Tips For Your Independent Living Search

Focus on four key areas - then identify and prioritize what is most important to you.

1. Apartment & Community Amenities – Some options may include a private entrance, generous square footage, utilities, cable TV, patio/balcony, swimming pool, fitness center, pet friendly, computer access, community/activities room, library or gated community.

2. Services – Dining Plan, Security, Emergency Call System, Maintenance, Housekeeping, Transportation, Fitness Classes, Chaplain services, Social & Recreational Opportunities

3. Culture – What are the values of the company that owns the property? What are the residents like? What is the staff like? What is the feeling you get when you visit the community? What is their reputation like?

4. Continuum of Care (support for changing needs) – what services are available when you need more help like medication management or shower/dressing assistance?

Once you’ve identified what is most important and the communities that offer them, you have to ensure that they are affordable. You may have experienced sticker-shock when you first saw rent prices for independent living communities. Don’t despair - rent in independent living often includes several things that a regular apartment does not so you have to look at the whole picture.

Check out our handy Affordability Calculator.