Independent Living

Independent / Retirement Living

Independent living communities are best for active adults who want built-in community without giving up their privacy.  Most feature studio or multi-bedroom apartments with kitchens so residents can stay independent as long as possible.

The key difference between independent living and other housing options is overall health and assistance in daily living activities.  Rent may include meals, housekeeping, social activities, and transportation.  Independent living typically encourages socialization by providing meals in a central dining area and scheduled social programs. 

Just as with regular housing, you can hire in-home help to assist, if needed.  However, if you, or a loved one, requires round-the-clock help with eating, dressing, and using the toilet, or requires regular medical assistance, other housing options such as assisted living or nursing homes may be a better, more cost-effective fit.

There are many types of independent living communities, from apartment complexes to separate houses.  They come in a range of costs, including subsidized housing for low-income older adults.  Senior apartments are complexes restricted by age, usually 55+. 

Retirement communities are groups of housing units for those aged 55+.  These housing units can be single family homes, duplexes, mobile homes, townhouses or condos.

Life Care / Life Plan Community

Life Care or Life Plan Communities (aka continuing Care Retirement Communities CCRCs), provide independent living as well as other housing with an array of services available on the same campus.  CCRCs are best for those seeking a continuum of accommodations and services from independent living to skilled nursing, all in one location. CCRCs generally have studio or multi-bedroom apartments for their most independent residents and private or shared rooms for residents who need more care. If residents begin to need help with activities of daily living, they can transfer to an assisted living room or skilled nursing facility on the same site.

A Life Care/Plan Community is a CCRC that offers a long-term care insurance-type contract and provides all levels of care. The CCRC resident contract often involves either an entry fee or buy-in fee in addition to the monthly service charges, which may change according to the medical services required. Entry fees may be partially or fully refundable. The fee is used primarily as a method of privately financing the development of the project and for payment for future health care. CCRCs are typically licensed by the state.