Independent Living Communities

Independent Meals with Housekeeping

For older adults who can live safely and comfortably alone but who like the idea of a few residential services, independent living community is a good option to explore. Designed with seniors in mind, they typically offer safety features in kitchens, railings in showers, and emergency call buttons in each unit. Also called sheltered housing, cluster housing, and adult congregate living facilities, congregate housing offers not only safe, clean housing, but also a meal service, housekeeping service, and a variety of social and recreational events. Communities usually provide one group activity each day, such as a meal in the dining room or a group outing.

The Resident Community

Most residents are from 65 to 85 years old, often recently widowed. Because meal and housekeeping services are offered, independent living communities appeal to those who appreciate being cooked for at least once a day or having a laundry service available. It’s an ideal option for those who essentially want to live alone but also seek an increased sense of companionship and safety.

Philosophy

Independent living communities try to offer services and amenities for seniors without interfering with their independence and autonomy, and without increasing their dependence on others for daily care. They originally began as low-income, subsidized housing, and some facilities still define themselves based on their low price structure. All independent living communities shares the goal of providing affordable, comfortable housing to seniors. Social service programs, such as Meals on Wheels,often serve these facilities, helping to keep them affordable.

What Does Congregate Housing Offer?

You’ll find a clean room, building security, and at least one group activity a day in an independent living community. Typical living space is a one- or two-bedroom unit in a community with 50 to 400 units. Independent living communities are designed with seniors’ comfort and safety in mind: larger handles on cabinets and fixtures, elevators as well as stairs, and security lighting at night. No health care is provided along with your rental fees, but some communities will let residents pay for their own home health nurse or aide if they need nursing care or personal care. Be sure to ask about move-out policies: some facilities will ask residents to move if they become wheelchair bound.

Residential Services

It’s the add-on residential services that set one congregate facility apart from others and give each its own personality. Meal, housekeeping, and other services may be included in monthly rent or, in some facilities, added to the monthly bill. Specific services may include:

• a meal service (may be one, two, or three meals each day)
• one group activity each day
• housekeeping and linen
• personal laundry transportation and shopping
• social, wellness, and recreational programs

The Cost of Congregate Housing

The range of prices available tend to be on the lower end of the senior housing and care spectrum. Units are rented monthly. Because no health care is provided, independent living communities aren’t covered by Medicare. For-profit facilities, depending on the region and the services it offers, may charge from $800 to $5,500 a month. Non-profit facilities, subsidized by government agencies or religious organizations, often charge less, and may base rents on a sliding scale, such as 30% of a resident’s income.

 

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