What Is Included with Senior Living?

Senior Living Amenities 

Your monthly payment goes not only toward recreational activities and housing, but also your continued safety, health, and overall wellness. In fact, living in a retirement community is often less expensive than continuing to live in your current home and paying for all your necessities separately.

All-inclusive independent senior housing, as the name suggests, includes meals, social activities, safety measures, home cleaning and maintenance, fitness services, transportation, and much more. This is all in addition to independent senior housing, which can range from studio, 1- or 2-bedroom apartment units to large, cottage-style houses.

The following provides an overview of what you can expect to find as included services and amenities at any of our senior independent living apartments, houses, and communities.

Chef-Prepared Meal Plans

Our fully staffed dining area provides three daily meals for seniors, as well as a la carte snacks, drinks, and other offerings throughout each day. Our chefs work with dieticians to create meals that are not only tasty, but also nutritious. Residents are able to choose among three different entrees for each meal, and we are also able to make concessions for seniors with food allergies or specific dietary needs. 

Seniors are also encouraged to submit their own ideas for potential meals or foods they’d like to have on the menu, and our chefs often work side-by-side with residents to create meal plans that offer variety and delectability in equal parts. 

Social Calendar and Activities  

Though residents at our retirement communities are able to enjoy their privacy whenever they’d like, the benefits of social interaction for seniors are immeasurable. Staying social helps improve mental health, prevent cognitive decline, and boost overall wellbeing. We create many opportunities for people to get involved and stay socially active in senior living communities. Each community creates a monthly calendar that lists all upcoming events, meetings, group outings, special dinners, and similar activities. 

Additionally, each community has a variety of different recreational activities, clubs, sports, and groups to participate in. Seniors can also enjoy the many common areas within their communities by gathering together, taking a walk, reading a book, or simply watching TV.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have implemented many changes that allow seniors to remain social while remaining safe and healthy. This includes mask mandates, increased sanitation and cleanliness practices, virtual chats, socially distant gatherings, telehealth opportunities, and similar measures. 

Home Safety for Seniors 

Another large benefit of moving to an independent living community is the peace of mind these locations create. Senior safety is a top priority among our staff and facility leadership, and we ensure that each resident has access to help if they need it. In situations where a senior needs help and there are no staff members nearby, however, they can still receive immediate help through their GreatCall device. This emergency call button for seniors has no monthly fee, and each resident receives one upon moving in. At the press of a button, you can request medical assistance or get help with directions, roadside assistance, and many other situations. 

Additionally, communities are designed from the ground up with senior needs in mind. Floor plans are easily maneuverable, and guardrails are installed throughout facilities to help with traversal as well as prevent devastating falls. Staff members receive OSHA training and certification to ensure they follow safety best practices. 

Transportation to Outside Activities 

We offer senior transportation services to help our residents travel to appointments, errands, shopping locations, group outings, and more. However, seniors are still free to drive their own vehicles if they wish. The option for free transportation is still always available, which is especially helpful during inclement weather.

Home Cleaning Service

Holiday Retirement communities offer in-home cleaning services for seniors each week. These services include vacuuming, bathroom and kitchen cleaning, countertop and surface cleaning, and linen laundering. Additionally, some locations may offer laundry services so seniors do not need to launder their own clothing. Common areas are also cleaned routinely — typically, up to three times per day. 

With the current pandemic, our cleaning staff also conducts deep cleanings where possible COVID-19 transmission has occurred.

Fitness Center

Most of our communities have convenient, on-site fitness centers, which help seniors save a trip to the local gym. At these centers, residents can participate in senior fitness classes and programs to stay active and maintain physical wellness. Exercise equipment is available for seniors to use and activities like yoga and other group fitness programs are always popular. Many seniors love to enjoy exercise in the great outdoors and joining a walking club is a perfect way to do so.

Disaster Preparedness Plan

Holiday Retirement communities have multiple strategies regarding disaster preparedness for seniors, including ready-to-go plans for conducting building evacuations, relocating to safer facilities, shelter-in-place supplies, and similar safeguards. We make sure our staff and leadership are always prepared for weather emergencies, natural disasters, contagious outbreaks, and much more.

Other Amenities for Living the Good Life

Though you’ll find most of the aforementioned amenities at many of the best senior independent living communities, Holiday Retirement goes a step further by offering even more. Many of our communities have a variety of resources that make things easier for seniors, such as on-site chapels, libraries, computer rooms, entertainment areas, and similar areas. Additionally, some locations even have on-site physicians and assistants that can be utilized for an additional fee, allowing residents to receive health care without having to travel. 

Independent Senior Living Costs 

As mentioned, the average cost of independent senior living can vary. For a fully independent senior, the monthly costs would be around $2,800 per month, while seniors who require daily assistance would pay closer to around $4,000 per month.

There are many ways to pay for senior independent living. As examples, residents may sell their home and use its equity to pay for their monthly costs, use Social Security benefits, withdraw from retirement savings accounts, or use long-term care insurance.