Independent Living
Independent living helps seniors
and people with disabilities have
more choices in how to live.
With independent living, you gain
freedom by not having to do home
maintenance or repairs. You can also choose a place that provides extra
help with services you may need,
such as transportation and meals.
There are several kinds of independent living for seniors:
Low-income senior housing
offers
lower rent for seniors who can no
longer take care of their homes
and need financial help. Visit www.hud.gov to search for housing
options and other programs in
your area.
Retirement communities
include
single-family homes, apartments or
condos so renters or owners can live
on their own and be around people
of the same age.
Congregate care housing
provides
extra benefits like recreation,
transportation and a community
dining room. Congregate care is usually for people 55 years and older.
Continuing-care retirement
communities (CCRC)
offer a range of
care. You and your partner can start
with independent living, then move to
an assisted living or skilled nursing
facility in the same community when
necessary.
Centers for Independent Living
People with disabilities help design
and run centers for independent
living that help them live more on
their own in the community. The
centers help disabled adults find the
right community-based homes and
provide referrals, life skills training
and peer counseling.
Community-Based Homes:
- provide more freedom than other types of facilities
- enhance personal independence while providing additional safety
- offer handicapped accessibility
- include subsidized rent
You can search www.ilru.org for a center for independent living in your area.
Additional Resources:
Administration for Community Living: www.acl.gov
HelpGuide.org: www.helpguide.org
National Council on Independent Living:
www.ncil.org