Senior Independent Living

Senior Independent Living communities are also known as: retirement communities, retirement homes, senior apartments/housing and independent living communities. They are an excellent choice for those 55+ year old and who are independent with their self care activities but wish to have additional services available (such as housekeeping, laundry and others).

This article includes:

• What is Senior Independent Living (SIL)?
• Who is Right for SIL?
• What to Look For?
• Types
• Services Available
• Costs

What is Senior Independent Living (SIL)?

Senior Independent Living refers to residences in a compact, easy-to-maintain, private apartment, condo or house within a community of seniors. It includes any housing arrangement designed exclusively for those age 55+.

Seniors have to be relatively self sufficient but can bring in help for custodial, health care and home support services (assistance with self care activities).

Who is Right for SIL?

They are ideal for seniors who:

• Are relatively healthy and able to care for themselves
• Want to live independently
• Prefer to have someone else maintain the house
• Prefer to live among other seniors
• Can communicate with doctors and caregivers by themselves, or with the help of family or friends

What to Look For?

It is important to research what is available and tour/view several different senior independent living communities before making a decision. Many communities have wait lists so it's important to plan ahead.

Some things to consider include:

• How convenient is parking?
• What is the closest access to public transit?
• Is it going to be adaptable to me as I age? Does it have a level entry , stairs, elevator?
• Do the services offered meet my needs and desires?
• Is it convenient for me to get around my condo/apartment/home? Consider stairs, width of hallways and doorways, etc.
• What do current residents think about the community?

Types

Senior Apartments: Are apartment complexes designed specifically for those age 55+. Some complexes provide community services such as recreational programs, transportation services, and meals in a shared dining room.

Retirement Communities: Are groups of homes or condominiums that are restricted to seniors age 55+. Some retirement communities are very large, with residents numbering in the thousands. Others are smaller. Services available vary between communities.

Low Income Housing: Are government funded housing for those age 55+. Services vary between housing complexes and wait lists are usually long (sometimes years). Most are on a sliding scale depending on the residents income.

Services Available

Services vary between communities. Some common services include:

• Recreational, educational, and social activities
• Shared Meals
• Housekeeping
• Transportation
• Exercise facilities
• Libraries/Reading rooms
• Beauty salons
• Gardens
• Activity rooms/clubhouses
• Golf
• Tennis and shuffleboard

Costs

High End: Usually require buying a unit or home. There are also monthly fees, depending on the services available and required. These communities are similar to high end 5 star all inclusive resorts with world class dining, recreation, education and social activities.

Mid-Range: Usually require rental units or homes. There is also a monthly fee depending on the services available and required.

Low Cost: Usually government funded rental units that have long wait lists. They also require a monthly fee for services, depending on what is required.