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Many people assume that senior living is only an option when you’re sick or can no longer care for yourself at home, never realizing that there are actually several different types of senior living. One of which, known as independent living, is designed for seniors who can live independently but would rather have freedom from the burdens of home ownership and chores so they have more time to enjoy the active, social and enriching lifestyle they deserve in retirement. It’s why more and more seniors are moving to independent living while perfectly healthy! Here are some of the key ways independent living differs from other types of senior living.

1.     Accommodations - Independent living typically offers a range of accommodations from condominiums and apartments to even free-standing cottages in some communities. It’s also designed to have more of a neighborhood feel with the privacy you want, while also being near common areas and amenities for convenience. In assisted living and memory care, the other primary types of senior living, you typically have the choice of private or semi-private apartments. Although accommodations in all three types of senior living usually feature a choice of floor plans – we offer 26 options, for example!

2.     The Lifestyle - In terms of lifestyle, independent living and assisted living are very similar. Both of these types of senior living offer monthly calendars filled with social activities, events, classes, and clubs, as well as fitness and wellness opportunities. Although memory care offers a higher level of support, they also offer opportunities to be active, engaged and social that are tailored to each resident’s individual abilities.

3.     Amenities - All three types of senior living offer maintenance-free living, and at Friendship housekeeping and laundry services are available through Friendship Home Care!  Other amenities include restaurant-style dining, a fitness center, library, salon along with plenty of green space and outdoor common areas plus walking routes. However, in independent living concierge services are also a common amenity as the lifestyle is all about convenience (plus a bit of pampering).

4.     Daily Support – Perhaps the biggest difference between independent living and other types of senior living is that it does not typically offer onsite medical care or support with daily tasks like bathing, dressing or medication management, and certainly not the specialized care that memory care provides. However, our community offers home care services so you have the option to remain in independent living as long as possible.

Peace of Mind in Independent Living

You may wonder what would happen if you live in an independent living community and your health needs evolve. Would you have to go through another transition to a new community? There’s no need to worry. Many communities like ours offer multiple types of senior living on the same campus. This is really the best of both worlds as you could retire to independent living initially, then, should your health needs evolve, easily transition to assisted living or memory care later while remaining in the same familiar surroundings.

We also feature award-winning therapy services to help you recover after surgery, illness or injury as well as an onsite pharmacy that also delivers for even more peace of mind.

Contact Friendship today to schedule a virtual or in-person visit by calling 540.777.7103!

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