Independent living facilities are sometimes called active adult communities. While there are slight differences between the two, both are designed for seniors who want the freedom to enjoy life without the burdens of home ownership. Both feature rental housing and easy-to-maintain properties. Safety and security are built into the homes.

Perhaps one of the most important features for an independent living facility is the age restriction. This is a real plus to elders who prefer to live quietly among their peers (no noisy teenagers allowed). When one member of a couple is under the minimum age, the lease is usually written to the older person. The younger person may have to move if the leaseholder dies or moves away.    

Active Adult Communities

Aimed at aging baby boomers, this growing field offers a new take on the older independent living concept. Eligibility for active adult communities often starts at 55 years of age. Communities may consist of apartment buildings, town houses, or a combination of the two. Because they are new concept, most communities are located in suburban areas and have campuses. Since many residences are rentals, seniors who do not want to own their homes can still maintain their suburban lifestyles.  

Safety and Security

In our violence-conscious society, security services contribute a much- needed sense of freedom and relief from anxiety to seniors.  Many independent living or active adult communities may be gated, with special access codes to enter the property. Streets are well-lit and sidewalks are usually wider to enable safe walking. The apartment buildings usually feature brightly-lit lobbies, 24-hour front-desk doormen, elevators, and concierge services. Residents feel free to travel or come and go at any hour. Rental homes on the property may feature alarm systems that are directly hooked into the local police department and a management office on the property.    

Emergency Services

Homes and apartments designed for independent living often include emergency-call service (in the apartment building, the rental home, and/or with call boxes staggered throughout the property) so residents can summon 24-hour on-call security or assistance personnel. Services range from call buttons in the bathroom to more sophisticated intercom services built into each room.  

Daily Check-In

Communities may also provide some form of daily check-in to make sure that everyone is well.  This may seem more important to those who live alone, but couples also enjoy knowing someone is looking out for them. Where I work, dinner is part of the package. If someone doesn’t come to dinner, reception staff phone or knock on their door. Usually, the resident forgot to tell us they would be out for the evening. If the person is home and needs assistance, we phone for an ambulance or tend to the situation ourselves and then notify the resident’s emergency contact person.

Universal Design

Universal design, incorporating features for handicapped access, is standard among new independent living facilities, so seniors can age in place. Homes are located on one floor so there are no stairs to climb; bathrooms have grab bars in the tub and around the commode, kitchens have higher sinks and countertops.  Public areas and walkways use ramps instead of stairs.  

Social Opportunities

Some communities offer meals, activities, recreational facilities, and special amenities such as golf, tennis, and pools. There are opportunities to meet neighbors and build new friendships.  Depending upon the individual, these opportunities may be a real plus. Companionship at meals may improve appetite, and social interactions can help with depression. Even the most reclusive and private person may be happier knowing that neighbors are nearby.  

Living Costs & Services

Rents include security services so prices will be higher than market rate for the same residence. Home and garden maintenance may be included in the rent, covered by an additional fee, or sold on a fee-for-service basis. Meals, housekeeping, and activities may or may not be included in the rent. Some facilities have entry fees or buy-in requirements that may or may not be refundable. You need to carefully review the lease with the rental agent or, possibly, a lawyer to be sure you understand costs and terms of the lease. For example, in some communities the resident owns his home but rents the property on which it sits. In this situation, the resident is financially responsible for the property until the home is sold.

Some communities offer subsidized housing. Subsidies may be provided by a private endowment, government programs for rental assistance, or special low-cost mortgages provided to the developer. Your area agency on aging or local department of aging maintains a list of housing opportunities for seniors; the local department of housing will have a list of government subsidized housing for all ages.   

Things to Think About

Maintenance-free homes and 24-hour safety are great benefits to these types of communities. However, rents and required payments for home and garden maintenance increase annually and can be expensive. The cost of fee-for-service communities may be attractive, but seniors who want to take advantage of any extras (such as the pool, or community activities, or personal daily check-ins) may save money if they shop for a community with all-inclusive fees. 

Also, seniors should keep in mind that these types of facilities typically do not offer any medical assistance or health care. These types of services may be purchased (either through the community, or more likely, through an outside service), and the fees may add up. Depending on you or your loved one’s health care needs, you may consider an assisted living facility or a nursing home.

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