Independent living facilities, or active adult communities, typically cater to the needs of aging baby boomers. These types of communities offer maintenance-free homes or apartments, 24-hour security (often with gated community access), well-lit roads, wide sidewalks, community centers, fitness clubs and/or pools, and other types of services. 

These types of communities are best for adults who do not require any health care assistance and are generally independent. While health care services may be purchased separately (either from outside companies or from the community itself), the fees are extra. Daily check-ins may be included or be an extra service, but typically, these facilities do not have an around-the-clock medical staff or 24-hour health care support.

Benefits of Independent Living Facilities

• Maintenance-free housing: Outside and inside maintenance services such as painting, fixing the refrigerator, mowing the lawn, and more.
• Safety: Well-lit streets, homes and/or apartment buildings, security access, patrolled grounds.
• Community services: Golf, tennis, exercise facilities and/or pools, art classes, and other community offerings.
• General services: Ability to keep your own furniture and live in your “own home.”

Be sure to ask each individual facility you are considering which services are included, and whether or not supplemental services may be purchased to complement the specific care and services required.

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