What Is an Independent Living Facility?
Have you ever heard of an independent living facility? Maybe you are considering one for yourself or maybe a loved one. Well, it is important to know exactly what an independent living facility is and why some people choose to go to one. Take a look below at all of the information below to better understand what one is.
Seniors Can Live on Their Own
An independent living facility is a place where seniors can live their life fully. Seniors can have a social life and hobbies without being bound to a room or a bed. An independent living facility allows seniors to carry on their lives without the stress of living alone and trying to juggle the tasks that come along with living alone.
An independent living facility is a community among other things. Seniors who are capable of living on their own come to independent living facilities for peace and a community with people that think alike. According to Canterbury Tower, which offers senior independent living in Tampa, FL, the social aspect of an independent living facility has a great impact on seniors. It gives them people their age to interact with and to share their days with.
Is Health a Factor?
To live in an independent living facility, the senior must be in good health for the most part. An independent living facility is much different than an assisted living facility that helps seniors with disabilities and illnesses. Assisted living facilities are there to assist with certain health care needs that seniors may have.
You can find more information about assisted living facilities at A Place for Mom.
Are Independent Living Facilities for Any Age?
The short answer to this question is no. Independent living facilities are specifically for seniors. People who are not yet at the age to be considered a senior cannot live in an independent living facility. The facilities are set up specifically for seniors and senior living.
What Amenities Do They Have?
There are several great amenities that independent living facilities have to offer. Not all of them will have some of the amenities listed below, but a lot of them may carry most of those services. Take a look below at a list of some of the things that independent living facilities have to offer.
- Golf course
- Dining areas and restaurants
- Security guards and services
- Salons and barber shops
- Swimming pools
- Rental halls
- Health centers
Do note that this is not a complete list and not ever facility will have all the services. It is important to call the facility of interest or check out their website to see what they have to offer.
What Kind of Home Will It Be?
You may be wondering what kind of home a senior will live in at the facilities. Well, that depends on the facility of interest. Sometimes it may be an apartment, while other places have condos. Some independent living facilities even have townhouses. This is all according to the facility and what they offer.
Do note that some people choose to have roommates while others do not. This is not a requirement. It is meant to be a senior’s place of living.
An independent living facility is a place for seniors to really live. It can be difficult or uncomfortable for seniors to go out and socialize. These facilities give them a safe place within a trusted community. It is a place to feel safe, to live fully, to socialize and have friends and friendly neighbors.
What About Visitors?
Independent living facilities do allow visitors. While there are security guards to keep the community safe, visitors are allowed, but only with the senior’s permission. Some facilities require the visitors to be met by the senior at the door, while others can come in with a gate code. This all depends on which facility you are at and what rules are set in place, including curfews.
How Many Facilities Are Available?
There are many independent living facilities. In fact, there are about 245,000 communities in the United States. They are designed to help seniors live out their lives fully. It helps keep seniors feeling healthy and young. It is a lifestyle, not just a place to live. It betters the life of seniors in a happy and safe environment.
You can find more information on independent living at MyFLFamilies.com.
With all of the above information, I hope that you now have a better understanding of what an independent living facility is. You can check out this YouTube video for more information if you are interested. They truly are a great option for healthy seniors!
