More married couples are choosing independent living for couples to enjoy retirement together while maintaining independence and privacy. Here's what you need to know about making this move as a team.
Some of the best parts of retirement are better shared: a slow breakfast, a walk on the trails, a neighbor who turns into a friend. That’s a big reason more married couples are looking into independent living for couples at a senior living community in Hockessin, DE. Here’s what to know about apartment options, costs, timing, and how to choose a place that fits you both.
Senior living for married couples takes the chores off your plate while leaving your routines, your privacy, and your relationship exactly as they are. At The Summit, Active Independent Living apartment homes come with full kitchens and separate living areas, and the two-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plans range from 995 to 1,245 square feet, so one of you can read while the other watches the game. Monthly living includes:
Couples who value independence but like having support nearby tend to settle in quickly. Shared spaces for time together and personal corners for individual interests make for an easy balance.
A couples retirement community gives both partners more to do without getting in the car first. The Dimensions Health & Fitness program offers group classes focused on strength and balance, the Celebrations calendar runs from art classes and lectures to live music, and BALANCED℠ pairs brain-healthy dining with cooking demos and tastings. When you do want to head out, the Swift Park Trail System, the Ashland Nature Center, and the cafés and markets of downtown Hockessin are all minutes away.
The social side matters more than most couples expect. Meeting other pairs at a similar stage of life leads to card games, dinner companions, and real friendships. You can be as social or as private as you like, since nothing on the calendar is mandatory. That balance lets you keep the rhythm of your marriage while enjoying the company of neighbors.
Good planning covers both the move itself and the years after it. Most communities, ours included, roll rent, dining, housekeeping, maintenance, and amenities into one monthly fee, which is simpler than tracking a dozen separate bills. Start by looking at your combined income sources:
Many couples find that trading a house for one apartment home nets out well once property taxes, repairs, lawn care, and utility bills disappear. A financial advisor can walk you through how your resources line up with our floor plans and pricing. Veterans and their spouses may also qualify for savings through our Military Veterans Program. Being open about the numbers helps both of you feel settled in the decision.
There’s no right age for moving to senior living together. The couples who seem happiest with the move usually made it while both partners were healthy enough to enjoy everything in front of them, from fitness classes to outings. An earlier move also makes settling in easier and gives you time to build friendships on your own terms.
Readiness rarely arrives at the same moment for both spouses. One of you may be eager while the other needs more time, and that calls for patience. Touring together, attending a community event, and talking with current residents gives both of you a realistic picture. The Summit also backs Active Independent Living and Assisted Living with a 100% satisfaction guarantee: if you’re not happy within the first 90 days, your community fee is refunded.
Picking an independent living apartment for two is a team project. Location comes first, especially proximity to family, your doctors, and familiar places. Hockessin sits within easy reach of the medical and cultural resources of Newark and Wilmington, which many couples appreciate. As you tour, pay attention to:
It’s also worth asking about care for the future. The Summit offers Active Independent Living, Assisted Living, and SHINE® Memory Care on one campus, so if one partner eventually needs more support, you can stay close rather than apart. That continuity gives couples real peace of mind.
A retirement community for active couples sets the table, but you decide what the days look like. Try a watercolor class, join a fitness group, or get involved in the Ambassadors Club. Staying engaged keeps you both sharp and connected with neighbors.
Leave room for togetherness and for individual pursuits. Cheer on each other’s interests while keeping your own. Independent living hands you back the time to focus on what matters most: good meals, new friends, and this chapter side by side.
Can couples stay together if one of us needs more care?
Yes. Because The Summit offers Active Independent Living, Assisted Living, and SHINE® Memory Care on the same campus, one partner’s care can change while you remain close.
Do you offer two-bedroom apartment homes?
Yes. Active Independent Living includes several two-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plans, from 995 to 1,245 square feet.
Is there any way to try it before fully committing?
Our 100% satisfaction guarantee refunds your community fee if you’re not happy within the first 90 days.
Ready to see how it feels? Schedule a tour of The Summit and walk through our two-bedroom floor plans together.