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Know Before You Go: Understanding Independent Senior Living

group of seniors eating lunch together and laughing

Now that you’ve reached retirement age, you’ve probably been thinking about your future – and how you can make it the brightest, most supportive, and most engaging one possible. You may even have started looking at senior living options. If you’re an active, healthy senior, you may have been told that you should consider independent living. 

But what is independent living for seniors? What are the differences between independent living and assisted living? How does independent living at a community like Westminster Place differ from living “independently” at home? We’ve put together a primer on all things independent living to give you an overview of what these types of senior living communities are like – and how they can benefit older adults like yourself. 

Types of Independent Living Communities

Independent living is a type of senior living option that allows older, active adults who are relatively healthy the opportunity to live a maintenance-free lifestyle in a community that offers social opportunities, services and amenities, and dining options (and more) that they can’t get by simply living on their own. There are many options for this type of lifestyle, but they generally boil down to two different categories: retirement communities and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). 

Retirement Communities

Retirement communities are resort-style communities designed for adults 55 and older. They’re perfect for those who want the freedom and independence of living on their own but also want additional benefits they might not have in their current neighborhood, like a pool, scheduled social activities, and on-site dining options. 

Different types of retirement communities have buy-in options or rental agreements, and there are a plethora of different lifestyles, home types, and more available to meet the needs of every active senior. 

CCRCs or Life Plan Communities

Life Plan Communities (also known  as CCRCs) like Westminster Place are designed to meet the needs of their residents no matter how their health needs or lifestyles may change. Westminster Place is this type of community. Our independent living residents enjoy a carefree lifestyle today with the knowledge that all levels of care services are available at the home they know and love, including:

Benefits of Independent Living

Many of our residents at Westminster Place choose to move to independent living because it offers all the benefits of living independently alongside the benefits of a vibrant, active community of seniors. Some of the benefits our independent living residents enjoy include:

  • Interior and exterior maintenance
  • Delicious and flexible dining options
  • A jam-packed calendar of events filled with outings, social events, classes and more
  • Arts and crafts studio
  • A beautiful 40-acre campus with walking paths, formal gardens and fountains
  • Weekly housekeeping
  • Regularly scheduled transportation
  • Utilities, including expanded basic cable
  • And so much more

What To Look For in an Independent Living Community

As you start looking for the right independent living community for you or your loved one, there are several factors to consider. Here are some standard things to look for that will help you choose a home that suits your lifestyle now and in the future. 

What Amenities Are Available?

When you’re not having to worry about home maintenance and chores, you’ll have all the time in the world to pursue the things that interest you. Westminster Place offers a wide range of services and amenities to help our residents live their very best lives possible. 

What Is The Dining Experience Like?

Dining together with friends and family is one of life’s great pleasures. While independent living residents can cook for themselves in the fully appointed kitchens in their apartments, Westminster Place also offers a variety of on-site dining options from casual to formal. Our culinary staff sources local, fresh ingredients to create ever-changing menus for a variety of tastes. 

How Can the Community Help Me Live Well?

Wellness is a huge part of helping seniors age well, and Westminster Place strives to satisfy all aspects of wellness for our residents. We go beyond just physical wellness to encompass social, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, community and emotional wellness. A focus on holistic, whole-body wellness helps our independent living residents live each day to the fullest. 

How Much Does Independent Living Cost? 

The short answer is, “it depends.” Different types of communities offer different rates and payment options to their residents. For example, at Westminster Place, our residents pay an entrance fee plus a monthly fee that covers services and amenities at our lovely community. The cost for any community depends on the size of residence chosen, style of community living, and more. When comparing independent living options, it’s important to look beyond the price tag to determine the true value a community can provide you or a loved one. 

Discover the ultimate independence in Evanston, IL

If the idea of a carefree, active retirement speaks to you, Presbyterian Westminster Place is ready to welcome you home. Call us to schedule a personal tour of our move-in ready homes, or join us at our “Moving Made Easy” event on April 19 at 2pm.

Retire the way you’ve always dreamed, on your own terms and with like-minded individuals. At Presbyterian Homes Westminster Place, we have services and amenities that make each day worry-free and endless opportunities to fulfill your plans for the future. Learn more about independent living that exceeds expectations when you schedule a visit today.