Care Options
Assisted Living vs. Independent Living: What's the Difference?
Older adults in independent living facilities can spend time on the things they enjoy instead of worrying about the hassles of home maintenance, housekeeping, or meal preparation. A diverse set of on-site activities, amenities, and services give older adults the chance to try new hobbies, make new friends, and have fun without having to leave the community. It’s common for communities to offer an activity calendar, which provides residents with the flexibility to pick and choose their daily schedule based on their interests and personality. In this type of community, an older adult’s independence and autonomy remain a top priority.
Amenities
40+ Independent Living Activities: Promoting a Healthy, Fulfilling Retirement
Read the full articleCare Options
Encouraging Elder Independence: How Independent Living Fosters Senior Autonomy
Let our care assessment guide you
Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.
Your budget is an important consideration as you look for a senior independent living community that meets your unique needs. It’s important to know that independent living communities typically charge a monthly fee for accommodations and meals. However, there may be add-on fees for additional services that you may require.
For older adults, there are a variety of payment options that may help cover the cost of independent living, such as proceeds from the sale of home, pensions, retirement account funds, and more.
COST
How Much Does Independent Living Cost? A State-by-State Guide
Learn about national and state median costs of independent living, what's included in the price, and factors that influence cost.
Read the full articleIs Independent Living Tax Deductible?
Find out if independent living is tax deductible and learn about tax credits for seniors living anywhere.
Touring prospective independent living communities can give you a better idea of what you like and don’t like. You may be able to narrow down communities based on their size, the layout of their units, the types of on-site amenities, and more. When you find the community for you, you’ll want to carefully plan your move for a smooth transition. Understanding what to expect can help ease the process.
Choosing Care
How to Choose an Independent Living Community: A 10 Point Checklist
Read the full articleMoving
Checklist for Moving Elderly Parents: 6 Practical Things to Consider When Moving an Aging Loved One
Making a change in your living situation can feel like a huge moment in your life journey. Sometimes your adult children may offer support as you go through this transition into senior living. Regardless of family involvement, an independent living community can offer you the gentle support and structure you need without encroaching on your autonomy and independence.
Amenities
An Active, Engaging Retirement: Top 5 Benefits of Independent Senior Living Communities
Have more questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
The score shown is the overall experience rating which is an average of the reviews submitted for those communities. The overall experience rating is a star rating that ranges from 1 being the lowest to 5 being the highest.
Below are the 51 largest cities grouped by their metropolitan area.
Top states for Independent Living
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal, or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney, or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.