Independent Living in Sacramento

Finding the right senior living arrangement for your aging loved one can be a difficult process. After all, most people immediately think the only options available for senior relatives are nursing homes. That notion couldn’t be further from the truth! There are plenty of senior living options available that offer your loved one a vibrant, high quality of life.

Independent living communities vastly differ from other types of senior living facilities, such as assisted living and memory care facilities. These differences all boil down to one simple fact: residents of independent living communities require little to no help with activities of daily living (ADLs). By contrast, memory care facilities offer more extensive services to address the levels of care their residents need.

Independent senior living locations, commonly known as retirement living communities or senior apartments, may also offer amenities not seen in other senior health care facilities, such as swimming pools. Such amenities are great for inviting children and grandchildren out for intergenerational activities on a gorgeous sunny day. Other communities even offer common areas where socializing with other residents is readily accessible. In short, independent living arrangements are perfect for older folks who want to live in a community of other active seniors.

Factors to Consider

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing senior care options or senior housing. It’s all about finding the best fit for you and your loved one.

Amenities

Part of an elevated senior living experience comes from the amenities each community offers, which may include:

• Wellness programs and a fitness center
• Recreational and social activities like bingo night
• Open floor plans, single-bedroom apartments, or two-bedroom living options
• Pet-friendly locations
• A restaurant-style dining room that makes socializing easy

Financial Considerations

Pricing can be a deciding factor when choosing a senior living community. Fortunately, there may be financial assistance programs available that can help ease the financial burden associated with senior living services.

Medicare

Medicare is government-sponsored health insurance for older adults. Unfortunately, it typically does not cover long-term stays in residential care facilities. Specifically, the program will not offer assistance for stays exceeding 100 days (and it only covers 100% of these costs for the first 20 days, then it covers 80% of the costs for the remaining 80 days).

Medicare will not cover room and board costs associated with independent living and assisted living communities.

Medi-Cal (California Medicaid)

Medicaid is a healthcare option for low-income, disabled Americans. Depending on the needs of the insured and the state they live in, Medicaid can cover a significant portion of the costs associated with stays in skilled nursing care services.

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. In some cases, it may help cover costs associated with assisted living facilities, caregiving services, or memory care services. Specifically, if a senior can receive the level of care they need in an assisted living facility or at home, but at a lower cost than what skilled nursing facilities (i.e., nursing homes) and other types of medical centers offer, Medi-Cal may offer financial assistance. In these cases, eligible applicants can apply for aid via an assisted living waiver.

It does not cover costs associated with independent living communities.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

In some cases, a continuing care retirement community is the right choice for you or your loved one. Also known as CCRCs or life plan communities, these places are great for older adults who want to stay in a single location in their golden years. In other words, a CCRC is a singular community that offers a variety of senior living options—from skilled nursing services to independent living programs—all without requiring the resident to move to a new location to receive the care they need.

Pricing varies widely depending on the specific community and what financial resources are available in your area.

Independent Living Communities in and around Sacramento, California

Your loved one deserves a facility that does more than simply offer services and amenities; they deserve a location that cultivates a community. There are plenty of independent living locations in and around the City of Sacramento whose dedication to their mission shows through in their award-winning service. Whether you want a location close to the American River or Sacramento River’s edge or a place nestled deep within the historic downtown area, you’ll be sure to find a vibrant community in this Northern California location.

Find independent living communities in and around the Sacramento area today!