Independent living (IL) refers to a range of housing arrangements and lifestyles designed for individuals who desire autonomy and a self-directed life, typically after retirement or reaching a specific age threshold. While various definitions exist, the core concept revolves around maintaining independence while potentially accessing additional support services and community-based amenities.
Key characteristics:
- Self-sufficiency: Residents manage daily tasks and living arrangements independently without requiring extensive assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, or eating.
- Age focus: Often caters to adults, typically aged 55 and above, although not exclusively. Some communities may have younger residents with disabilities or specific requirements.
- Housing options: Diverse range of living arrangements, including apartments, cottages, single-family homes, and retirement communities.
- Amenities and services: Many communities offer optional services like housekeeping, transportation, prepared meals, fitness facilities, and social activities, while others focus solely on independent living with minimal support.
- Privacy and control: Residents maintain individual living spaces and have control over their routines and schedules.
Types of independent living:
- Active adult communities: Designed for active and social retirees, often offering a plethora of amenities and activities.
- 55+ communities: Similar to active adult communities, but with less stringent age restrictions.
- Senior living communities: Offer independent living options alongside assisted living or other care services for individuals requiring varying levels of support.
- Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs): Contractual agreements providing independent living, assisted living, and nursing care within a single community as needs evolve.
- Universal design homes: Built with accessibility features for individuals of all ages and abilities, promoting independent living regardless of physical limitations.
Benefits of independent living:
- Maintains autonomy and self-reliance.
- Offers social interaction and community engagement.
- Provides access to amenities and services that reduce daily burdens.
- Promotes an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
- Can be a cost-effective alternative to assisted living for those who don’t require extensive care.
Considerations:
- Cost: Varies depending on location, community amenities, and level of services offered.
- Entrance requirements: Age restrictions or minimum income thresholds may apply.
- Contractual obligations: Some communities require long-term commitments or entrance fees.
- Availability: Demand for independent living options can be high, requiring research and planning.
Related terms: Senior housing, retirement living, active aging, aging in place, universal design, assisted living, continuing care retirement communities.
The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with USA and Europe and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (October 2020) |
Independent living (IL), as seen by its advocates, is a philosophy, a way of looking at society and disability, and a worldwide movement of disabled people working for equal opportunities, self-determination, and self-respect. In the context of eldercare, independent living is seen as a step in the continuum of care, with assisted living being the next step.
In most countries, proponents of the Independent Living Movement claim preconceived notions and a predominantly medical view of disability contribute to negative attitudes towards people with disabilities, portraying them as sick, defective and deviant persons, as objects of professional intervention, or as a burden for themselves and their families. These images have consequences for disabled people's opportunities for raising families of their own, getting education and work, which may result in persons with disabilities living in poverty. The alternative to the Medical Model of Disability is the Social Model of Disability.
With the rise in Senior population, Independent Living facilities have risen in popularity as an option for aging citizens.
