What is Independent Living Plus, and Why is It Good for My Family?

We are delighted to announce the rollout of our newest offering, Independent Living Plus – a hybrid model for residents seeking all the freedom and joy of independent living at a faith-based senior community, with access to care and activities from our assisted living staff as needed.

Keep an eye out for our spring newsletter in which we provide all the details. In short, Independent Living Plus services can include assistance with daily living such as bathing, dressing, wellness checks, and may include additional amenities such as meal delivery, increased housekeeping and personal laundry services. 

Meantime, for a fun way to explore this new offering with you, we wrote this fable from the perspective of a niece helping her aunt navigate her next chapter in life. At the end of our blog, we share the perspective of a real family member’s experience with our various levels of care.

Happy reading!

In a sunny town lined with citrus trees and church bells that rang every Sunday morning, there lived a woman named Samantha and her Aunt Patricia.

Samantha had always looked up to her aunt. Patricia was the one who taught her how to bake a proper pie crust, how to sew a button so it stayed forever and how to speak kindly even when the world felt rushed.

But time, like the tide, brings change to every shore.

Patricia was now in her late seventies. She still lived independently in the little house where Samantha had spent countless childhood afternoons. She still tended her roses in the front yard and still made lemon bars when the church ladies came to visit. But Samantha had begun to notice small changes.

The laundry baskets felt heavier for Patricia than they once had. The grocery trips seemed more tiring. And one afternoon, when Patricia mentioned she had forgotten whether she had taken her medication that morning, Samantha felt a quiet tug of concern. If this sounds familiar, we would be happy to connect.

Samantha began gently asking questions and learning about options that could help her aunt stay independent while also giving the family a little peace of mind.

That was when she discovered something called Independent Living Plus.

At first, Patricia crossed her arms.

“I’m not ready for assisted living,” she said firmly. “I’m doing just fine.”

Samantha smiled. “I know you are,” she said. “That’s why this might be perfect. And this isn’t assisted living!”

She explained it like this.

“Imagine your house, your life,” Samantha said, “but with a safety net.”

Independent Living Plus meant Patricia could still enjoy the freedom she cherished – her own space, her own schedule, her own daily rhythms – but with supportive services available whenever she might need them.

There would be licensed staff members nearby if questions or health needs ever arose. If Patricia needed help getting dressed or bathing someday, that help would be there. If medications became confusing, someone could assist with managing them. If this sounds like something you or your family member can benefit from, we would love to have a conversation with you.

“And if I fall?” Patricia asked.

Samantha showed her the wireless emergency pendant, a small button she could wear like a necklace.

“You press this,” Samantha explained, “and someone is there to help.”

Patricia turned the pendant over in her hand. It felt surprisingly light.

“And I don’t have to cook every meal?” Patricia asked next.

Samantha laughed. “Only if you want to. You would have your own full kitchen, just like here at this house. And there are also meals and accommodations available at an additional cost, even for special diets like yours.”

Soon they began listing all the small comforts Patricia could enjoy.

Someone could help with personal laundry. There was transportation for errands and appointments. A beauty shop where Patricia could keep her hair just the way she liked it. Even hospice support, should it ever be needed, without ever leaving the community she would be joining.

But the biggest surprise came when they visited.

The community wasn’t quiet and solemn the way Patricia had imagined. It was lively. An activities director had filled the calendar with gatherings and outings: exercise classes in the morning sun, Bible studies in the afternoon, arts and crafts tables scattered with paints and yarn, and cheerful vans heading off for off-campus trips. If this sounds interesting to you, we are available to share more.

Patricia noticed something Samantha hadn’t expected.

People were laughing.

They were playing games. Sharing stories. Planning the next outing.

Patricia leaned toward Samantha and whispered, “I think I’d make friends here.”

Samantha squeezed her hand.

That night, driving home under the warm California sky, Samantha felt something she hadn’t felt in months.

Relief.

Together, she and her aunt had found a way to protect Patricia’s independence while also surrounding her with care.

Patricia was still the same woman who made perfect pie crusts and tended roses.

Now she simply had a village nearby, ready whenever she needed it. They say it takes a village, and that’s true in the later years in life, too!

And Samantha, like many adult children and nieces who quietly carry concern in their hearts, realized something important.

Sometimes the most caring thing to do is create a safety net strong enough to let a loved one fly.

As one real family member, Ann M., shared:

“My uncle has lived at Inland Christian Home for about six months. The environment is extremely comfortable, welcoming and clean. The meals are well balanced, fresh, and delicious. He has been so well cared for by an amazing staff and has met some very nice people who live there with whom he enjoys games and activities – they seem to always have something fun going on! He is able to get his hair cut in the salon and enjoys Bible studies and Sunday service on campus. I couldn’t ask for a more attentive, caring staff to be caring for my uncle. Thank you to all who have been so helpful and work hard to make Inland ‘home.’ You know who you are! Joyce, Tania, Daniel, Francie, Deborah, the amazing Debbie, Jen, Toni, Martha, Christine, Ginger, Chaplin Dan, all you folks in the kitchen and you facilities guys – thank you! ‘The Lord bless and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you peace.’”

We look forward to connecting with you when the time is right to start this conversation within your family!