Senior Care Options

Senior independent living communities cater to seniors who are independent with few medical problems. Residents live in fully equipped private apartments.

A variety of apartment sizes are available from studios to large two bedrooms. Fine dining services are offered with custom-designed meal packages. Often, residents can choose to pay for a specified number of meals per day. Frequently, there are numerous social outings and events to choose from for entertainment.

Independent living communities offer a safe, secure and social environment for active, independent seniors.  Often, the staff provides specific services and amenities for retirees who live an active lifestyle.

If your loved one can still do everything for themselves, but would like to live among peers, this is a very good option for them.  Independent senior living facilities usually have on-site staff members that provide a small amount of supervision. These communities offer a “maintenance-free” living option, and often offer extensive activities and programs for their residents.

Residents of independent senior living communities continue to live the same lifestyle they did at home.  One of the many benefits of this type of housing is that the individual no longer has to worry about housekeeping and maintenance, which means they have more time to enjoy their hobbies and socialize with friends.  Many studies have proven that being socially active is good for both mental and physical health.

Often times there is a basic rate that covers all independent living services, with an additional fee for special services. Here are some typical services included in independent living:

• Monthly rent and all-inclusive utilities, except local telephone services and cable
• One to three restaurant-style, chef-prepared meals in a community dining room
• Maintenance repairs, including appliance, safety and living repairs and updates
• Housekeeping, including laundering of linens and towels
• Weekly, socially-engaging activities
• Transportation for shopping, medical and off-site activities

It’s important to ask each community about their individual costs and services, as they can vary by community. For example, concierge and guest services may include an additional cost.

Independent Living Services

Some independent living communities offer a wide variety of non-medical services:

• Comfortable private, or semi-private, rooms
• One to three daily, home cooked meals
• Basic housekeeping and laundry service
• Exercise and activity programs
• Onsite beauty and barber salon
• Social programs and activities

The key points about independent living communities are that they:

• Allow a person to maintain independence
• Offer meal packages so residents don’t have to worry about cooking or dining alone
• Offer more social interaction then living at home
• Provide some supervision from the staff
• Often arrange activities and outings for residents
• Provide transportation to doctors, malls, grocery stores, etc..

Also Known As:

• Retirement Communities
• Congregate Care
• Senior Apartments
• Continuing Care Retirement Community

Payment Sources:

• Mostly private pay
• Some U.S. government funded through Section 202

Price Range:

• $1,500-$5,500 per month