Affordable Senior Communities

ful mat at your front door can be an inviting sight for visitors, but those mats inevitably wear with time, and what was once bright and charming becomes dingy and dull. A new mat can help bring back that cheery entry you once cherished.

Pressure wash the drive and walk. Over time, driveways and sidewalks collect a lot of grime. Pressure washing not only eliminates the filth, but the clean surfaces also add to your home’s visual appeal.

Independent living

ence in a person’s life, decreasing the risk of depression and increasing life span. A Wake Forest Alzheimer’s Disease Center study found that older adults with an active social life may have a slower rate of memory decline as well.

All in all, independent living communities provide ways to stay socially, mentally and physically active with built-in programs and services.

How much does independent living cost?

What’s great about independent living is that you can find facilities at nearly every price point. Wealthier people can comfortably afford a high-end, luxury facility or a facility in a high-income area, which tends to cost the most.

Those with limited resources can apply for Section 202 low-income housing to move into a low-income senior apartment that offers some services. There’s often a waitlist for these, so the sooner you send in your application, the better.

Independent living facilities typically cost a few thousand dollars per month. The cost might seem steep, but remem-

Add new vegetation. Landscaping is a relatively inexpensive way to introduce more personality to a yard. Aim for a mix of pretty and practical, such as some low flowering bushes and some trees or bushes that offer privacy and shade.

Keep up with basic maintenance. When your home is in poor repair, it shows. Pay attention to bent or rusting ber, it includes more than rent.

At many facilities, the price of rent, utilities and access to amenities are bundled together. Some places include laundry, housekeeping and linen service in the monthly price too.

Personal income is the most common payment source for independent senior living. For low-income people, extra funds might be available through the Section 8 rent subsidy program.

Active adult communities generally cannot accept payment sources that commonly fund nursing homes and assisted living (like Medicaid and long-term care insurance).

To pay for retirement housing, individuals and their families commonly make these moves:

• Use Social Security and pension

• Withdraw from savings or collect annuity payments

• Cash out investment retirement accounts

• Get a loan or line of credit

Consulting with a trusted financial planner is highly advisable as you plan for retirement.

This article was excerpted from SeniorLiving.org and reprinted with permission. To read the full article, see seniorliving.org/independent-living.

INDEPENDENT & PERSONAL CARE COMMUNITIES

B’nai B’rith Homecrest House

301-598-4000

14508 Homecrest Road

Silver Spring, MD 20906 www.homecresthouse.org

Homecrest House is a non-profit, affordable, subsidized senior adult community nestled amidst 10 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with its own lake, neighboring Leisure World, The three residential buildings on the B'nai B'rith Homecrest campus provide 235 apartments for Independent Living, some designed for adults with physical mobility challenges, and 42 apartments offering Enhanced Care Services. We invite you to come look at our elegant new appearance. Don't delay, call for a personalized tour now at 301-598-4000 ext. 79 or visit us at www.homecresthouse.org.

Life Plan Community

Vinson Hall Retirement Community

571-556-4136

6251 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101 www.vinsonhall.org

Older adults wishing to continue their active lifestyle, meet new friends and enjoy their favorite pursuits will discover that Vinson Hall Retirement Community is the perfect place to call home. This vibrant Life Plan Community in McLean, Virginia, just across the river from Washington, D.C., offers inviting dining venues, social, cultural and educational opportunities, life-enriching amenities and first-class hospitality services. As a Life Plan Community, VHRC offers living options beyond Independent Living. Residents have access to a continuum of care in our highly-rated Arleigh Burke Pavilion, as well as Memory Support in The Sylvestery. To reserve your place on our waitlist, visit VinsonHall.org or call us at 571-556-4136.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Covenant Village Senior Apartments

301-540-1162

18889 Waring Station Road

Germantown, MD 20874 www.qpmgmt.com

• Spacious 1 and 2 bedroom plans with washer/dryer in each apt.

• Shuttle bus for shopping and local trips

• On-site fitness, game, and craft rooms, movie theatre, library, beauty salon, and courtyard garden plots.

It's about our residents, said Management staff, Debra and Janiece. They always ensure that they have interesting and exciting things going on. Some of the fun includes: Garden Party Cookouts, Trips to Washington, DC to see the Cherry Blossoms, the Franciscan Monastery, and the National Zoo, Black Hills Pontoon Boat Ride, Low-Impact Fitness Classes, Resident Birthday Celebrations, Craft Classes and Potlucks. Also, many guest speakers are invited to speak to our residents on topics that are relevant to them.