1. What is Independent Living?
Independent Living is now a popular option for seniors who need little (or no) medical
assistance. Independent living communities provide the greatest amount of independence and
freedom of any senior living option available. Most independent living communities provide
private apartments or houses designed for seniors.
Services Offered
These facilities generally offer commvmity services such as laimdry and cleaning services, but
usually don't provide assistance with dressing, personal care, and other aspects of daily life.
There may be some social events and conmiunity activities oflFered, but residents are generally
independent in this area. Independent living facilities usually don't provide medication assistance
or nursing care, although residents can bring in outside help in this area i f they prefer.
ladependent living facilities are not for everybody. To live in an independent living facility,
potential residents must be able to care for themselves, as well as communicating with doctors
and caregivers without the need for trained onsite staff. Good candidates for independent living
generally value their independence highly and want to live in a community of other seniors, and
prefer not to have to maintain a house on their own.
Types of Independent Living Facilities
Some indejiendent living facihties provide very little community space, while others offer large
community centers including recreational facilities, dining rooms, and other common areas.
There are several different types of senior independent living. Some are comprised of apartment
complexes converted to be comfortable to senior citizens. Most of these complexes have an age
restriction, usually at over 55. Senior apartment complexes generally are remodeled from
existing apartment structures and have features such as handrails and senior-friendly bathrooms
added in.
Retirement communities are generally entire neighborhoods or groups of homes or condos that
are restricted to seniors only. They may be comprised of single-family or attached homes, or
manufactured housing. Some retirement communities look a lot like traditional subdivisions.
Residents often have the option of renting or buying their home within these communities.
Some independent Uving commimities are subsidized by the US Department of Housing and
Urban Development. These housing units are often available for rent at below-market rates, and
demand for them is high. Often, they gauge individual residents' rent based on a percentage of
income. I f you get on the waiting list for one of these facilities, expect to be there for years.
There are several different types of senior independent living. Some are comprised of apartment
complexes converted to be comfortable to senior citizens. Most of these complexes have an age
restriction, usually at over 55. Senior apartment complexes generally are remodeled from

2. existing apartment structures and have features such as handrails and senior-friendly bathrooms
added in.
Retiremen! commimities are generally entire neighborhoods or groups of homes or condos that
are restricted to seniors only. They may be comprised of single-family or attached homes, or
manufactured housing. Some retirement communities look a lot like traditional subdivisions.
Residents often have the option of rentmg or buying their home within these communities.
Some independent living communities are subsidized by the US Department of Housing and
Urban Development. These housing units are often available for rent at below-market rates, and
demand for them is high. Often, they gauge individual residents' rent based on a percentage of
income. I f you get on the waiting list for one of these facihties, expect to be there for years.
What to Consider When Choosing an Independent Living
Community
I f you're sure an independent living community is right for you or your loved one, there are a
few things to keep in mind when choosing the right one. Here are a few questions to ask when
considering a community.
• Is parking well Ut and close to your apartment or home?
• Is there public transportation easily accessible from the apartment or home?
• Does the facility offer units that occupy a single floor only? Are facihties on the first
floor available?
• Are buildings and parking spaces handicapp>ed-accessible?
• Is the housing adaptable to the needs of seniors? Can you install grab bars in the showers,
for instance?
• Does the community provide group activities and common areas, and do you have
opportunities to meet and socialize with other residents?
• I f grandchildren come to visit, how long are they permitted to stay?
• Is the security provided adequate to your needs?
• Is the community near your doctor or a hospital?
Paying for Independent Living Housing
Medicare and Medicaid don't cover the costs of housing pajonents, since these are not
considered health expenses—so most independent living residents pay for their housing on their
own. The exception involves subsidized independent living; i f you're lucky enough to get into a
subsidized senior Uving commxmity, your costs will probably be determined as a percentage of
your income. Veteran's benefits can help; currently up to $2000 a month supplement for married
couple.
Outside of subsidized housmg, the cost of independent living communities varies greatly. I f
you're renting your apartment or home, the rents will probably be eqmvalent to the cost of
housing in your area. You may also pay a monthly fee for services—which may be as little as a

3. few hundred or as much as a few thousand dollars per month, depending on which services you
need.
I f you're buying your unit within an independent living facility, expect to pay the most. The cost
will probably be determined by the market in your area, but expect to pay a monthly fee on top
of your housmg costs for shared amenities and community services. These fees can add up to a
thousand or a few thousand dollars per month.
Independent living facihties are ideal for seniors who value their independence—and don't need
intensive medical or daily living assistance. For seniors who qualify, independent senior living
can combine independence with opportunities to connect with and be surrounded by other
seniors in a supportive community. Give yourself plenty of time to research, and you should be
able to find an independent living community that supports your needs—^and your budget.
My suggested Questions to ask about cost:
How much per month? Are any extra fees added or are there optional services that can be
added? When was your last rent (purchase price increased?) Do you anticipate any
increases in cost in the next year? How often in the past 5 years have you had a cost
increase? How much was each increase? Is the current price guaranteed for any specific
period of time? What happens if I move here and cannot continue to pay for it (applies to a
unit you buy; primarily refers to maintenance fees)?

4. Choosing an Assisted Living Facility
Assisted living facilities provide a type of long-term care that emphasizes independence,
flexibility, and individualized support. While there is no official, standardized definition of
assisted Uving, most residences that fall under this title offer private apartments for residents,
with staff" on call to help with some daily-living activities such as bathing, dressing, mobiUty, and
running errands. Assisted living facilities are generally designed for those who don't need the
intensive medical care provided at nursing homes.
There are thousands of assisted living faciUties throughout the US. Choosing one can be a
complex process—but it's important to pick the right one. Here are a few factors that should be
included in choosing an assisted living facility for yourself and a loved one.
Know your price range.
For many people looking into senior housing options for the first time, the most stressful aspect
is how to pay for the care. Medicare does not pay for assisted living care, and Medicaid pays a
very small amount. Residents and their famiUes are expected to pay most of the costs.
However, there are ways to make it work. Many people pay for ongoing assisted living with the
funds from the sale of the resident's former house. The money can be invested in a CD or
annuity that provides monthly interest. It's important to bear in mind that most assisted living
facilities include meals, so you won't have to include groceries as part of monthly expenses.
I f possible, choose a facility whose costs won't exceed the resident's current monthly income,
from retirement accotmts and other sources. Bear in mind that inflation wiU raise the cost of
living at retirement facilities more than the average rate of inflation.
Choose a location.
I f you are searching for assisted living residences on behalf of a loved one, it's important to
involve them in choosing the location. This is a very individual choice and depends on the
resident's preferences as well as the affordability of the residences available in that area. There
are several criteria that may be unportant.
• One is familiarity. Some residents prefer assisted living facilities in the area where they
lived. You or your loved one may have a sfrong attachment to a particular region or city.
• Another is proximity to family. It's crucially important to some families that the
resident Uve m a place where regular visits are easy. In this case, the resident may have to
choose a facility in a new area i f his or her family doesn't already live nearby.
• A third involves climate. Harsh winter weather or extreme heat can be hard on the
elderly, and for some, a mild climate promotes better health. States such as Florida and
California, with mild and simny climates, can be more comfortable for residents than
states that are either very cold or very hot and dry.

5. Assisted living facilities are designed to help residents maintain control over their lives for as
long as possible, and part of that involves allowing residents to choose their own location.
Visit and talk to the staff.
However, there are ways to make it work. Many people pay for ongoing assisted living with the
funds from the sale of the resident's former house. The money can be invested in a CD or
annuity that provides monthly interest. It's important to bear in mind that most assisted living
facilities include meals, so you won't have to include groceries as part of monthly expenses.
I f possible, choose a facility whose costs won't exceed the resident's current monthly income,
from retirement accounts and other sources. Bear in mind that inflation will raise the cost of
living at retirement facihties more than the average rate o f inflation.
• One is familiarity. Some residents prefer assisted living facihties in the area where they
lived. You or your loved one may have a sfrong attachment to a particular region or city.
• Another is proximity to family. It's crucially important to some families that the
resident live in a place where regular visits are easy. In this case, the resident may have to
choose a facility in a new area i f his or her family doesn't already live nearby.
• A third involves climate. Harsh winter weather or exfreme heat can be hard on the
elderly, and for some, a mild climate promotes better health. States such as Florida and
Ccilifomia, with mild and sunny climates, can be more comfortable for residents than
states that are either very cold or very hot and dry.
Assisted living facilities are designed to help residents maintam confrol over their lives for as
long as possible, and part of that involves allowing residents to choose their own location.
as public areas. Have a meal in the dining hall i f you can. And i f it's possible, walk around the
grounds without a guide—this will give you an opportunity to get an impression on your own,
without a sales pitch. I f you can, talk to die residents to find out what they like about the
facility—and what they don't.
Choosing an assisted living facihty can be a sfressfiil experience. But i f you give yourself some
time to research many different facilities, you're more likely to find one that's a good match.
Assisted living faciUties emphasize providing residents with help in daily activities that may be
difficult for them—while allowing as much independence as possible in other areas of daily life.
With the help of your loved one, you should be able to choose a facility that meets his or her
needs.
My comments:
Visit more than once at different times of the day. Go when not expected. You should have to sign in
or be admitted after explaining who you are and why you are there. Be leery of their security if no
one checks you in and out.

6. Observe what goes on during your visit. Just take a seat and watch. How do the aides respond to the
residents? Do you observe someone calling for assistance? How long does it take before there is a
response? How courteous is the interaction between residents and staff? How satisfied do the
residents appear to be? Picture yourself in this facility: think about it. is it a "fit" for you? Visit more
than one place, 3 or more if possible.
Talk to the residents. Could you become friends with those people? What else is ttiere for you to do
while there?
Think about it a while; don't make snap decisions.
Your Options for Alzheimer's Care
I f you have a loved one who is entering the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, it's never too
early to think about your options for long-term care. There are a range of options available for
patients with varying severity of need. When deciding which is best for you, it's good to start by
answering the following questions:
• Does your loved one need help with personal needs such as bathing, dressing, preparing
meals, and other daily activities?
• Does your loved one need assistance in taking medications or managing chronic health
problems?
• Does your loved one need any kind of special care or roimd-the-clock assistance? If so,
what expertise does a caregiver need to have to provide that care?
• What level of care can you afford?
At-Home Options
Most people start out providing Alzheimer's care on their own, at home. However, as the disease
progresses, it can be increasingly difBcult for family caregivers to provide care on their own.
There are a variety of services available to lend a hand, from occasional to round-the-clock
assistance. Here are a few options that may be available in your commimity.
• Respite care. Respite care organizations provide short-term, temporary relief when
primary caregivers need a break. Usually the temporary caregiver comes to the patient's
home and integrates into the family routine. You may be able to find a respite caregiver
through family or friends, through a community or religious organization, or through paid
agencies.
• Adult day services. Also referred to as elder care programs or adult day care, these
programs provide activities, opportimities to socialize, and a supervised, safe place for
adults in need of it—^and a much-needed break for caregivers. Some programs are
designed for those with Alzheimer's disease, while others cater to a wider range of needs.
Most of these programs are open only during business hours on weekdays, and may
provide lunch meals and transportation.

7. • Home health care services. Home health aides provide assistance wdth personal care
such as bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, and bathroom needs. Home health care visits
may be scheduled for a set period of time every week or on a 24-hour basis, depending on
the family's and the patient's needs. Some home health agencies also offer help with
preparing meals and completing general household chores. Some home health care
agencies offer workers with medical training who can assist with woimd care,
administering medications, and managing medical equipment.
Residential Care Options
At first, you may be able to get the help you need in caring for your loved one with Alzheimer's
at home. As the disease progresses, however, your loved one may need more intensive help—
and round-the-clock care. At this point, you may need to consider residential care options, such
as:
• Assisted living. Assisted living communities provide help with daily activities—including meal
preparation, housel<eeping, personal care, and other tasks. They generally don't provide the
advanced medical care you'd get at a nursing home. These facilities are ideal for those who are
generally mobile and can care for themselves with a moderate level of assistance.
• Memory-care assisted living. Some assisted living facilities are designed especially to provide for
the needs of those with diseases affecting memory. These facilities typically include more
specialized staff members with training in cailng for people with Alzheimer's and other types of
dementia. In addition, the facility itself should be designed for Alzheimer's safety, with secured
exits and visual signs to help residents find their way in an unfamiliar area.
• Nursing homes. A nursing home provides advanced medical care on a 24-hour basis as well as
meals and living quarters. Some nursing homes have wards that specialize in Alzheimer's care,
with specially trained staff members as well as activities and an environment designed to serve
the needs of those with Alzheimer's disease.
• Most families of Alzheimer's patients start off by providing all the care themselves at home.
While this may be possible for some time, the disease usually progresses to the point where
extra help is needed. If your loved one has received a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, it's never too
early to consider options for long-term care—and if possible, involve your loved one in the
planning. The earlier you consider your options, the more likely you'll be able to make good
decisions for your loved one's care.
Is Continuing Care Right for You?
A continuing care retirement community (CCRC), sometimes referred to as a life-care
community, provides for the needs of a very diverse range of residents as they age. Continuing
care facihties may provide independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care in a single
residence. Continuing care faciUties are designed so that residents can move m while their needs
are still light—and can provide progressively advanced care as needs increase. The benefit of

8. choosing a continuing care community is that the resident's needs can be provided for in one
place, without having to imdergo a stressfiil move or search for a new facility.
Continuing care communities are designed for elderly residents to move in while they still live
relatively independently—^and to stay for the rest of life. As residents' medical needs change, the
level of service increases to provide for them. Residents are closely monitored and care levels are
adjusted as needed. I f a major illness or injury requires the resident to be hospitalized, he or she
can return to the residence after treatment and receive ongoing care i f needed.
Continuing care isn't right for everyone. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when
consiaering continuing care for a loved one.
Does my loved one want or need the socialization?
Continuing care commimities are a good option for elderly patients who are living by
themselves and who would prefer to Uve in a comfortable, friendly environment,
is my loved one currently living independently?
The idea behind continuing care is that residents enter while still relatively independent, and
can receive more intensive services in the same place as they age. Continuing care residences
are designed—and priced—for long-term stays, and can be quite expensive. If your loved one
already needs advanced care, he or she might get more value for the money at a facility
designed specifically to provide the level of care needed.
Can you afford continuing care?
Continuing care residences are costly. Many require an mitial buy-in that can be as
expensive as buying a house; up-front payments upwards of $100,000 to $500,000 are
not uncommon. In addition, there is usually a monthly fee that can vary depending on the
level of care needed.
Many potential residents sell their homes in order to come up with the cash necessary to
buy into a continuing care commimity. However, in a difBcult housing market, this
option has become less possible for some.
Are there other options in your community?
Most continuing care residents enter at the assisted living or independent hving stage. I f
money is a concern, investigate assisted living and independent living options in your
area. It may be that you could save money by choosing to live in an independent or
assisted living community and then transferring to a nearby nursing home when the time
comes. I f there are no desirable options in your loved one's desired area for assisted and
independent living or nursing homes, however, a continuing care residence may be a
better choice than living in a less desirable area—depending on your loved one's
priorities.
Choosing a Continuing Care Community
There are a variety of things to consider when choosing a continuing care residence. Here are a
few questions you should ask:

9. • Does it provide the services I need?
It can be im|x)ssible to predict which services your loved one will need as aging
progresses. However, it's important to be sure the community provides the services they
need now, and that their continued service offerings are diverse enough to cover a range
of scenarios in later hfe.
• What amenities are available?
Most continuing care communities provide activities and conmion areas. Some provide a
wide range of services such as beauty salons, fitness centers and pools, golf faciUties,
libraries, common dining areas, and outdoor gardens. Find out what's available and
whether it's enough to keep your loved one occupied on a continuing basis.
• Do services and amenities cost extra?
How are services and amenities paid for? Are they included in the monthly bill or paid
for a-la-carte? How much can monthly biUs be expected to increase as a resident's needs
progress?
• Can you afford it?
Most continuing care facilities require a large up-front investment in addition to monthly
payments. Be aware that monthly costs are likely to increase as end of life approaches, so if the
facility is a financial strain now, it's not likely to get better.
• Is the community doing weU financially?
Buying into a continuing care facility is a huge investment—and many residents can only
afford one such payment after selling a house. Be sure that the continuing care
commimity you choose is thriving and not likely to go under anytime soon. I f it does,
your loved one and family could be placed in a difficult financial situation.
• What are the living arrangements?
Will your loved one be living in an apartment, separate unit or single room? Will he or
she be living alone or with a roommate, family member or spouse? Is your loved one
happy with the living arrangement?
Choosing end-of-life care is never easy. Continuing care retirement communities are an excellent
option for those who don't want to move again later—when their medical needs may be more
dire. While not everyone can afford continuing care, it's an exceUent option for those who can
make it work.
***Most material copied fi-om Housing for Seniors:Helping You Find the Right
Community at wvyw.housing forseniors.com. M y comments are typed in bold. This
article has most of the major information about housing for seniors. I f you are seriously
considering moving to senior housing, read more and visit lots of places.