How to Chose an Independent Living Facility

When deciding how you want to spend your retirement, you’re faced with several big decisions. One of the most important is where you want to live. Beyond location, there is a spectrum of types of senior living and eldercare options to choose from, ranging from completely independent and active communities to nursing homes. And once you decide which type of senior living is best for you, you have to find the right community.

Residents of independent living tend to be social and engaged in community life, so it’s important to choose a place where you feel comfortable and will thrive. This guide walks you through the decision-making process so you can make the best choice for yourself.

Independent living is a type of senior living community designed for older adults who do not yet need personal care assistance or help with activities of daily living (ADLs) but want a simplified lifestyle. Independent living communities offer housekeeping, home maintenance services, social activities, group dining, and other services. Residents of independent living communities are often active and social to take full advantage of all that these communities offer.

Independent living may be a good fit for you if:

• You’re social and want to have a built-in community of your peers
• You no longer wish to do home maintenance, cleaning, or cooking but are still fully independent
• You’ve been feeling bored or lonely in retirement
• You want to downsize to an apartment
• You want to live somewhere with security

If the above does not apply, learn more about the full spectrum of senior care and living options to see which fits you best.

Not all independent living communities offer the same amenities and services. So, you should know your “must haves” and “nice to haves” before you get too deep into your search.

Independent living is intended for people who do not yet need regular health services or assistance with ADLs, so the services you’ll find generally fall into the “lifestyle” category. Examples of common independent living services include:

• Housekeeping and linen service
• Exterior maintenance
• Laundry and/or dry cleaning
• Meal service in a communal dining room or delivered to individual residences
• Transportation
• On-site security
• Plumbing and electrical maintenance

Additionally, many independent living communities require staff to be trained in basic first aid and emergency response techniques, such as CPR.

A big draw of independent living facilities is the community amenities offered to residents. Social and active adults thrive in independent living and are able to take full advantage of amenities. Amenity offerings vary depending on the individual community, but may include some of the following:

• Cafe or coffee shop
• Fitness center and group exercise classes
• Salon or barbershop
• Library
• Outdoor group activities like nature walks
• Indoor group activities and special interest groups
• Group outings to museums, concerts, and other local events
• Happy hours and other social events
• Outdoor space for socializing and lounging
• Indoor or outdoor pool
• Golf course or putting green
• Tennis and/or pickleball courts
• Visiting lecturers
• Worship areas

Before you waste time touring any communities that don’t meet your needs, start by doing some online research. Caring.com’s directory features information about thousands of communities’ amenities, services, and locations, making it easy to find independent living communities in your target area. You can also view photos and reviews from past and current residents and their loved ones.

Getting firsthand opinions from vetted online reviews and your network is essential. In addition to reading reviews on Caring.com, ask friends, neighbors, and your social media network for any feedback on their own or their loved one’s experience in independent living.

Based on your findings in Step 2, create a list of several independent living communities that you’re interested in and start scheduling tours. Even if you have a favorite option, it’s important to tour multiple communities so you can compare, and because vacancies can change.

Below, we provide a list of things you should look out for (or ask staff if the answer isn’t clear) when you tour communities.

• Is the neighborhood quiet and pleasant?
• Is the location convenient for family and friends to visit?
• How far is the nearest airport, and is it an airport with frequent, reasonably priced flights?
• Is covered parking available, and is it free or is there an additional charge?
• Is there easy access to public transportation?
• Are the buildings and grounds clean, spacious, and well-maintained?
• Are the common spaces in the community pleasant and appealing?
• How extensive are the outdoor areas for recreation, exercise, and relaxation?

• What are the housing options?
• Are there handicapped-equipped units, should you need one at some point?
• Is there adequate storage space in the unit, or is additional storage provided?
• How are the views — do your windows face a garden or other green space?
• Are dogs, cats, and other pets allowed and, if so, are there limits on type or size?
• Will you be allowed to have visitors at any time and overnight, or are there curfews or other rules?
• Are there homeowner rules about upkeep and decorating?
• Is the community close to shopping, restaurants, a medical center, and other services?

• Is there a homeowners’ association with membership fees?
• Will you be required to have renter’s insurance?
• What services and amenities are included in the price?
• What services are available for additional fees?
• What types of payment do they accept?
• Is there a buy-in fee?

• Are housekeeping services available, and at what price?
• Which maintenance issues are you responsible for and which are included with the unit?
• Is there an extensive, varied schedule of classes and activities, including some that interest you?
• Is there a community center and, if so, how large and well-equipped is it?

• Are there evening events, such as movie nights and performances by local theater, dance, and music groups?
• Is there a gym or fitness center?
• What types of additional recreation facilities are offered?
• Is there a private dining or community room available for family and other large events?
• Are there religious services in the community?

• Is there an activity director or staff member charged with organizing and leading activities?
• What’s the staff turnover rate?
• Are background checks performed before hiring staff?
• How much training do staff members have?
• Does the community work with an agency or registry that provides in-home care companions in case you need assistance in the future?
• Is there a clinic or medical unit within the independent living community? If so, what specific services are available from doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and others?
• Is the community affiliated with a hospital or nursing home if more care is needed?
• Does the community work with an agency or registry that provides nursing and medical assistance in case you need it in the future?

If you’re able to make a decision following your tours, ensure you have everything you’ll need for the transition. This may include organizing your move, downsizing your belongings, and organizing any necessary forms.

If you aren’t sure which community is best for you after touring several, remember that you can always explore more options and reach out to communities for any follow-up questions or concerns you may have.

A Caring.com Family Advisor can help you locate a community that meets your needs. Call (800) 558-0653 to connect with a family advisor at no cost to you.