Independent living communities offer older adults a place to build a community, enjoy senior-friendly activities and amenities, and reduce some of the maintenance of owning a home. There are independent living communities for all lifestyles and budgets, ranging from golfing communities to senior apartments to retirement homes.
If you need a little help with daily tasks, consider a life plan community like Meadowood that offers independent living plus additional levels of care, so you can maintain your independence while still getting the help you need.
Deciding to move into something more manageable can take a lot of thought. Once you see the necessity and start thinking about the possibilities of a new life in an independent living community, you may feel like a weight has been lifted. We’ll try to make the selection part of deciding to transition to an independent living community easy.
What Is Independent Living?
When you picture a retirement community, you’re most likely picturing independent senior living. You have your own apartment or cottage, yet many similarly-aged people live around you. You can go about your day doing as you please or join scheduled group activities like yoga or shuffleboard and outings like trips to the golf course. Plus, you don’t have to spend time on yard work, home maintenance, or cleaning.
That’s independent living. Communities intentionally designed for seniors, often for set age groups like 55+ or 65+, where you can remain independent without feeling lonely or isolated. Everything you need is generally right on campus, like a library, dining options, a fitness center, and social activities. It’s somewhat similar to the residential side of college life.
What Services and Activities Are Available at Independent Senior Living Communities?
Independent senior living offers various services and activities for seniors. Some might have a golf course and golf carts right on the property. Others are in the middle of a city, making outings very accessible. Meadowood is a pleasant mix of both, with all the conveniences of Lansdale and the surrounding area easily accessible while providing beautiful, nature-filled grounds that feel like your own private hideaway.
The following are some activities and amenities offered at Meadowood independent senior living:
- Several dining venues
- Two indoor pools
- Paved walking path
- 1,600-square-foot workout room
- Woodworking and ceramics studio
- Aerobics studio
- Billiards room
- Bark park
- Croquet
- Putting green
- Bocce
- Shuffleboard
What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Independent Senior Living?
Independent living is for seniors who want to live independently among their peers and have amenities and services tailored to their needs. Assisted living is for seniors who can no longer safely live on their own due to physical or mental limitations. For example, seniors with mobility issues, cognitive decline associated with dementia, a recent stroke, or chronic health issues like diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease might opt for assisted living.
In an assisted living community, seniors get their own private or semi-private space and can continue living as independently as possible. What sets this type of senior living apart is that staff members are available 24/7 to help with activities of daily living (ADLs). That means help with toileting, dressing, grooming, and transport to doctor’s appointments. Seniors enjoy housekeeping, laundry, and meal services at no additional cost. Assisted living is typically more expensive than independent living, as the former provides more intensive daily support than the latter.
Many assisted living facilities also staff at least one full-time medical personnel. It might be a certified nursing assistant, an RN, an LVN, or a doctor. For many seniors with health issues, having medical care in-house is essential. Meadowood offers skilled nursing care and a state-of-the-art memory care facility. As your needs change, you don’t have to worry about finding a different community. Everything you need is in one place.
Consider Independent Senior Living at Meadowood’s Life Plan Community
Meadowood is proud to offer multiple residential living options to fit your lifestyle! We put an incredible amount of work into ensuring our residents have all the help they need and are supported in living an independent life in every way possible. Check our blog often to see how Meadowood residents are honing and sharing new skills with others! If you’re interested in learning more about our campus, request a brochure or schedule a visit.