Independent Living, also described as Retirement Communities, Retirement Homes, Senior Apartments, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities vary in their services and amenities greatly. Communities are designed specially for seniors and recreate a residential or communal living environment without the hassles of maintenance or management of a home. Most Independent Living Communities don`t have doctors or nurses on staff, but they do typically have caregivers to assist with daily tasks, housekeeping, and meal preparation.
Residents of Retirement Communities live independently and are able to participate in as many or as few activities as they`d like. These settings give seniors the opportunity to make new friendships, create new bonds with their peers and participate in a myriad of activities such as holiday celebrations, arts and crafts, educational classes and lectures, field trips, move nights, or even bingo games! Some Independent Living Communities may offer a swimming pool, fitness center, or even a golf and tennis club.
In regards to the health and care aspects of Retirement Communities, the available services vary from community to community, but many are designed to care for seniors for the remainder of their lives, without a need to relocate. Beginning with retirement, seniors are able to move into these communities and the level of care advances as their needs do. Most facilities offer assisted living services and some even have built in nursing homes and memory care units.
The cost of retirement communities varies greatly depending on geographic location, amount of activities, and the level of care. Communities typically charge a flat rate for the room which is occupied and additional fees are added depending on the level of care required. Some communities calculate care rates based on generic charts or services while others create their rates based on the specific needs of an individual and how many staff hours they foresee being required to properly care for that individual.
