While every independent living community is different and it's offering different independent living services and amenities, many of the leading providers feature communities for adults aged 55 and over that offer the following (and more):
Independent Living Services and Amenities
- Chef-prepared meals made daily, Activity and wellness coordinators that plan numerous events for the community, Weekly housekeeping and linen service, Local transportation services, Suites that include kitchenettes or even full kitchens, Live-in management and/or 24-hour security, Chapel services, Travel programs, On-site barber shops and beauty salons, Fitness rooms, pools and hot tubs Concierge service, Emergency alert system.
- Other Independent Living Services and Amenities services are maintenance free living, heat, water, electric, free laundry facilities, meal service, clubhouse access with activities, spiritual care. Pets are welcome.
- Non-facility recreational activities differ depending on the area. This is especially true when one considers the types of activities available in rural versus urban settings. If your loved one enjoys attending the theater, eating at a variety of restaurants, or visiting museums, he or she should probably consider relocating to an urban area. If your loved one prefers maintaining a large garden, playing a slow round of golf, or volunteering at the local school, he or she might want to focus on rural areas.
Types of retirement communities
The independent living Services and Amenities includes many housing styles, including single-family dwellings, townhouses, duplexes, high-rise apartments, condominiums, and mobile homes, which are either rented or owned by the individual. The types of Independent living retirement communities include:
- Site-built home communities. While these communities normally do not have age restrictions, the majority become senior residences due to home cost, location, and other factors. In general, these communities are upscale, and many have golf courses.
- Manufactured-home communities often have an age restriction of 55+, and many include clubhouses, golf courses, and heated swimming pools.
- Golf-course communities are some of the most expensive retirement communities but offer membership in an affluent clubhouse and access to a championship golf course.
- Senior condominiums are much like other condominiums except that residents usually have to meet certain age restrictions.
- RV/Resort living often contains both manufactured homes as well as RV spaces for rent. The communities are very active and usually contain a clubhouse, golf course, and swimming