Options for Senior Living: Independent Living in a Senior Community
By Laura Nelson, Marketing Director, Centura Health at Home, Colorado Springs LIVING WELL Magazine
Over the summer, many of us visit parents or other older relatives. These visits can be enjoyable, but are often stressful if adult children realize their parents are getting to the point where they need help managing their home or health. One option to consider is a move to independent living in a senior community.
Independent living is designed for people who are able to live fairly independently, but want the reassurance of knowing assistance is available if needed. It’s a good option for seniors who want social opportunities, security, and access to the services that a senior community provides.
Independent living residents usually live in apartments (studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom or larger). Residents can:
– Cook in their own apartments, eat in the community’s dining room, or dine out
– Drive their own cars, or utilize the community’s scheduled transportation services
– Participate in planned activities if desired
– Find friendship with others of similar age/interests
– Have as much privacy and independence as desired
Many senior communities, like Medalion Retirement Community in Colorado Springs, have an emergency call system in every apartment. According to Ray Weisgarber, executive director at Medalion, “If a resident has an emergency, he or she can call for assistance, and a staff member will check on them. It provides a sense of added wellbeing for residents.”
Services that are typically offered to independent living residents in a senior community include:
- Housekeeping
- On-site dining, with the option to purchase individual meals or meal packages
- Planned activities, classes, and community outings
- Scheduled transportation to banks, stores, and physician offices
- Guest accommodations
- Computer lab with internet access
- Grounds-keeping, snow removal and maintenance services
- Some senior communities also offer other care levels, such as assisted living, nursing home care, and memory care
For more information about independent senior living at the Medalion Retirement Community, please call 719-381-1000, or visit centuraseniors.org/medalion.
