Independent Living
Independent living offers a vibrant, active, and low-maintenance lifestyle that makes wellness more convenient.
What is Independent Living?
Independent living offers a safe community designed to feel just like a private residence. Residents who live in independent living require minimal assistance with household and personal care tasks but enjoy opportunities to participate in events and programs that enhance wellness and build new friendships. Luxury amenities, a low-maintenance lifestyle, friendly neighbors and helpful services make life more convenient and a lot more fun.
At Arbor independent living communities, you’ll find beautiful, spacious homes with access to luxury amenities, helpful team members, and friendly neighbors. Enjoy transportation services, regular housekeeping visits, linen and laundry services, and a concierge team who is there to help take care of all the small and big details.
Life in Independent Living
Independent living communities offer residents an active lifestyle without taking control over their schedule. You’re still in the driver’s seat. Here’s what you can expect from independent living:
- Maintenance-free lifestyle. Say so long to household chores and responsibilities and hello to more time available to pursue your passions. Independent living communities take care of lawn maintenance, housekeeping, and other tasks on your behalf.
- Inclusive rent. A predictable, consistent monthly fee covers everything from rent and utilities to flexible dining and access to community amenities.
- Dining experiences. Restaurant-style dining experiences with friends featuring chef-prepared meals, providing many options made with seasonal ingredients.
- A blend of privacy and community. Your independent living home is your own, and you’ll have all the privacy that you prefer. However, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet new friends who live right down the hall.
You choose what comes next at your independent living home. You might meet up with a friend for breakfast in their apartment before heading to the museum as a part of a planned excursion. Or you might choose to take a yoga class before heading to a live concert in the community. It’s your call. Read about how our seniors keep busy in independent living.
How to Evaluate Independent Living Housing
Ready to begin your search for the right independent living community? Start your search by looking at these considerations first:
- Location. Where you live is important, especially if you would like to remain in a certain city or neighborhood, or if you would like to be walking distance to shops and restaurants. While you might not find a community in your exact location preference, you can start your search in that immediate area.
- Amenities and services. The independent lifestyle is rooted in access to amenities and services that enhance your daily life and health. Jot down a list of amenities or services you would like to see in your new community and find ones that check off most items on your list.
- Security and safety. Peace of mind is a major perk of community living. Be sure you look for a community that offers a secure campus along with easy ways to find assistance in case of an emergency.
- Floor plans and shared spaces. Look for a community that features multiple floor plans for your new home that suit your style and budget. Modern finishes and appliances are always good, as are shared community spaces that are spacious, clean, and inviting.
- Friendly and helpful team members. Your independent living experience will rely heavily on the team that works there. During your phone calls, emails, and in person tours, be sure you get to know key team members to see if they seem genuine and have a heart for service.
- Type of care provided. While independent living communities do not offer personal care assistance from caregivers, you still want to ask about personal services available and what levels of care are available on the campus should you need them.
Taking a tour of a community can tell you a lot about what life is like there. But don’t just visit once. Return for a meal or to participate in an activity or program. You can also maximize your tours by understanding how to compare communities.
Independent Living Amenities
Transitioning into Independent Living
Your move to independent living begins long before your official move-in date. Community staff members are happy to offer recommendations for local organizers, real estate agents, and movers who have experience working with older adults. You can also become familiar with the community and your new neighbors by scheduling time before your move to attend meals and programs at your new home.
Tips for a successful and low-stress move to independent living:
- Work with a professional organizer or helpful family members to downsize.
- Get involved with community life as soon as possible. You’ll feel more confident as you meet new friends and settle in.
- Invite neighbors to your new home for coffee.
- Participate in any programs offered for new residents.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help from neighbors or team members.
Paying for Independent Living
Independent living at our communities seems luxurious — and it is — but it is also quite affordable. Our all-inclusive monthly fee covers everything from your rent and utilities to a flexible dining program and access to all amenities on campus. You can enjoy the financial predictability that comes with knowing your monthly costs and how those costs fit into your long-term plan.
Living at home comes with some obvious costs — namely mortgage, insurance, and utility expenses. In the right senior living community, these fees are all built into an affordable and predictable monthly fee. A retirement community lifestyle might even be less expensive than what you are currently paying — or at least offer an affordable alternative to consider.
Our retirement community cost calculator tool was designed to help you understand the costs of senior living as compared to the expenses you pay while living at home.