What Is Independent Living?

Independent living refers to a senior living option designed for active older adults who want to maintain a sense of autonomy without the hassles of homeownership. At Asbury Village in Godfrey, IL, independent living offers older adults the opportunity to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle and engage in social, cultural and recreational activities. Residents live in private residences but can benefit from various amenities and services that make daily life both convenient and enjoyable.

Independent living communities like Asbury Village focus on promoting personal well-being, providing avenues for socializing and offering different levels of support if needed. While independent living does not provide the same level of care as assisted living or skilled nursing, the environment is structured so that residents can access extra help when they require it, ensuring peace of mind for both residents and their families.

Discovering Different Independent Living Options

Every senior has unique preferences and needs, which is why independent living can come in different forms. At Asbury Village, residents choose from various types of living arrangements that match their lifestyle and priorities. Some opt for apartments, while others prefer a cottage or villa. Regardless of the choice, the goal is to foster independence while offering supportive services.

Independent Living Features at Asbury Village

• Apartments and Villas: Residences provide privacy and the freedom to decorate and customize your space. Floor plans feature a patio or balcony, fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers, and comfortable living spaces.
• Senior Living Communities With Amenities: Asbury Village offers shared amenities such as communal lounges, fitness spaces and social areas where residents come together for activities and special events.
• Continuum of Care Focus: Although independent living is designed for those who can manage daily tasks with minimal help, Asbury Village connects residents to additional services if their needs change.

The variety in independent living options ensures that each resident can find a place that feels like home, while enjoying the perks of communal living.

Discovering Services and Amenities at Asbury Village

At Asbury Village, independent living is about creating a supportive environment. Residents benefit from an array of amenities that simplify daily life and foster social connection. These can include housekeeping, maintenance and laundry services, allowing seniors to focus on hobbies, wellness and forging new friendships.

Independent Living Services and Amenities

• Housekeeping and Maintenance: Basic household tasks are taken care of by community staff, freeing residents from the burdens of chores.
• Dining Options: Asbury Village offers restaurant-style dining with menus that cater to different tastes and dietary needs, all while creating a social atmosphere.
• Recreational Programs: From exercise classes to community gatherings, residents can stay active by choosing activities that suit their interests and abilities.
• Transportation Services: Scheduled transportation may be available for medical appointments, shopping trips or local outings, ensuring mobility for those who prefer not to drive.
• Safety and Security: Independent living communities often have secure entrances, emergency call systems and 24-hour staff to handle any issues that arise.

At Asbury Village, independent living services are designed to empower seniors to enjoy life on their own terms, without the tasks that can become more difficult or time-consuming as we age.

Determining if Independent Living Is the Right Choice

Independent living is meant for seniors who are mostly able to care for themselves but desire the convenience of communal services. Some indicators that independent living might be a good fit include:

• Finding home maintenance and yard work a hassle.
• Enjoying social opportunities and daily activities with peers.
• Wanting to relocate to a smaller, more manageable space without giving up personal freedom.

Independent living is not typically suitable for seniors who need frequent help with bathing, dressing or medication management. By considering your current lifestyle preferences, personal health and future goals, you can gauge whether independent living aligns with your vision for retirement.

Planning Ahead for Possible Care Needs

A common concern among older adults is what happens if their health changes and they need extra support. At Asbury Village, residents have access to more comprehensive services within the same community if the need arises. While independent living does not typically include significant medical care, the campus features assisted living and other healthcare services. This setup provides peace of mind, knowing that if you need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), you can remain in familiar surroundings.

What If More Care Is Needed in the Future?

• Transition to Assisted Living: If residents start needing help with ADLs such as bathing or dressing, the transition can be smoother when done within the same community.
• Short-Term Rehabilitation or Skilled Nursing: Some communities have rehab centers for those recovering from surgeries or illnesses.
• Continuum of Care: Having multiple levels of care in one place means residents don’t have to leave the environment they have grown to love.

By choosing a community like Asbury Village, you can plan for future care needs, ensuring that changes in health will not require a major relocation.

Understanding How Independent Living and Assisted Living Differ

Although both independent living and assisted living support seniors, they serve different purposes. Independent living offers minimal assistance for relatively active seniors. Assisted living is designed for those who require help with ADLs but do not need 24/7 medical supervision.

Key Differences: Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

• Level of Care: Assisted living provides hands-on help with dressing, bathing, and medication management. Independent living residents generally manage these tasks on their own.
• Staffing: Assisted living has more caregiving staff available, while independent living focuses on community engagement and convenience services.
• Daily Activities: Independent living encourages autonomy, while assisted living ensures activities are adapted to those needing more frequent assistance.

At Asbury Village, residents often begin in independent living and transition to higher levels of care as their needs evolve over time.

Assessing the Costs of Independent Living

The cost of independent living depends on factors like location, amenities, floor plans and services. Monthly fees usually cover housing, utilities, maintenance and access to community amenities, although some services may require additional fees. At Asbury Village in Godfrey, IL, pricing can vary based on apartment type and any added services that residents choose.

Financial Assistance for Independent Living

• Retirement Savings or Pensions: Many seniors use Social Security, pensions or personal investments to cover monthly fees.
• Home Equity: Some older adults sell their homes and use the proceeds to fund independent living.
• Veterans Benefits: Veterans or their spouses may qualify for benefits that help offset living expenses.
• Medicare/Medicaid: While these programs primarily cover medical and long-term care, they do not typically cover the full cost of independent living. Check eligibility for any supplemental programs if you need partial assistance.

By exploring various funding options, you can create a plan that suits your financial situation and lifestyle goals.

Selecting an Independent Living Community That Fits

Choosing the ideal independent living community means looking at factors beyond cost and location. At Asbury Village, we encourage prospective residents to evaluate how well a community’s culture, services and amenities align with their preferences. Visiting in person, meeting staff and speaking to current residents can provide valuable insights.

Social and Recreational Opportunities

Engagement is key to a healthy and fulfilling senior lifestyle. Check if the community organizes activities like fitness classes, book clubs, holiday events or day trips. Asbury Village might also offer volunteer programs for residents to stay active in local causes. Look for a rich calendar of events that align with your interests.

Convenience Services and Amenities

Services like housekeeping, laundry and transportation can simplify day-to-day living. Look for on-site conveniences such as a beauty salon, wellness center or library. If you appreciate an active social scene, inquire about communal lounges, exercise areas or game rooms. These amenities can significantly enhance the enjoyment of independent living.

Dining Services

Food quality and variety can make a difference in your daily satisfaction. Many communities offer restaurant-style dining with choices for different tastes and dietary requirements. Inquire about flexible meal plans and whether the community hosts special dining events. Having nutritious and appealing meal options on-site can reduce the hassle of cooking daily meals while providing an opportunity to socialize with neighbors.

At Asbury Village in Godfrey, IL, independent living is about empowering seniors to maintain their autonomy and enjoy life, backed by the support and conveniences that make day-to-day tasks easier. Whether you’re seeking an active social environment, secure future care options or a simpler lifestyle free from home maintenance, independent living might be your pathway to a happier retirement. By weighing factors such as pricing, amenities, social activities and potential future needs, you can determine whether Asbury Village’s independent living aligns with your vision for the next chapter in life.

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