neighbors who understand where they are in life and a staff who does, too. It’s not a summer camp or cruise ship vacation experience. It is a place designed for people to live a purposeful and intentional life; it’s a community where people of all types thrive.
For more information or to schedule a visit of our community, call us today at 336-538-1572.
