As an active senior living community in Longview, Texas, Westminster Place is proud to offer a variety of living options to live out your retirement years. When choosing which living option is best for you or a loved one, deciphering the descriptions of lifestyles advertised by different communities may not be very clear. One of the most asked questions is about the difference between independent living and senior apartments. Services, amenities, and cost are the most significant differences. The team at Westminster Place is happy to walk you through the differences so that you can make the best, most informed decision for your needs or on behalf of a loved one. Call 903.329.6520 to enroll in our program for independent living for seniors.
Is Independent Living Right for You?
Independent living is ideal for seniors who want to continue activities they were doing before moving into a senior community but without the worry of upkeep and home maintenance. Independent living gives you a chance to enjoy life without having to worry about household chores such as mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, or taking care of landscaping. Some amenities that independent living provides include:
- 24/7 security and emergency response
- Access to recreational activities
- Fitness centers and swimming pools
- On-site dining with a variety of menu options
- Housekeeping services
- Transportation services
- Calendar of organized social activities for residents to participate in, such as card games, art classes, movie nights, and other fun activities
By choosing independent living, seniors have the freedom to engage in activities they enjoy while having a sense of security, knowing that assistance is available if needed. Where you choose to retire, in a community with full homes or senior apartments, depends on your preferences.
Senior Apartments vs. Independent Living
The differences between these two terms are slight but can impact the services, amenities, and floor plans available at each retirement community.
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments are basically just apartments with the word senior put in front of them. It’s more a marketing strategy than a unique living offering for seniors. An age minimum makes them different from any other apartment or apartment complex. So, you must meet an age threshold in order to live in these apartments or communities of apartments. Some things are also taken into consideration and designed to make the living situation appeal more to older adults, like accessibility and ease-of-use features.
Based on income, you may find many senior apartments that are part of a “55+ community” are also partially subsidized. Unlike independent living accommodations that are part of a senior lifestyle community offering a continuum of care, senior apartments on their own do not offer all of the conveniences, amenities, programming, and care options.
There are also upscale senior living options for those who can afford it through 55+ communities. However, paying for the luxurious accommodations doesn’t always include the other amenities and care options you may need or be looking for.
Independent Living
Like senior apartments, independent senior living also offers a community made up of peers over a certain age, but the community itself offers so much more to its residents. Many independent living communities provide a variety of living options, from smaller luxury apartment styles to spacious villas and cottages, all offering maintenance-free living. It’s an excellent option for healthy seniors who want to live independently but don’t want the burden of being a homeowner any longer and all the upkeep required. Independent living communities also offer additional levels of care when needed, health & wellness programs, social events, five-star dining options, transportation services, and more.
Getting started in an independent living community that offers a life care plan can be a major step forward. These communities offer progressive care if your needs change, making skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care programs available without the stress of having to find a new place to live.
Finding Independent Living Options for Your Needs
Independent living communities offer more than just a place to live. They are truly places where your neighbors and those who work there become friends and extended family. Having everything you need on-site or available at your fingertips makes life easy.
At Westminster Place, we believe that independent living has many advantages over senior apartments when it comes to living out your retirement years. The most significant is that you have care options within the community when your needs change. If assisted living or memory care becomes necessary, there is no need to uproot your life to receive the additional care. This continuum of care can give both you and your loved ones peace of mind that you can live your golden years getting the support you need as your needs change over time. Many seniors choose to move to our independent living community here in Texas for this reason, as well as the many amenities and programs we offer.
Call Westminster Place for Premier Independent Living
If you are looking to downsize but have questions about what type of senior living is right for you, then calling on the experts at Westminster Place is your best course of action.
Don’t make a decision you will regret. Understand the difference between senior apartments, independent living, and more.
Contact our knowledgeable team today at 903.329.6520 to get more information.