Independent Living Facilities

What are Independent Living Facilities?

Among the many senior housing options available, Independent Living provides the greatest versatility and freedom. Independent Living for seniors refers to residence in a compact, easy-to-maintain, private apartment or house within a community of seniors. Any housing arrangement designed exclusively for seniors (generally those age 55+; in some cases the age requirement is 62+) may be classified as an Independent Living community.

Independent Living for seniors is also known as:

Retirement Communities
Retirement Homes
Senior Apartments
Senior Housing
Independent Living Communities.

As the name implies, Independent Living is just that: the ability to maintain one's residence and lifestyle without custodial or medical assistance. If custodial or medical care becomes necessary, residents in Independent Living for seniors are permitted to bring in outside services of their choice.

The key characteristics of Senior Independent Living include:

Activities of Daily Living (dressing, personal care) - No assistance provided

Community Activities (social events, outings, golf, etc.) - Some activities offered

Community Services (laundry, cleaning, etc.) - Many services provided

Health Services (medications, nursing care) - None provided

Environment (personal freedom) - Residents are independent

Overall Health (physical, emotional) - Residents are in generally good health

Senior Independent Living Communities Cost

Like most of the characteristics described above, the cost of retirement communities and independent living facilities is extremely variable. At the low end are subsidized housing, congregate living and senior apartments, most of which charge as a percentage of the residents' income. Subsidies to make up the true cost of the facility are provided by public or private charities.

At the high end are planned retirement communities that require the purchase of a separate home, unit or cooperative share as the price of admission. The cost to buy in reflects the local real estate market for housing of similar location and quality, plus the cost of physical amenities provided by the facility or the community management. Most of these communities have monthly fees of $1000-2,000, in addition to the cost of buying in, which pays for taxes, common utilities and services provided to residents.

Between the low end and the high end are retirement communities and independent living facilities which operate strictly on a rental basis, plus a monthly charge for services. Rent and service fees tend to reflect the cost of luxury housing in the local community. Fees in the urban Northeast, for example, are often $2000-3,000 per month for a comfortable facility and a service package that includes meals, housekeeping and linens.

Because of the wide variations in design, facilities, services and costs of retirement communities and independent living facilities, you should plan to take longer to select this type of housing than you would for a CCRC, assisted living facility or nursing home. You should visit many facilities, learn the details of each one and choose carefully.