The Differences Between 55+ Communities and Independent Living
As more of America’s baby boomers take the leap into retirement, the development of 55+ active adult communities and independent senior living communities continues to grow. Older adults exploring community living often start their search by comparing these two options; many ask the same question: “What’s the difference?”
While both may offer similar amenities, services, and social offerings, there are a few distinct differences to consider – not to mention the additional option of assisted living in some settings. Whether you’re planning ahead or ready to move, read on for a quick look at the different features, lifestyles, and costs of 55+ and independent living communities.
Quick Navigation
- Understanding 55+ communities
- Understanding independent living communities
- A quick look at assisted living
- Choosing the best fit
What Do 55+ Communities Offer?
Active adult, or 55+, communities are attractive options for older adults seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle that supports their independence, social preferences, and housing needs after retirement. Often appealing to empty nesters or those looking to downsize from a larger family home, this option offers a secure residential community within an age-restricted neighborhood where at least one resident is 55 or older. Maintenance services to minimize homeownership responsibilities, along with a broad range of amenities and social engagement opportunities, are available to residents.
Housing types
Active 55+ community developments can include a variety of housing types. From single-family homes and cottages to townhomes, villas, and condominiums, options often resemble traditional suburban developments, with smaller yards and homes set more closely to neighbors.
Home styles are designed to suit different preferences and budgets, with features such as 2- or 3-bedroom layouts, garages or front porches, back patios, or other enhancements. Neighborhoods can be sprawling and spread out or closely knit with nearby access to parking, amenities, and shared community areas.
Services and amenities
Resident offerings are focused on active, independent living and are designed to meet the expectations and preferences of older adults. Social clubs, fitness centers and classes, pools, golf courses, walking and hiking trails, fishing ponds, and courts for tennis, basketball, pickleball, and other sports are common.
Whether homeowners handle landscaping and maintenance tasks depends on each community’s homeowner’s association rules, which vary by community. Some communities may include seasonal tasks such as leaf and snow removal, lawn mowing, and other outdoor work, while others may not.
Communities may or may not be gated, and may or may not require an access code for enhanced security. In general, 55+ communities do not have staff on-site 24 hours a day.
Costs
Residential living costs for 55+ communities are usually structured as traditional home ownership arrangements, privately paid for through a monthly mortgage, along with any homeowner’s association or community fees. Some communities may offer a long-term lease option. The cost of utilities and services, such as regular maintenance, housekeeping, or laundry, is generally not included in the monthly fees and is paid by the homeowner.
What Do Independent Living Communities Offer?
Independent living communities offer a maintenance-free lifestyle for independent older adults seeking an accessible living environment, an engaging social community, and the convenience of on-site services and amenities. Residential living options are designed for older adults (generally 55+ or 60+) who are mostly independent but prefer the peace of mind that comes with on-site staff to manage daily meals, home maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and other services.
Depending on the community, independent living residents may also have access to home care services, assisted living, memory care, or a broad senior living and care continuum.
Housing types
In an independent living community, residences may be part of one large community building or spread across multiple acres, connected by neighborhood walkways and roadways. Housing options can include private apartments, cottages, townhomes, or similar residences located in proximity within a managed campus-like setting. Various sizes and styles, such as studios, one- or two-bedroom apartments, suites, or cottages (with or without garages), may be available. Communities also include parking accommodations, although options may vary.
Services and amenities
Independent living residents enjoy several convenient services and amenities, often included in the monthly rental. Restaurant-style dining, housekeeping and laundry, maintenance support, fitness and wellness classes, concierge services, social programs, and even transportation are commonly offered. Residents can also access shared community spaces (bistro/café, billiards room, salon/spa, library, movie theater, etc.), outdoor walking paths, volunteer opportunities, and nearby attractions.
One of the most valuable features of an independent living community is the added layer of security afforded to residents, which can include on-site staff, safety monitoring, and emergency response programs. During a weather event or other urgent situation, community staff provide a support network for residents, rather than having residents manage responsibilities on their own.
What about health care services?
In most communities, independent living residents can privately contract for home care or home health care services, but these services are not included in the community's cost of living. If an independent living community also offers assisted living in the same setting, residents may have access to a broader range of health care services and support. This can generally include assistance with daily living activities (e.g., getting dressed, showering, and medication management), wellness checks, or one-on-one visits with a licensed nursing professional.
Some independent living communities also operate as Life Plan Communities (also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities, or CCRCs), which allow residents to transition between levels of care as needed while remaining in the same location or system.
Costs
Independent senior living residents pay a monthly fee that covers their rent and any included amenities, such as meals, maintenance, housekeeping, or social activities. Primary utilities are included in the monthly rental fee; however, some services, such as telephone, cable, and internet may or may not be covered. Communities may also charge an initial community fee, as well as additional fees for pets or preferred residence features (patios, decks, etc.).
Monthly costs for independent living, given its more “all-inclusive” nature, may be higher than those for a traditional 55+ community. It’s important to note that services and amenities can vary by community, and what may be included at one community may not be at another. Still, the included amenities and the reduced responsibilities should be factored in when comparing costs.
A Quick Look at Assisted Living
Assisted living, like independent living, is another residential living option within the senior care continuum. It offers a monthly rental arrangement with services and amenities, as well as a more supportive lifestyle for older adults with various care needs. A wide range of services and amenities (chef-prepared meals, transportation, wellness offerings, social gatherings, etc.) are generally included in the community’s monthly rental rates.
While supportive care services need to be contracted for privately in independent living settings, residents can receive scheduled care services, or “assisted living services” in an assisted living setting. This assistance is provided by community staff to support a resident’s activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, using the restroom, managing medication, continence care, etc.). Communities can provide different levels of care to accommodate a resident’s changing needs.
For example, some independent living communities offer residential assisted living and memory care options in one location. If a loved one’s care needs increase and a traditional independent or assisted living setting cannot accommodate the specialized care they need, a memory care community can be the next right step.
Living in a 55+ community soon after retirement offers many advantages for older adults. They can enjoy the convenience of a single-family home or a one-level living arrangement. They have the benefit of a quiet neighborhood, a small yard to enjoy, and the privacy of still owning their own home even after downsizing.
But for many seniors, the responsibilities of home ownership are still just that: responsibilities. Maintenance and upkeep are still required. Household chores still need to be done. And living alone, even in a more manageable home, can still feel isolating after a while.
Why Senior Living?
An independent or assisted living community offers a unique downsizing opportunity that simplifies responsibilities while providing access to services that support current independence and future needs. These readily available services and amenities—on-site dining, transportation, social events, and more—provide essential connections to people and routines that promote independence and longevity.
With these connections in place, older adults can avoid the threat of isolation, reduce the risks of living alone, and experience a supportive community as they age. To learn more about senior living options at Stoney Brook, contact a member of our team to see how our relationship-centered approach can help your loved one thrive.
Specializing in assisted living and memory care offerings, Stoney Brook communities enable seniors to maximize their independence while enjoying what they love most about life. Schedule a visit to one of our Central Texas communities or subscribe to our blog to find additional resources to aid you as you explore next steps for a loved one.
Looking for the right independent living community for yourself or a loved one? Visit our Cardinal Bay sister communities, with locations in Central Texas and Oklahoma.