What is independent living?
US
What is independent living?
Independent living refers to a housing and lifestyle option for older people or individuals with disabilities who can live on their own with minimal or no assistance. It allows people to maintain their independence while having access to certain support services and amenities if needed.
Independent living facilities come in various forms, from apartment complexes to stand-alone houses, offering a range of costs and services. Below are the most common types of independent living:
Retirement villages
Retirement villages are designed for older people who are relatively independent but prefer to live within a community that provides some level of support and facilities. They offer various accommodation, from apartments to bungalows, and include communal facilities like gardens, gyms, and communal areas. Retirement villages generally have more amenities and organised activities compared to sheltered housing.
Accommodation: offers a range of housing options, such as apartments or bungalows, often with private gardens.
Facilities: includes communal areas like dining rooms, gym, swimming pools, and social spaces.
Support services: typically includes on-site facilities for emergency assistance and possibly basic personal care, but the level of day-to-day support is generally minimal.
Community: emphasises an active lifestyle with various social and recreational activities. Residents can engage in community events and make use of communal amenities.
Maintenance: generally includes garden and property maintenance services, allowing residents to live with minimal home upkeep.
Sheltered housing
Sheltered housing, or "extra care housing," is designed for those who need some support but want to maintain independent. It provides self-contained apartments within a community, with access to support services. Compared to retirement village, sheltered housing provides more structured support and safety features for those needing assistance.
Accommodation: provides self-contained apartments within a larger development, usually designed to be accessible and adaptable for individuals with mobility issues.
Support services: includes on-site warden or manager who provides assistance with emergencies and basic support, such as personal care and daily living tasks. Some sheltered housing schemes offer additional care services based on individual needs.
Community facilities: typically includes communal lounges, activity rooms, and sometimes a restaurant or café.
Safety features: often equipped with emergency call systems and accessible design elements to support residents with various needs.
Maintenance: includes some level of property maintenance and support services, though typically less comprehensive than in retirement villages.
Assisted living
Assisted living is more focused on providing daily personal care and support. Assisted living offers additional support for daily activities while allowing individuals to live independently. Ideal for those needing help with tasks such as cooking or personal care.
Focus: provides a higher level of personal care and assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Accommodation: includes private apartments or suites within a facility offering on-site care services.
Support: 24/7 support from staff who help with personal care and healthcare needs.
Community Facilities: often includes communal dining, social activities, and recreational facilities, but the primary emphasis is on providing comprehensive support.
Home care
Home care refers to services provided in a person’s own home to help with daily activities, medical needs, or personal care. This can include assistance with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication management, and other daily tasks.
The level of care can vary from occasional help with specific tasks to full-time assistance. Home care is often tailored to the individual’s needs and can be provided by family members, professional caregivers, or a combination of both.
The primary goal of home care is to allow individuals to remain in their own homes while receiving the support they need to live comfortably and safely.
Who is it for?
Independent living is for individuals, particularly those with disabilities or the elderly, who seek to maintain control over their daily lives and make decisions about how they live. It emphasises personal autonomy, allowing people to live in their own homes or communities with the necessary support services. Independent living is also about having access to the resources, accommodations, and opportunities needed to live a fulfilling life, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations.
How St Monica Trust can support
From picturesque country villages to luxurious modern developments, our retirement villages in Bristol and North Somerset offer the very best in later living. Our villages are home to a range of stylish apartments designed with your every comfort in mind. We offer award-winning food, a vibrant social life, exceptional care and support, and a wealth of impressive facilities to enjoy.
Within our villages, we provide residents with opportunities and support around their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, as well as encouraging them to be involved in their community, while at the same time maintaining their independence.
The Pastoral Care Team addresses the pastoral, spiritual, and religious needs of residents and staff within the Trust as well as nurturing a sense of community across the sites, with the main goal being to celebrate life in all its fullness.
FIND OUT MORE
The Fitness Team aims to help residents with their exercise needs. The team provides seated exercise classes that focus on joint mobility, improving strength, and help with coordination. The classes are extremely beneficial and are a great way to meet new friends and enjoy some social interaction.
FIND OUT MORE
We help all residents to have the level of social interaction that they wish for. We do this by co-producing and/or co-ordinating appropriate activities for them to enjoy, and by empowering them to make positive contributions to their communities. We also work to strengthen links between our villages and the surrounding localities.
FIND OUT MORE
We also provide village care services for retirement village residents. From preparing meals to providing more personal care, such as cooking, cleaning, bathing, washing, companionship for social activities and appointments, our specialist staff can tailor a package that perfectly suits your needs. Our village care team is available round the clock for unforeseen emergencies too.
Find out more about our villages
St Monica Trust operates 5 retirement villages in Bristol and the surrounding area. We're currently able to offer a limited number of tour. Please get in touch with our friendly sales team for more information.
