In the past, there weren’t as many housing options available for older adults, veterans, or those with physical or mental disabilities. A person would live alone, live with relatives, or move to a one-size-fits-all senior home. Today, there are many more options available, including independent living communities and looking at Missouri City apartments.
A Look at Independent Living
Independent living is a newer term and concept that not everyone is familiar with. This type of living allows people to retain their independence while living socially in a home, apartment, or community made up of their peers. Look up Independent Living Near Me to learn more. Many people use the terms independent living and retirement communities interchangeably.
The Basics are Included
In independent living communities, the basic needs of all residents are met. Meals can be cooked and delivered to residents in their rooms or apartments, or residents may have the option of dining with their friends in a common dining room. If a resident needs assistance with chores, laundry, making their bed, and basic housekeeping, the staff will happily assist with these tasks.
Additional Tasks Staff Can Assist With
On top of basic chores, laundry, and meal preparation, staff can assist residents with many other daily activities. Upon move-in, the resident and the team will work together to evaluate the resident’s individual needs. Additional tasks that staff may offer can include:
• Assistance with bathing or showering;
• Hair grooming;
• Medication reminders; or
• Help with dressing.
If the resident is independent and does not need assistance, they will be encouraged to complete household tasks and chores independently. The level of care provided by the staff is based on the resident’s individual needs. Independent living is a step down from assisted living, but many communities offer both types of care. Allowing residents to be as independent as possible is how independent living communities are different from other residential options, as residents will keep their independence.
Having Their Own Space
An independent living community is set up like a retirement community instead of a hospital setting. Residents will have a private room, space, or apartment, typically with a locking door. Living arrangements are set up like communities. Other residents will not wander in and out of the resident’s area as they could in a senior home.
An Abundance of Activities
Because residents of these communities are independent and active, daily activities will be scheduled to keep everyone entertained, social, and happy. The community will post activities publicly in shared spaces; they may hand out flyers to residents, offer verbal reminders, or post on the community website. A few of the most common activities scheduled in independent living communities include:
• Community dances
• Bingo
• Board games
• Book clubs
• Gardening
• Spiritual gatherings
• Veteran meetings
• Cooking events
• Craft classes
• Gentle yoga
• Field trips
Many independent living communities offer amenities that are top tier. Amenities may include libraries, swimming pools, workout centers, chapels, conference rooms, walking paths, gardens, woodshops, art studios, transportation to local events, and more. Each community will have different perks, so be sure to ask about the amenities either in person or on the phone.
The best way to learn about a community is to take a tour. Many places will allow potential residents to visit, see the apartments in person, chat with residents, view the common areas, learn about the amenities, see the food menus, and more. The tour is also a great time to ask about assistance with daily living activities and personalized services that the community may include.
