Summary: 55+ Communities vs. Independent Living: Understanding Each Option
What Is an Independent Living Community?
What Types of Amenities and Services Does Each Option Offer?
What Type of Residences Are Available?
How Does Pricing Compare Between 55+ Communities and Independent Living?
Looking for an Exceptional Lifestyle? Consider St. Mark Village.
Summary: 55 + communities vs. Independent Living: Understanding each option
When comparing 55+ communities vs. an IL community or continuing care retirement community (CCRC), it’s important to understand what makes them different and which option will best match your needs.
First, a quick definition of 55+ communities and an Independent Living community.
What is a 55+ community?
55+ communities are geared to active, independent adults who are ready to downsize and enjoy the benefits of a socially active atmosphere.
- These communities usually are located near shopping, dining, and business centers.
- Some 55+ communities are rental; others require ownership of a residence.
- Often, there is a clubhouse or community center where residents can gather for events and social activities. The range of amenities varies by community.
- These communities may restrict pets, visits from grandchildren, outdoor decorating, and guest parking.
- Residents of 55+ communities generally do not need supportive care (none is provided by the community)
What is an Independent Living community?
An Independent Living community can be a stand-alone or part of a senior living community. Independent Living residents enjoy a wide range of services and amenities and are able to relax knowing daily chores are no longer their responsibility.
- Independent living attracts seniors who are ready to enjoy the freedom that maintenance-free living offers.
- Residents can continue to pursue favorite hobbies and pastimes or explore new possibilities through the many activities and events offered by the community.
- An Independent Living community also offers a more extensive list of amenities than a 55+ community.
- Independent living can also be part of a larger continuing care retirement community (or Life Plan community) which offers multiple levels of care.
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of independent living, explore our recent article: A Checklist for Independent Living.
What types of amenities and services does each option offer?
It’s hard to pin down which amenities and services you will find in 55+ communities because they can vary widely. While one community might offer access to a tennis court, pool, or small fitness center, another may only have a central meeting place for scheduled group dinners or events. The emphasis is on shared interests.
When it comes to services, in a 55+ community, services are geared toward exterior maintenance, such as lawn care, snow removal, or the appearance of the grounds. Services such as dining, housekeeping, and transportation are not included.
An Independent Living community usually offers a wide range of amenities and activities, ranging from a fitness center, wellness center, multiple dining options, an auditorium for special events and entertainment, outdoor recreation areas, walking paths and gardens, possibly a pool, a spa, library, arts and crafts room, movie theater, group outings, classes and programs, volunteering opportunities, and more. The goal is to offer residents an interesting mix of activities and amenities that result in a well-rounded, stimulating lifestyle.
Services such as transportation, security, dining, interior and exterior maintenance, and more are provided.
What type of residences are available?
55+ communities may offer the choice of a condominium, an apartment, townhome or a single-family home. Depending upon the community, residents can either buy or rent their residence. These residences are designed for low-maintenance, accessible, and active adult living.
In Independent Living, depending upon the specific community, residences usually take the form of an apartment, villa, cottage, or townhome. There are usually several floor plans to choose from, and each generally features the details today’s seniors are looking for, such as well-designed kitchens, abundant lighting, generous storage and more. In addition, apartments may have safety features such as bathroom grip bars, slip-resistant flooring, good lighting, and an emergency call button.
How does the pricing compare?
Residents of Independent Living usually pay a one-time entrance fee as well as a monthly fee which covers home maintenance and repairs, utilities, grounds maintenance, dining, housekeeping, scheduled transportation and other services, as well as access to all the amenities of the community.
The value of Independent Living at a community such as St. Mark Village is that you receive so much more from your investment than just a place to live. You are empowered to live a life with happiness, freedom, and wellbeing.
In addition, in a continuing care retirement community, you also have the benefit of multiple care levels: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and often, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. In a Life Plan Community such as St. Mark Village, you have the reassurance of seamless access to future care options, so no need to move if your needs change.
Related Article: Why CCRCs Appeal to Seniors
With 55+ communities, several factors come into play. These can include location, amenities, ownership, size of the residence, and services provided, if any. There is often a one-time entrance fee, as well as monthly fees that cover maintenance and amenities. It’s important to remember that these communities do not offer supportive care.
Looking for an exceptional lifestyle? Consider St. Mark Village.
Independent Living at St. Mark Village offers you an atmosphere of wellness and growth as well as premium amenities and services designed for graceful aging. That means that right away, you can start having fun, making friends, relaxing, learning, exploring or whatever floats your boat! It’s all here waiting for you.
When you enter St. Mark Village through Independent Living, you benefit from our Life Care Promise, which gives you priority access to a full continuum of care that includes assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. So, you will always have a home at St. Mark Village!
Plus, you are giving yourself and your family a priceless gift: the knowledge that you have a sound plan in place for the future. Once you’ve done your research, we think you’ll agree: St. Mark Village is the exceptional choice. Let us tell you more.
The right choice is right here. Download our free guide, Just the Facts: Your Guide to Independent Living. Or contact us. We’d love to hear from you.
