Independent Living for Couples

Have you ever wondered, "What is independent living for seniors?" In independent living residences, seniors can live in rented or owned condos or apartments in communal facilities, which provide optional assistance with housekeeping duties, meal preparation, and activities of daily living (ADLs). 

These communities, however, do not offer round-the-clock medical care. Healthy, active seniors wishing to live rich, full lives in settings where they will meet others like themselves often prefer independent living facilities.

Yes — and it's an especially good option if the couple has roughly the same needs and isn't looking for a facility with 24/7 medical care. As the name suggests, independent living facilities work well for active seniors who wish to live independently and can care for themselves and their partners.

An independent living residence provides services like housekeeping, prepared meals served in a common dining room, and transportation to doctor's visits or stores. Some independent living situations also feature access to higher levels of care through integrated assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. 

These settings could benefit couples with differing needs. So, for example, a healthy elder might find a happy home in an independent living residence while their partner with Alzheimer's receives the care they need in an adjoining memory care unit. 

Independent living communities can offer multiple benefits for seniors. Consider the following factors if you are thinking about independent living for seniors: 

Independent living communities have many opportunities for couples to meet with others, such as communal meals and group sightseeing trips. There may be activities such as guest speakers, craft workshops, and regular social gatherings in the facility's public spaces. Many independent living communities have exercise rooms or pools where you can meet and socialize with other residents. There are likely to be event planners on staff who implement social and life enrichment activities for residents.

Some independent living residences operate within more extensive senior facilities offering multiple levels of care. Residents in need may be able to move to more robust care units when needed. 

Assistance with ADLs is generally available in independent living residences, so couples who need occasional help can take advantage of having someone help with housekeeping, laundry, and other common needs. For example, if one partner requires help with bathing or dressing while in their wheelchair, they should be able to access this care.

Often, a second person living in the independent living unit pays only a fraction of the cost, making this a more affordable option for couples. While the cost varies widely based on the size of the unit, the care services offered, and location, an independent living situation is likely to cost less than facilities with more extensive round-the-clock care, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Other types of senior living may have doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals on staff 24/7, with ensuring the health and well-being of residents as the staff's primary concern. While this may also apply in independent living facilities, they typically focus on allowing seniors to live their own active lives. Healthy seniors who need minimal assistance and wish to live their lives to the fullest are likely to benefit most from independent living communities for seniors.

A functional assessment is a method of evaluating a person's ability to perform basic ADLs (BADLs), such as bathing, toileting, or eating. Another category of ADL called instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) may also be considered. These are more complex tasks such as handling finances, going grocery shopping, or arranging transportation. Functional assessments may also be used to diagnose cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and help develop a care plan for the senior's needs.

Assessing these abilities helps couples decide whether independent living is right for them. Although independent facilities may offer assistance with BADLs or IADLs, a person who needs significant and daily help with basic tasks may be happier in an assisted living or nursing facility. 

Your primary physician or an occupational therapist may perform a functional assessment for you. There are online resources that may offer a good place to start when looking for assessment questions and information on evaluating an assessment. Start by conducting a web search for "functional assessment for older adults."

The cost of independent living for couples varies greatly depending on where you live, the amenities offered, the size of the unit, and more. Based on Caring.com's proprietary senior living cost data, however, the average cost of independent living is $3,000 a month. 

This figure may also vary depending on whether you own or rent your unit. In some independent living situations, a resident purchases their home or condo outright, paying a mortgage if necessary, and then additionally pays a monthly fee to cover the cost of services, meals, and other amenities. 

Having two people living in a unit may increase the cost, but it is unlikely to double it. Thus, a couple will often pay less than what two single persons would pay, all other factors being equal.

Paying for independent living for couples may be an important factor in your decision to relocate to a community. Some couples pay the initial fee out of pocket, use Social Security benefits, or apply pension proceeds to pay for monthly costs. Other options include the following:

• Long-Term Care Insurance: You can often use a long-term care insurance policy to pay for the services you receive, such as housekeeping or help with your ADLs. Most long-term care insurance will not cover the cost of room and board at an independent living facility, but be sure to read the fine print on your policy to fully understand your coverage. 
• Medicaid: If you are eligible for Medicaid, your coverage may pay for services like in-home care. As is true of long-term care insurance, Medicaid won't pay for your room and board costs, but if you incur other bills, such as coverage for care, Medicaid may help. If you're unsure about your coverage, the government has representatives available who can answer your questions. 
• Veteran's Benefits: If you or your partner served in the military, there may be benefits available that will pay for care in an independent living facility. To find out about your eligibility, contact your local Veteran's Affairs office.
• Medicare: Like the other options listed above, Medicare, for which most elders qualify, does not cover room and board costs. Still, it may pay for some in-home care expenses that are directly related to your healthcare needs, such as hospice care. 
• Life Insurance: If you have term life insurance, it won't provide any resources for your independent living situation. Permanent policies, however, such as whole life and universal life, feature a cash value that can be tapped for needed funding. Withdrawing from the cash value may affect the amount your heirs receive after your death. You might also surrender your policy if the death benefit is no longer needed to access funds for your living situation.

How do you find the best independent living community for seniors that works with your budget? Consider taking the following steps to ensure your final decision reflects your needs and wants.

Start with a web search for "independent living for seniors near me," or, if you plan to relocate to another area, look for independent living for seniors in your chosen town or state. Compare facilities online, making notes of each location and its proximity to medical care and sites of interest. Research the costs, available amenities, and any other important factors for your needs.

Sit down — with your financial advisor if possible — and go over your resources and assets. If you will be selling your home, note how much you are likely to earn from the sale in your local real estate market. Consulting a realtor might be a good idea, and you may want to ask them about bridge loans. Consider short- and long-term assets, such as insurance policies, stocks, and your monthly cash flow, along with any help you may rely on from other family members.

If possible, visit any facilities that seem like a good fit. Be prepared with a list of what is most important to you, such as a quiet community, appealing dining options, ample social events, or specific amenities such as a pool, exercise room, or on-site library. While there, make sure you understand the full picture of the potential costs — not just the room and board but other optional fees.

While you're at the facility, see if you can speak to current residents to see what they like — or don't like — about the facility, but keep in mind that everyone has different tastes. After your visit, research online reviews to understand what current or former residents feel about the community.

Moving to an independent living community for seniors is a big decision. If you feel pressured into making an immediate decision, you may want to step back, take a deep breath, and review what you've learned with a loved one to ensure that you will be happy with your final decision.

Independent living communities for seniors are a residential option that may make sense for some couples. These communities are best for those who are active and do not require intensive medical care. They usually offer assistance with housekeeping and performing ADLs, as well as communal meals. 

You will likely encounter multiple options for socializing, traveling, or engaging with other residents at educational and entertaining events. Although costs vary greatly, the average cost of independent living is $3,000 a month, according to Caring.com's research.

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