Holiday Durham Regent

What does independent living look like when the rent already covers meals, cleaning and utilities? Holiday Durham Regent, at 3007 Pickett Road in Durham, answers with private rental apartments set on grounds shaded by large magnolia trees. The community offers independent living only and is operated by Holiday by Atria. Residents set their own schedules and join daily events as much or as little as they like.

The building includes roomy common areas, elevators between floors and walk-in tubs, features that matter for residents whose balance or stamina is not what it was. Apartments come in several floor plans, and rates for each can be viewed before a visit. A specific apartment is held only once a deposit has been made.

Each month's rent covers the apartment, 3 meals a day cooked on site, housekeeping and linen service, standard utilities, maintenance of the building and grounds, local transportation on a schedule and a daily calendar of events. It does not cover care or medication management, and phone, cable or internet may be billed separately. Residents choose which events to join, so the calendar never becomes an obligation.

Since no assisted living is offered here, ask how the community responds if a resident begins to need help with bathing or medications, and whether outside aides can visit. Looking at senior living in Durham side by side with Durham Regent makes those differences easier to see.