For older adults, living independently for as long as possible is typically the goal. They want to remain in their own homes and take care of themselves.
However, for many seniors, there comes a time when they would like to shed some daily responsibilities or would prefer to have more company. That’s when “living independently” can shift to “independent living,” a distinction that indicates a move to a senior living community.
Independent living is exactly as the name suggests.
“You have a living domain, living quarters,” says Dr. Ardeshir Hashmi, section chief at Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Geriatric Medicine. “But it doesn’t help with what we call activities of daily living.”
Activities of daily living include:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Eating
A related category, instrumental activities of daily living, includes:
- Taking medications
- Managing a household and finances
- Being able to drive
- Grocery shopping and cooking
Independent living, sometimes referred to as retirement homes or active adult communities, is designed to promote ease, convenience and a sense of community for residents. There may also be an on-site or on-call health care provider available.
Independent living is a type of senior living option. The term “independent living community” can apply to a range of living options – from apartments and villas to a room in a larger building or even a whole neighborhood of single-family homes designated for people ages 55 or 65 and older. In these senior living communities, social activities and communal spaces, such as a clubhouse, pool, tennis courts and other recreational amenities, may be part of the neighborhood.
Independent living can also be a component of a continuing care retirement community, a kind of one-stop shop for seniors who can move from one care level to the next on the same campus as their needs change.
Does insurance cover independent living?
Independent living costs are not covered by Medicare or health insurance, which are reserved for covering medical expenses, not living costs.
Some long-term care insurance plans do cover aspects of senior living. Coverage can include medical care as well as personal care services and living expenses, depending on the details of the specific policy.
In all cases, be sure to read the fine print before signing any contract and understand what you’re paying for and what your financial obligations will be.
Independent living communities offer seniors the best of both worlds, in some senses. For example, they offer freedom and a level of privacy that’s similar to what you might find in any other community, but with the added benefit of social activities and various extra amenities. They also offer seniors a chance to meet and make friends with other people their age, which can go a long way toward staving off loneliness and the detrimental health effects it can bring.
For some older adults, moving into a senior living community provides a renewed sense of purpose, fulfillment and connection.
Making the initial decision to move into any kind of senior living situation is highly personal and should be done in advance of a move.
