Hermitage, PA Senior Living Blog - Whispering Oaks

What Senior Apartments in Independent Living Really Offer Today

Written by Whispering Oaks | Nov 3, 2025 5:00:00 AM
  • Taking advantage of senior apartments and independent living means getting both privacy and support when you really need it.
  • We simplify activities of daily living (ADLs) by assisting with many day-to-day routines, such as dining and hygiene.
  • Our location, close to many parks and shops, offers easy access to outdoor activities and an active lifestyle without long drives.

Whispering Oaks Senior Living offers independent living in Hermitage, PA, prioritizing residents' comfort and safety. Despite the ubiquity of such offerings, there are significant differences between what we provide and what Assisted Living, Mental Care, and other nationwide retirement apartments offer. 

As such, it is essential that you read an article like this before choosing a senior housing option. Make the decision easier by fully understanding what this offers you.

What Are the Advantages of Senior Apartments and Independent Living?

While it may be tempting to continue aging in place, for many seniors, it can become extremely challenging over time due to the realities of approaching late retirement.

As such, we offer many benefits over and above those that a family can provide. Our offer of private living with services we provide includes:

  • Maintenance-free living due to staff performing chores
  • On-site dining from chef-prepared menus
  • Regular housekeeping
  • Events and activities that support everyday routines
  • Social opportunities to prevent isolation
  • Private apartments for time alone

All of this is available at a single cost, reducing the challenges of complex accounting and allowing you to enjoy your time with us instead. Focus on yourself or, if you are here with a beloved partner, focus on one another and share your retirement with us and them.

What Is Included in an Independent Living Apartment?

Our private suites for long-term care offer secure spaces with lockable entryways, supporting our residents' personal privacy and security. The self-controlled heating and air-conditioning systems allow you to set a temperature that's comfortable for you. Apartments also offer kitchenettes and living spaces where you can invite guests or enjoy time alone.

Then, when you leave your apartment, you can take advantage of the dozens of utilities, activities, and events we have listed online.

We also offer the following, all inclusive of our price:

  • Light linen services
  • Three homestyle meals
  • Weekly housekeeping
  • 24/7 response devices

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home

Independent Living is a situation in which active adults can take advantage of the privacy and flexibility of services without the need for daily personal care. People in this situation can take advantage of everything that having someone perform chores and other tasks for them brings. Live fulfilling lives with games, exercise, or other activities that will make 

Here at Whispering Oaks, we also have a pet-friendly policy and an outdoor courtyard where you can walk a leashed pet along our walking paths for some fresh air.

Nursing homes are a very different care option. They instead provide 24-hour nursing for more complex medical needs or rehabilitative care. Staff in this service require a nursing license, which can often make it a much more expensive option.

If you need help with limited Activities of Daily Living (hygiene and food preparation, for example), you can look for senior living communities that provide this without the need for direct medical interventions.

Community Amenities With Everyday Convenience

Our community's offerings are not limited to those in one's apartment. We also have dozens of other options for those looking to make the most of their time with us, including:

  • Comfortable lounge area
  • Stocked activity room
  • Diversely-utilized community center
  • Laundry facilities
  • Theater for regular screenings
  • Professional salon and barbershop services

You can also use our outdoor courtyard and patios to make spending time outside that much more comfortable. Then, if you want to go for a walk during the milder months, there's plenty of space inside.

Whatever you wish to do while with us, our staff would be happy to discuss your options. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Do Independent Living Apartments Differ From Assisted Living?

Independent living is a private apartment with optional services. Its goal is independence; as such, it does not offer direct support with daily personal care beyond community utilities. While staff do exist in the community, their help is more generally associated with community support and, in some cases, responding to emergencies.

Assisted Living, instead, helps with a range of Activities of Daily Living, offering support with each. 

While Independent Living emphasizes social life and engagement with other residents, Assisted Living focuses on empowering residents to retain that capability.

Are Pets Allowed in Independent Living Apartments?

Whispering Oaks welcomes pets. However, you will need to discuss your pet's nature and requirements with us before you move in. During the application process and any onboarding discussions, we may ask for more information to ensure that they will fit into our community.

So long as residents ensure pets follow all community rules, they should be fine to stay.

What Should I Look For When Choosing an Independent Living Apartment?

If an Independent Living apartment is going to be your home for the foreseeable future, ensure it has the safety and comfort features you need. These may include:

  • Shower rails
  • Smoke alarms
  • Sprinklers
  • Dining options that match your needs
  • Programs that match your interests
  • Accessible location for family and other visitors
  • Transparent pricing
  • Full license from the state to perform Assisted Living

If they are missing any, ask them why not and whether they have plans to resolve the situation.

Looking for Comfort in Independent Living

Here at Whispering Oaks, we fulfil everything we promise above and so much more than we can fit into this article. We understand those who stay with us, and by combining senior apartments and independent living, we provide a community you are proud to be a part of. 

Whether you want to take advantage of our senior-specific fitness rooms, our wellness programming, or any of our other amenities, get in touch. We want to show you how our unique offerings and support put us at the top of the game. Get in touch today for a tour and see it for yourself.