Independent living communities offer older adults a comfortable, beautiful place to call home that is free from the demands of owning and maintaining a home and property.
Residents are able to spend their time the way they choose, while the staff provides numerous services, amenities, and activities to enrich and simplify their lives.
Socializing and building friendships are essential to a healthy, fulfilled life. Independent living allows seniors to thrive in a space where they can build shared experiences and connections.
Let’s take a look at what independent living means and its benefits, the difference between independent living and assisted living, and how to find a community that’s right for your loved one.
What is independent living?
Independent living is designed for older adults who need little or no assistance with activities of daily living, including medical care or nurses.
Instead, the goal is to enhance resident health and quality of life through companionship, engagement, and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
Meanwhile, all services and meals are provided so seniors can simply enjoy their day, their way.
As we age, our risk of developing numerous health issues increases, including chronic pain, diabetes, dementia, or other chronic conditions. Much of these are the consequence of environmental or genetic factors.
Seniors also are at a greater risk of falls, which can be a significant threat to independence.
Independent living provides essential services such as maintenance, housekeeping, cooking, and transportation so that residents can safely navigate their day-to-day lives.
The Highlands at Kensington Park is an independent living community tucked away in beautiful Montgomery County, Maryland.
Our residents and team members are a tight-knit group driven by deep bonds. Caring for one another is an important part of our community.
We offer a vast amount of services to residents, including the following:
- Concierge services to arrange transportation, provide technical services, coordinate porter services, book personal appointments, and more
- Weekly housekeeping with personal laundry and linen services
- Maintenance and repairs
- Three fresh, gourmet meals a day tailored to individual dietary needs and food preferences
- Evening cocktail hour
- Monthly Sunday brunch
- Full calendar of life enrichment events
The worry-free lifestyle of independent living allows seniors to focus on good health and doing what they truly enjoy.
What is the difference between independent living centers and continuing care retirement communities?
Continuing care retirement communities are strongly focused on senior independence.
These facilities usually have seniors live independently in an apartment, home, or condo, with caregivers or staff who come to them as their support needs change over time.
Independent living centers, on the other hand, are strongly focused on community.
Of course, individual preferences are always respected, but residents are encouraged to enjoy meals and events with friends and family.
At Kensington Park, we believe in the power of community. But we also value the preservation of individuality.
Whether residents need downtime or companionship, both are within easy reach.
Additionally, the cost is often significantly higher than other senior living options.
What is the difference between independent living and assisted living communities?
Independent living centers and assisted living differ based on the level of care a resident may need.
Assisted living communities support seniors who experience difficulties with any activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, eating, walking, or toileting.
These communities are equipped to handle a full spectrum of clinical support, yet allow residents to age in place and live independently for as long as possible.
At Kensington Park Senior Living, we offer all levels of support, including independent living, assisted living, and specialized memory care.
Assisted living offers the following benefits to residents:
- Licensed nurses onsite 24 hours a day
- Onsite physicians
- Medication and diabetes management
- Rehabilitation services for recovery, including occupational, physical, and speech therapies
- Superior dining for all dietary needs or preferences
- Opportunities for socialization
If a resident’s care needs change over time, they have access to all Kensington Park Senior Living communities.
This means they won’t have to move again should their need for support change. This is true aging in place that supports Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own.
What sets Kensington Park’s independent living apart?
Kensington Park is set apart by our loving staff, our tight-knit community, and our enhanced program that allows us to offer home care beyond what a traditional independent or assisted living community can deliver.
No resident needs to move out of our beautiful community, no matter how their care needs change over time.
We’re also set apart by our rich, full calendar of events and opportunities for enrichment.
We’re dedicated to enhancing the lives of all residents by tailoring our activities to their specific talents and interests.
Our programs run seven days a week and include the following:
- Exercise classes, including tai chi, yoga, and strength conditioning
- Weekly chorus and handbell choir
- Watercolor and beading classes
- Guest speakers on a wide range of topics
- Resident-initiated small groups, such as Bridge Club and Rummikub Club
- Live musical performances
- Evening cocktail hours
- Intergenerational programming, in partnership with Silver Creek Middle School
- Volunteering opportunities, including fundraisers or serving lunch to neighboring memory care residents
- Off-site excursions to local gardens, museums, and restaurants
At Kensington Park, your family is our family.
Our residents’ children, friends, and families may visit as often as they like, and are encouraged to join in our activities, outings, holiday celebrations, daily meals, or cocktail hours.
Kensington Park Senior Living: Your partners in care
In addition to our exceptional independent living services, we are proud to offer enhanced assisted living and memory care.
Should your loved one’s care needs change over time, they can move into our assisted living community or memory care community. Spouses and beloved pets are always welcome to move in, as well.
We have three specialized memory care neighborhoods designed to accommodate their specific care needs.
Take the next steps in your care journey today by connecting with our loving team to chat, schedule a tour, or get answers to your questions.
We promise to be there for you and your family every step of the way.
Feel free to also check out our testimonials page to witness Our Promise in action.