Full Answer
What is independent living and how much should it cost?
One thing that is consistent is that independent living is the least expensive type of senior care because it does not offer personal care assistance and health services. In general, independent living will cost 30-50% less per month than assisted living.
Is independent living the same as assisted living?
This assisted living Mesa facility enables seniors to follow an active lifestyle with some extra help. The seniors are encouraged to maintain their independence while at the same time they are provided with individualized assistance with the activities of daily living.
What is independent living vs assisted living?
Some of the people who should consider independent living include:
- Seniors who do not need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing, dressing and medication management
- Seniors who do not need medical assistance on a regular basis
- Seniors who want assistance with cooking and home maintenance, but are not ready to give up their independent lifestyle
What type of senior living facilities are best?
What type of senior living facility is best for my loved one?
- Signs your loved one should no longer live alone. ...
- Measuring the level of senior care needed. ...
- 8 questions to ask to determine the need for assistance. ...
- Options for seniors who need assistance. ...
- The right care at the right time. ...
What is called independent living?
Independent living is simply any housing arrangement designed exclusively for older adults, generally those aged 55 and over. Housing varies widely, from apartment-style living to single-family detached homes.
What is an independent community?
An independent living community is a grouping of homes designed specifically to encourage independence and community among senior adults. The ideal resident of an independent living community is someone who does not need any live-in assistance and wishes to share a community with others in the same age bracket.
What is the average cost of independent living in Florida?
$2,545 per monthThe average cost of independent living in Florida is $2,545 per month. This is higher than the national average which is $1,729 per month. In Florida there are 650 independent living communities. We can help you find the best matches for your needs.
What's the difference between assisted living and senior living?
Independent living communities primarily focus on serving the social needs of residents, as many are able to live independently without much support. Assisted living communities support those who need assistance with activities of daily living, while allowing residents to live as independently as possible.
How many independent living facilities are there in the US?
Number and Size of Communities There are approximately 28,900 assisted living communities with nearly 1 million licensed beds in the United States today. The average size of an assisted living community is 33 licensed beds.
What state has the cheapest assisted living?
MissouriMissouri has the lowest cost of assisted living at $34,556 per year....Here are the 10 states with the highest yearly assisted living costs by state:New Hampshire ($84,255)New Jersey ($76,800)Delaware ($72,414)Alaska ($72,000)Massachusetts ($67,680)Washington ($66,000)Vermont ($64,050)Rhode Island ($62,385)More items...
Does Social Security pay for assisted living in Florida?
For residents of assisted living communities and adult foster care homes who are eligible for SSI, Florida provides a monthly income supplement intended for room and board fees of approximately $79. Families might also find more affordable assisted living by moving inland from the Gulf and Atlantic coastlines.
How can I pay for assisted living with no money?
Your Options to Pay for Assisted LivingReverse Mortgages. A loan is accessible to people over 62 years of age. ... Equity Key Agreement. ... Equity Lines of Credit. ... Life Insurance Conversion. ... Viatical settlements. ... Life settlements. ... Long-term Care Insurance. ... Assisted Living Loans.More items...
How much does 24/7 in home care cost per month?
But sometimes, an elderly adult needs hands-on assistance all day and night. So, how much does 24/7 in-home care cost? The average cost of 24/7 care at home stacks up to around $15,000 a month, whether that's 24-hour companion care or home health care.
Are a combination of independent living assisted living and nursing care all on one campus?
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) are a different type of retirement community that provides seniors with the full spectrum of lifestyle and health care options - from independent living, assisted living to skilled nursing care, all on one campus.
When should you move from assisted living to nursing home?
But there will come a time when seniors need even more care services – such as those of skilled nursing community. The transition to a nursing home may begin after a serious infection or if a senior is continually in and out of the hospital and needs more care than offered in an assisted living community.
How do you know when it's time to move to assisted living?
That said, there are some clear signals that indicate it may be time to move from an independent living situation into an assisted living facility, including: A worsening of medical conditions, an increased number of falls and overall increased frailty. Difficulty managing domestic finances or other money problems.
What is Independent Living?
Most independent living communities are designed to feel and function like a private residence while giving you opportunities to participate in fun...
What’s the difference between independent living and assisted living?
Independent living communities are good for seniors who want to downsize their home or spend more time with people in their same season of life. Be...
Is independent living right for me?
You may be a good candidate if you want a place to live that requires little or no home maintenance and yard work, you want to socialize with your...
What kinds of activities are there in an independent living community?
One of the best parts of being in an independent living community is having access to a wide variety of activities, events and excursions. You can...
Do residents have to participate in community activities?
Independent living communities offer all kinds of fun classes, activities and outings. It’s a wonderful place to meet people who share your interes...
How big are the apartments? Can couples live together?
We offer a variety of room sizes and floor plans so you can choose the one that’s right for you. The styles vary between communities, but floor pla...
Can residents bring their own furniture and decor when they move in?
Some of our independent living communities have different guidelines, but you are often welcome to bring personal belongings and furnishings to mak...
Are meals provided for independent living residents?
While independent living communities can vary from location to location, our Brookdale communities provide residents and their guests with deliciou...
Do residents need their own car?
You are not required to have a car to live at one of our communities. We provide scheduled transportation services so you can run errands and make...
Are pets allowed?
Pets are an important part of the family, which is why most of our communities are pet-friendly. Be sure to check with your individual community be...
What is independent living?
Independent living communities are designed to provide seniors with a neighborhood of people their age and access to services that will help make their lives easier. These facilities typically do not offer assistance with activities of daily living like bathing and using the restroom, but do often offer services to assist people with everyday activities. Amenities and services differ depending on the community, but below are some of the services that are typically offered.
How many amenities are there in independent living communities?
Some communities offer over 200 unique amenities, such as games rooms and on-site theatres and bars. Other independent living communities have relatively few amenities, and these places are typically more affordable to rent.
What is senior apartment?
Senior apartments offer many of the same amenities as retirement communities, on a smaller scale. One- or two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and bathrooms allow seniors to remain independent. These 55 and over complexes usually offer disability-accessible accommodations for those who use a wheelchair or walker.
What is HUD housing?
HUD manages and implements a variety of housing programs, including housing choice waivers and low-income housing projects for seniors. Visit the HUD Resource Locator tool to find affordable senior housing near you. You can learn more about programs in your area by visiting the HUD senior services website.
What is housekeeping in a community?
Many communities offer a range of housekeeping services, from weekly trash and recycling services to full-service apartment cleaning and laundry. The grounds in and around the community are also kept clean and tidy by janitors.
What is subsidized housing?
As the name implies, subsidized housing offers independent living at reduced rates based upon income levels and disability. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers benefits to housing groups and apartment owners that provide reduced rents.
Do independent living communities have to provide meals?
Independent living communities aren’t required to provide three daily meals like in assisted living, but many communities do offer dining options and the ability to pay for meals in advance.
What is independent living?
Independent living communities offer all kinds of fun classes, activities and outings. It’s a wonderful place to meet people who share your interests and passions. And whether or not you want to participate is your choice. Join the activities you want to enjoy or focus on your own hobbies. It’s up to you.
What is it like to live in an independent community?
One of the best parts about being in an independent living community is having the freedom to design the retirement of your dreams. Naturally, that looks a little different for everyone. Maybe you want to use your newfound freedom to do things like yoga, book clubs and art classes. Or you might be more excited about going to social events and making new friends.
What happens when you decide to make your home independent?
When you decide to make your home at an independent living community, you suddenly gain a whole lot of freedom. No more cooking, cleaning or household chores. The only thing you need to worry about is how you’re going to squeeze all the exciting events and activities into your day.
Can couples live in the same apartment?
Each apartment includes a private bathroom, and some feature a kitchen or kitchenette. Couples can usually live in the same apartment, but it’s wise to check with the community first.
What are Independent Living Facilities?
Independent living facilities are senior housing arrangements designed for older adults usually aged 55 and older. The housing facilities can be anything from apartments to site-built homes. The facilities are usually tailored for older adults, being smaller and easier to navigate, as well as no maintenance or yard work to be done.
Types of Independent Living Facilities
Senior Apartments: This type of facility goes by many names including senior housing, senior living facility, senior living community, independent living facility, or independent living community. This is the most common type of independent living facility.
Age Requirements at Independent Living Facilities
As we’ve discussed, there is a minimum age requirement for some communities. This is regulated by HUD. Although HUD’s Fair Housing Act (FHA) does prohibit age-based housing discrimination, there was an exemption made called Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA). HOPA protects senior communities from being sued for age discrimination.
Regulations of Independent Living Facilities
Senior housing licensure is granted by the state. Typically these licenses are limited to the nursing center and food service. All the states vary in their regulations levels and procedures for licensures. To operate legally, each facility must have the appropriate licenses required.
Cost of Independent Living Facilities
Subsidized senior housing is the most affordable option, as previously mentioned. Those with low income can apply. The amount of rent assistance you receive depends on your income.
Independence Contributes to a Greater Quality of Life
Whether it’s living in a 55+ community to a large scale CCRC, your loved one will thrive when surrounded by peers their own age. The independence they gain from living in such a community allows for greater quality of life.
What is independent living?
Independent living facilities provide useful amenities and offer a sense of community that makes seniors’ lives more enjoyable. There are a variety of housing opportunities when it comes to independent living, from apartment-like communities to housing co-ops.
Why is independent living important?
It’s also perfect for those looking to join a closer-knit type of neighborhood/community because of the closeness in corridors, shared common spaces, and activities arranged.
What is the importance of planning for independent living?
As you consider different long-term care options for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to keep in mind that every option is unique. There are plenty of books on aging that can help you with your aging journey and later-life planning, especially when considering housing.
What is long term care?
Long-term care is a term loaded with possibilities. As older adults who are making decisions about where to spend their years of retirement, they have to navigate the system that supports long-term care in all sorts of ways. These decisions are also difficult for family members coordinating care for their loved ones.
Is independent living less expensive than long term care?
Consider cost. More often than not, people, people don’t realize how much long-term care costs, until they are in a time where they need it. That’s why it is especially important to be proactive in thinking about cost of care. Independent living can be much less expensive compared to other options out there.
Do independent living communities provide health care?
No comprehensive medical care. Independent living communities for more active seniors do not provide assisted living or health care services and oftentimes there are no on-site health care facilities. This type of living arrangement is comparable to aging in place. It is optional to arrange for in-home care and some active adult communities may even have contractual arrangements in place with third-party home care service providers. Each facility is different. If you like the peace-of-mind offered by an independent living community that is equipped to provide on-campus long-term care or nursing care services if you should need them then you may want to pursue an independent living facility that is a part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC).
Is it easier to retire in an independent community?
Amenities. Enjoying your retirement years can be a lot easier when you have downsized into an independent living community and are able to have many of your mundane chores taken care of for you. Without having to spend time with housekeeping duties, you have more time to do what you love and explore other new hobbies and interests.
What makes independent living centers different from other organizations?
What makes independent living centers very different from these other organizations is that centers have substantial involvement of people with disabilities making policy decisions and delivering services.
When did independent living start?
The Independent Living Movement. In the late 1960s and the early 1970s, this idea led people with disabilities from around the county to take active roles on local, state, and national levels in shaping decisions on issues affecting their lives.
What are the opportunities for Americans with disabilities?
Most Americans take for granted opportunities they have — regarding living arrangements, employment situations, means of transportation, social and recreational activities, and other aspects of everyday life. For many Americans with disabilities, however, barriers in their communities take away or severely limit their choices.
Who wrote the book Independent Living?
It was written by Laurel Richards and Quentin Smith.
Do people with disabilities have to do it all on their own?
Fortunately, people with disabilities don't have to do it all on their own. The purpose of this brochure is to describe a kind of service organization which is designed specifically to assist people with disabilities in achieving and maintaining independent lifestyles.
What does it mean to move to an independent living facility?
Myth 1: Moving to an independent living facility or retirement community means losing independence. Fact: Independent living is about preserving your independence for longer by making life easier. You’ll enjoy the privacy of your own home, filled with your own furniture and possessions, and spend your days as you choose.
What is independent living?
Independent living is simply any housing arrangement designed exclusively for older adults, generally those aged 55 and over. Housing varies widely, from apartment-style living to single-family detached homes. In general, the housing is friendlier to aging adults, often being more compact, with easier navigation and no maintenance ...
How to make the transition to independent living easier?
This may feel stressful in the beginning. But there are things you can do to make the transition easier: Decorate your new home.
What age can you rent an apartment?
These are apartment complexes restricted by age, usually 55 or 62 and older . Rent may include community services such as recreational programs, transportation services, and meals served in a communal dining room. Retirement homes/retirement communities.
What is a senior housing complex?
Low-income or subsidized senior housing. In the U.S., for example, there are senior housing complexes subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for low-income seniors. Senior apartments or congregate care housing. These are apartment complexes restricted by age, usually 55 or 62 and older.
Why is it so hard to leave your home?
If your home is difficult to access, such as on a steep hill or up several flights of stairs, it may be harder for you to leave your home as often you’d like, leading to more isolation. Or increased crime may mean that your neighborhood is now too dangerous to walk around safely.
What are the activities of independent living?
Fact: Most independent living facilities offer a wide range of different activities and social events tailored to your needs and interests—from sports and fitness programs to gardening, book clubs, cards, arts and crafts, and adult education classes .
