Independent living market poised for growth

The demand for independent living facilities is expected to explode over the next few years as more baby boomers begin to retire, facility managers say.

"Over the next 10 years, I would probably tell builders and developers there's room for more retirement communities in Springfield," said Barbara Ray, general manager at Montclair Retirement Com-munity. "They're gearing up for the retirement of the baby boomers. I'm not surprised to see new properties being built."

The Montclair, which opened in 1988, is currently at 96 percent occupancy in its 158-apartment complex.

Ray said The Montclair maintains occupancy at close to 100 percent and have waiting lists for studio and two-bedroom apartments.

Parkmoor at the Gardens, which opened Oct. 1, 2001, has half of its 100 units full.

"That's pretty average for being new," said Kelley Morrison, general manager. "It takes a while to full up; independent living is a choice, luxury and not a need."

The 120-unit Waterford at Ironbridge opened June 1, 2001, and has 80 units rented.

It also has a waiting list for select two-bedroom apartments.

"We're in the initial fill up stage," said Kevin Wilbur, executive director. "It will take roughly two years to fill up the building. The market for retirement communitites in Springfield is real good. We're ahead of our fill-up schedule by about 10 percent. We won't have a problem filling up our place with the baby boomers coming

"Right now, the amount of apartments available in Springfield is appropriate. Over the next 10 years, the need will increase because the poopulation is aging."

Cold weather movers

Fall and winter are the most popular times for seniors to move into the independent living facilities, Ray said.

"They move in during the fall because they're gearing up for the winter," Ray said. "Winter can mean isolation. Then, after the first snow, they think, Do I want to get out in this weather? Do I want to have to shovel?' "

Rates, accommodations

Residents at each of the facilities have to be at least 55 years old, and the average age of residents is 80.

Between 70 percent and 80 percent of the residents at the facilities are women, the managers said.

"Most are mobile and still driving," Morrison said. "Some of them are still working part time."

The rent for studio, one- or two-bedroom apartments ranges from $1,095 to $2,360 at the facilities. Each center charges $325 per month for an additional person in the apartment.

Accommodations at the facilities include all utilities except telephone, meals, 24-hour staffing, activities, scheduled trips and transportation.