When it comes to senior living, there are many options on the market. To find the right facility for your demands, you should consider your overall needs. As you get older, any change in your lifestyle can feel like a loss of independence. 

However, senior independent living communities are more about making your life easier than giving up your independence. Pointe View at Aspen Hill allows seniors to live independently, surrounded by the things they love.

We know that deciding to move into something more manageable is not an easy resolution at first. As with any change in your daily lifestyle, it’s important to plan in advance and give yourself as much time and space to deal with the change as you need. 

If you wonder what is independent living for seniors and whether it is the right choice for you, these tips compiled by My Active Senior’s team of professionals can help you find the right way to live your life and achieve your goals.

What is independent living for seniors?

Independent living for seniors is simply a home designed exclusively for older adults, generally 55 years of age or older. It’s a lifestyle that allows you to live life on your own terms while still having access to support and amenities when you need them.

You have your own apartment or cottage, yet there are tons of similarly-aged people living around you. You can go about your day doing your own thing, or you can join in on scheduled group activities.

These are communities intentionally designed for seniors, in such a way that you can remain independent without feeling lonely or isolated. For example, Pointe View at Aspen Hill has more modern amenities than traditional retirement homes. These senior living independence facilities are friendlier to aging adults, being more compact, with easier navigation and no maintenance or yard work to worry about.

This is why Pointe View at Aspen Hill is a new independent living community for seniors that is changing the way we think about aging. This revolutionary community offers a new way of living that is perfect for retirees who want to maintain their independence while enjoying all the benefits of community living.

What Services and Activities Are Available at Independent Living for Seniors?

All senior independent living communities offer different services and activities for seniors. Often, different types of recreation centers or clubs are available in the neighborhood to give you the opportunity to connect with your peers and participate in community activities. 

Pointe View at Aspen Hill community offers all of the amenities and services that you would find in an assisted living facility, but you will still have your own private apartment and complete control over your life. The amenities include a community room, fitness center, hair salon, business center, and weekly resident activities. Other services offered may include a swimming pool, fitness center, onsite spas, beauty and barber salons, daily meals, and basic housekeeping and laundry services

Since independent living for seniors centers is intended for seniors who need little or no help with activities of daily living, most do not provide medical care or nursing staff. However, you can hire separate in-home help based on your needs.

What Are the Types of Independent Living for Seniors Facilities?

There are several different types of senior living independence facilities. From apartment complexes to stand-alone houses, which range in cost and the services provided.

Pointe View at Aspen Hill offers a series of one or two-bedroom senior apartments. The amenities include a modern kitchen including a dishwasher, central heating and air, and ceramic tiled baths. Utilities include affordable housing, an elevator, a pool, pet-friendly space, and a laundry room on each floor. 

Other types of independent living for seniors facilities could include: 

Low-income or subsidized senior housing

These are senior apartments with below-market rent subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These are intended for low-income seniors who meet the qualifications for Section 202 assistance.

Senior apartments or congregate care housing

These are apartments designed for seniors. Usually for seniors of at least 55 or 62 years and older. Rent may include community services (such as recreational programs, transportation services, and meals). This type of housing is aimed at seniors who want to live independently but have a more limited budget.

Retirement homes/retirement communities

These are neighborhoods for independent and active retirees who want to live near their peers. These housing units can be single-family homes, duplexes, mobile homes, townhouses, or condominiums. But it’s important to know that this type of housing is oriented toward seniors who do not need help with ADLs and can afford the rent and membership fees.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

These are communities where you can transition from independent living to assisted living to nursing home care if/when needed. These facilities offer a broad spectrum of care ranging from independent living to nursing home care in the same community. The main advantage of a CCRC is that you only have to move once to a new environment and can maintain your independence for as long as possible.

	Subsidized & Low-Income Housing	Senior Apartments	Retirement Homes /Communities	Continuing Care Retirement Communities
What is it?	Senior apartments with below-market rent-subsidized	Apartments designed for seniors (55-62 years).	Neighborhoods for independent and active retirees	Communities where you can transition from independent living to assisted living
Housing Type	One-bedroom apartment with kitchen and bathroom	Apartment with kitchen and bathroom	Apartment, condo, townhouse, cottage	Apartment, condo, townhouse, cottage
Typical Services & Amenities Offered	Community spacesHome-delivered mealsHousekeeping, laundryTransportation to medical care	Community dining room Housekeeping, laundry, maintenance In-room emergency pull-cord systems Transportation to medical care	Grounds maintenance Housekeeping Amenities (clubhouse, pool, fitness center) On-site restaurants Security guards	Amenities (clubhouse, fitness center, walking paths)On-site dining room and restaurants Security guards24/7 staff available
For who?	Low-income seniors with  Section 202 assistance qualifications	Seniors with a limited budget	Seniors who do not need help with ADLs and can afford the rent and membership fees	Seniors with a spouse that needs more care; Seniors who want the option to receive more care

Is Independent Living for Seniors Right for Me?

Deciding to move into an independent living for seniors community requires careful consideration. As hard as it may seem, sometimes acknowledging your own limitations – that you can’t take care of your home maintenance, for example – and accepting some help now can help you maintain your usual independent routine for longer.

If you’re still wondering what is independent living for seniors and trying to decide if an independent living community is right for you, here are some things to consider: 

• Do you want to downsize? If you’re tired of maintaining a large home, an independent living community could be a good option. You’ll have less space to take care of, which can be a big relief.

• Do you want to be around people your own age? In an independent living community, you’ll be surrounded by people who are in the same stage of life as you. This can be a great way to make new friends and stay social.

• Do you want to have access to amenities and activities? Many independent living communities offer a variety of amenities, like swimming pools, fitness centers, and game rooms. There are usually plenty of activities going on as well, so you can stay busy and active.

• Do you need help with some day-to-day tasks? If you’re starting to need a little assistance with things like cooking or cleaning, an independent living community can be a good option. Most communities have staff members who can help with these tasks, so you can still live independently while getting the help you need.

Moving into an independent living community is a big decision. But if you’re looking for a simpler way of life, it could be the perfect choice for you. Independent living communities like Pointe View offer seniors the opportunity to downsize and simplify their lives without giving up their independence.

Pointe View at Aspen Hill Insight on Independent Living for Seniors

You may be thinking, if an elderly person can live independently, why not stay in their own home? That’s a great question.

The main difference between living independently at home and living in an independent senior living community is that in an independent senior living community they can live alone in their own homes or apartments, but they are not alone.

Senior living communities combat loneliness by providing older adults with many social opportunities and recreational activities that can help keep residents active and engaged. And, most importantly, residents can form friendships and relationships with others who are in similar life situations.

Socialization makes a significant difference in the lives of older adults, decreasing their risk of depression and increasing their life expectancy. If you’re considering an independent living community, take a tour of Pointe View at Aspen Hill. Their beautiful community is designed for seniors who want to live independently, with plenty of amenities and activities to enjoy.