When families first begin exploring senior living options, one of the questions I hear most often is, “What exactly is independent living?” It’s a fair question, and the answer can help clarify the entire process.
I’m Mike Awadalla, a senior placement advisor with CarePatrol serving Walnut Creek and surrounding areas. I work with families every day to help them find the right type of senior community for their loved ones. And one thing I always emphasize: Independent living is not the same as assisted living. The goals, the structure, and even the pricing are very different.
Who Is Independent Living For?
Independent living communities are best for seniors who are active, self-sufficient, and not in need of day-to-day medical or personal care. These are individuals who are still managing their daily routines just fine, cooking, bathing, dressing, and handling medications on their own, but who want the comfort, convenience, and community that these residences offer.
What’s Included in Independent Living?
One of the key benefits of independent living is that residents aren’t stuck doing the chores that can start to wear people down, things like housekeeping, laundry, or driving to appointments. Most communities include these services in the monthly rent, along with utilities, transportation, and access to all scheduled activities.
Meal Options and Kitchen Freedom
Another thing families often ask about is food. Many independent living communities provide flexible meal plans, typically two or three meals a day, served in a shared dining area. But what makes these communities especially appealing is the option to cook for yourself. Most apartments include full kitchens, so seniors who love to cook or just want a little more independence have that freedom.
What About Cost?
Because no personal care services are included, independent living tends to be more affordable than assisted living or memory care. You’re essentially paying one flat monthly rate for rent and amenities, without added costs for things you may not need.
Need Help Deciding?
If you’re not sure whether independent living is the right choice for you or a loved one, that’s where I can help. It’s all about finding the right fit, not just a nice-looking community, but one that lines up with someone’s current lifestyle, social needs, and long-term goals.
FULL TRANSCRIPT:
How are you doing? My name is Mike Awadalla, and I am with CarePatrol, which is a senior placement agent. So, I help people find Senior Living options, such as independent, assisted, dementia, and residential care homes. Today I want to talk to you about just independent living communities. What makes them difference is that independent living communities it’s for seniors who can do everything for themselves, so most of the time they’re going to be healthy, they going to be not needing any care. They’re able to function for themselves and do all their daily activities without help from anyone. Usually, an independent living still provides utilities including housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and services just like all the other communities, and with the meals, sometimes they give you an option is either two meals a day or three meals a day. One more major feature of Independent Living they usually have full kitchens, so if you choose to shop and buy your own food and cook your own food, that option is available. Finally, Independent Living is usually less expensive than all the other options because no care cost is included, so you’re only paying one price, which is for rent that includes utilities, transportation, housekeeping, laundry, and so on, and all the activities. All right, thank you, everyone.
