Indianapolis 55+ Communities

Your golden years are a special time when you slow down and enjoy other activities. You may want to live somewhere that you can get assistance with some household duties while still maintaining your freedom and independence.

55+ communities are the answer many older adults are looking for. In these communities, you can enjoy the benefits of housekeeping, shopping, and group transportation services. Fitness centers, pools, and shared green spaces allow for a high standard of living at many communities.

There are more than 40 independent living communities in the Indianapolis area to choose from such as Bethany Village Assisted Living and Oasis At 30th.

Calculating The Cost Of The 55+ Lifestyle

Independent living costs can vary a lot based on the type of services and size of the space offered. You may be able to save money by splitting the cost of an apartment with a roommate. The average cost of a typical 1-bedroom apartment in Indianapolis is $657 while a 2-bedroom averages $774.

Independent living costs more on average but this can vary widely depending on your needs and desires. Meals and transportation services can add substantially to the cost. SeniorAdvisor can help you sort through communities using specific search criteria. The site contains rates, reviews, and other information that will save you time when searching for a great community.

Paying For It

Insurance and government aid programs such as the Veterans Attendant Grants don’t cover daily expenses such as apartment rent. Medical assistance also depends on whether you qualify.

Many older adults find that the home they own is not suitable for their lifestyle when they reach a certain age. More convenience and a community of friends can be a good thing when you get older. Selling your home and using it to pay your independent living expenses is one popular option.

A pension or other income that will continue to pay out throughout your lifetime are appropriate funds to utilize. If you own a home but don’t want to sell it, you can make additional income by renting your home while you reside in an independent living facility of your choice.

Considerations

There are various types of communities to choose from, and nearly every senior living community offers extra services. Here are a few questions and considerations to make when making this important decision.

Are There Devotional Services Or Easy Access To A Church?

If religion is important in your life, then you may want to consider what churches or religious services are available near or in the community you are inquiring about.

Can I Bring My Pet?

Pets are allowed in some independent living communities, but not others. You may be asked to pay a deposit or fee to keep a pet. Size restrictions are sometimes part of any pet agreement. A 20 lb dog may be okay while a 60 lb. dog won’t be permitted.

What Is The Total Expense I Can Expect?

Some communities have one time fees or deposits required to move in. There may be yearly fees for some services that are not included in your basic rent. When you are quoted a price, the lower price may not always be the best deal. Once all the additional fees are applied for same level of service, there may not be a big difference when comparing the final cost to other offers.

Make sure to always thoroughly read the entire lease or rental agreement before signing it. You don’t want to be surprised by additional costs or penalties in the future. Never sign a lease for a longer term than you are comfortable with at the time.

Are Meals Included?

You may want to avoid doing a lot of your own cooking. If you live alone, meeting with others for dinner may be something that is appealing to you. Independent living communities often have meal plans that can be purchased at various levels. For example, if you want to prepare your own breakfast and lunch, you may just arrange for your dinner to be taken care of.

If you have special dietary concerns most communities can accommodate your requests, but you need to let them know well in advance.

Take Your Time With Your Decision

Deciding where to spend your golden years is not a decision that should be made in haste. Make sure you visit every community you are considering. You may want to spend an entire day at each to make sure you get enough of an experience to make an informed decision. Talking to other residents can give you the inside scoop on the community that is not necessarily included in the brochure.