When it comes to creating your ideal lifestyle, there are many options available to help you find the perfect setting you need to embrace your retirement years. With this being said, even if you don’t require a health-focused environment or need any support with activities of daily living (ADLs), you could still benefit from convenient accommodations that can support you in the future.

No two senior living options or communities are exactly alike, and this can be especially true for independent living and 55+ communities. What is really the difference between these two options?

At Community Senior Life, our mission is to provide safe community environments that enhance residents’ quality of life through innovative services and amenities. Our team is sharing the benefits of each of these unique types of senior living to help you make an informed decision and discover which level of service can best fit your needs. 

55+ Communities

55+ communities often instill the image of a retirement community meant for adults who are independent and able to rely on themselves for any self-care needs. Sometimes, these communities are also referred to as active adult communities to describe the ideal lifestyle they strive to support. 

When an individual makes the decision to transition into a 55+ community, it is not due to any health or wellness needs but simply due to the conveniences and socialization elements that they provide. These communities are also often located near local attractions like shopping centers, restaurants, and other unique places so residents can easily continue their daily routines and elevate their lifestyle in a more convenient way. 

However, these communities differ from independent living communities. For example, 55+ communities don’t incorporate care services like wellness checks or assistance with daily tasks. They are an ideal option for a person searching for a new community where they can enjoy their everyday life surrounded by people closer to their own age while receiving the social perks and benefits that come along with close-knit neighbors. 

Independent Living

If you’re an active older adult searching for new ways to enhance your wellness, discover new passions and hobbies, or benefit from maintenance-free living, independent living is an excellent option for you. Unlike 55+ communities, independent living offers more engagement opportunities and convenient amenities. However, this lifestyle option doesn’t provide the supportive care services that help individuals manage their daily routines, medication management, or other activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, or grooming.

With this being said, independent living still comes with many helpful services that allow residents to enjoy a more secure level of independence and self-sufficiency. For example, independent living communities offer wellness checks in which team members regularly check in to ensure residents are safe. Some of these communities also provide access to emergency call systems within the community so that a team member is alerted immediately in case of an emergency.

Independent living also offers maintenance-free living for residents, including housekeeping services and home maintenance services that provide convenience and peace of mind for residents who wish to spend their time on the things that are most important to them rather than focusing on cleaning or home improvements. 

Community Senior Life provides senior living in Alabama that’s a step above the rest. Thanks to our innovative services, cozy living spaces, and 24/7 support for all residents, our independent living services aim to provide residents with a home where they can thrive during their retirement years and beyond. Once you experience daily living at Community Senior Life, you’ll wish that you had moved in sooner!

Contact a member of our team today to learn more about independent senior living in Alabama and all that we have to offer.