What is Independent Living?
About Independent Living For Older Adults

Many think that memory care and assisted living are all there is to senior living. But what if we told you that senior living could be so much more than these two options? For many active seniors, the move to independent living is rooted in self-determination, expanding horizons, and prioritizing what's really important in life. What is independent living? For many older adults, it's whatever they want it to be.

What are Independent Living Communities Like?

Independent living is a type of senior living community that offers active older adults a place to live among their peers. The emphasis is on removing homeownership responsibilities, like maintenance and housekeeping, from residents so that they can have the freedom to live each day doing what they enjoy.

Services and Amenities

Independent living communities are less about offering direct medical assistance to residents and more about empowering residents with the opportunity and flexibility to live each day free from chores and responsibilities.

At The Gatesworth, our residents enjoy a wide range of services and amenities, including:

• Cultural events. Cultural opportunities are never lacking in our community. We regularly host guest lectures from experts at respected St. Louis institutions, including the Missouri Botanical Gardens, St. Louis Art Museum, and Washington University Mini-Medical School.
• Educational opportunities. Learning is a lifelong passion. We offer residents educational classes on subjects like politics, art, history, and more. Educational programming is enjoyed both on site on The Gatesworth's own campus as well as at off-campus locations, such as the Lifelong Learning Institute at Washington University in St. Louis and OASIS Institute.
• Live musical performances. The Gatesworth showcases live musical performances three times a week from musicians associated with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and other renowned institutions.
• On-site pampering. Luxury is available at our residents' front doors. Our on-campus Spa One lets residents pamper themselves with massages, facials, nail treatments, haircuts, and more.
• Fitness programming. Wellness is at the center of what we do. Our residents can enjoy a wide variety of group exercise classes and personalized training advice from fitness instructors at our on-campus fitness center, complete with an indoor saltwater pool.
• Ready transportation. Independent living means being able to go where you want, when you want. Our transportation services are reliable, convenient, and—most importantly—stylish. Residents can travel solo or in groups to outings and appointments whenever they choose, all inside a vehicle from our luxury fleet, driven by one of our genial chauffeurs.

Residences and Floor Plans

Many independent living communities offer a wide range of options for floor plans, so residents can choose a living arrangement that works best for them. At The Gatesworth, we offer one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments with various layouts, all completely customizable and move-in ready.

Dining

Dining at The Gatesworth means quality of food, company, and choices. From formal dining opportunities to casual mealtimes, our residents can cater their dining experience to their exact tastes. Our award-winning Executive Chef Brian Hardy leads a team of passionate culinary experts who create in-house meals using fresh, local ingredients every single day.

Socialization

The most prominent benefits of independent living are the social activities and opportunities afforded to residents. An independent living community should truly be just that—a community.

The Gatesworth wholeheartedly embodies this concept. Spacious common rooms, restaurant-style dining options, group fitness classes, guest lectures, local outings, and more all provide the opportunity for residents to engage with each other, our staff, and the world around them.

FAQs

What is the best age to move into independent living?

The best age to move into independent living is whatever feels right! Typically this means when the “pros” of moving outweigh the “pros” of staying home. Many communities do have age restrictions, though, with many requiring that residents be at least 55 years old.

How much does independent living cost?

Independent senior living costs can vary based on floor plans, location, standard monthly fees, and add-on fees for extra luxuries and amenities.

At The Gatesworth, our available floor plans start at $4,700 a month.

What services are typically offered in independent living communities?

Independent living communities are catered toward removing homeownership responsibilities for active adults and offering social opportunities.

Common independent living services include:

• On-demand transportation services
• Meal preparation and dining services
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Regularly scheduled social events
• Fitness classes and wellness groups
• Apartment maintenance

What is assisted living?

Assisted living communities are a type of senior living community designed for older adults that require help with activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs can include bathing, getting dressed, and brushing teeth. Core services at these communities include medication management, daily housekeeping and laundry services, meal preparation, and transportation services.

Assisted living communities offer a higher level of care than independent living communities do, although they do not provide the same type of long-term care services as nursing homes or memory care communities.

What are the benefits of independent living for seniors?

Independent living arrangements are for older adults who want to live in a community-based setting and require little to no personal assistance in their day-to-day lives. The primary benefits of independent living include social opportunities, transportation services, delicious dining options, and freedom from housekeeping and home maintenance chores.

Is independent living right for you or your loved one?

Is independent senior living the right choice for you or your loved one? Ultimately, no one else can decide which senior care option is the best fit for your family. Your decision will have to be made based on what type of care or support you or your loved one needs, what your budget is, and what senior living services are available in your area.

Independent senior living could be a good fit, however, if your family is looking for a community of active older adults, staffed with friendly individuals who can free residents from the burdens of homeownership with easy access to social interactions with peace of mind and security.

How do I find an independent living community?

Finding an independent senior living center is as easy as searching for "independent living near me" online.

To find truly exceptional senior living, turn to The Gatesworth, a luxury continuing care retirement community (CCRC). Our campus offers all the senior living options our residents need, from independent living to assisted living to memory care to skilled nursing care. Our residents receive the stellar amenities they want and the support services they need at one location, with the right to self-determination and dignity in choosing how and where their care needs are addressed.

If you would like to explore our community and truly see what independent living can mean for you or a loved one, contact us today.