+ Interview: Irene Saylor-Pros/Cons of Independent Living

Irene Saylor is an 88 year old woman who has lived in the same independent living apartment building for 25 years. Below are her comments.

Why did you choose the place where you live now?
It was the best place at the time I moved 25 years ago.

How is the amount you pay for rent determined?
Each resident pays 35% of their income.

What are the requirements to live in your apartment building?
You have to be at least 60 years old or have some type of handicap or disability.

Have there been many changes or improvements to the building or your apartment since you have lived there?
No.

What would you like to see changed?
The management needs to hire a fulltime cleaning person. It would be nice to have a shower instead of a bathtub. It would be easier for me.

What do you like most about where you live?
I like the people that live in the building with me.

Are activities important to you?
Not at my age.

What type of security is offered in your building?
If a person visits they have to buzz my apartment and then I let them in by pushing a button. Also, if there were an emergency in my apartment there are 2 emergency ropes to pull that will notify the apartment manager and life squad.

If you had to move to a nursing home what would be most important to you?
The care I receive and that my family/friends could visit me.

Would you prefer a smaller or larger nursing home?
A smaller place because I think I would get better care.