Cahaba Ridge

General Info About Independent Senior Living

What Is Independent Senior Living?

Independent Living Communities are a Senior housing option for those Seniors who are be ready to remove the responsibilities of caring for their home, but who need little to no assistance and have only minor medical issues. A resident of an Independent Living Community is 55 or over and relatively healthy. Most are physically and mentally capable of living alone without requiring assistance with day-to-day activities. However, those residents who may require some assistance with activities of daily living can use third-party in-home care services to meet those additional needs.

Living accommodations are usually studio or one-bedroom apartments but some facilities have condominiums and even single-family residences. Common areas are accessible for residents to gather with other community members. Full-service dining is available and usually includes the ability to provide meals for those with special dietary needs. Social outings and entertainment events are usually organized by the facility's events administrator.

Independant Senior Living Insurance Options

Because assistance with daily acitivities (ADLs and LDLs) are not available within an independent living community, most Long Term Care Insurance companies will not pay for Independent Senior Living Communities or Senior Apartments. However, if you receive In-Home Care at your Independent Senior Living Apartment, that care is usually paid for by Long Term Care Insurance.

Payment for Independent Living typically comes from private funds, including savings, pensions, Social Security benefits, proceeds from a reverse mortgage or sale of a home, and other personal funds. Because medical services are not provided in Independent Living Facilities, Medicare and Medicaid will not cover the cost.