Independent Living in Chicago 

Deciding on the right type of senior living arrangement for your aging loved one can be a difficult decision. After all, most people immediately think the only options available for senior relatives are nursing homes. However, that simply isn’t true; there are plenty of senior living options available that can offer your loved one a high quality of life.

Independent living communities vastly differ from other types of senior living facilities, such as memory care and assisted living facilities. These differences all boil down to the fact that residents of independent living communities often require little to no help with activities of daily living (ADLs). Oftentimes, the only assistance residents receive is help with appliance maintenance and lawn care. 

Independent senior living locations, commonly known as retirement living communities or senior apartments, also typically provide plenty of amenities not seen in other senior health care facilities, such as swimming pools. In short, independent living arrangements are perfect for older folks who want to live in a community of other active, independent seniors.

Factors to Consider

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to senior care 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,
• Recreational and social activities,
• Open floor plans, one-bedroom or two-bedroom living options,
• And so much more!

Financial Considerations

The cost of healthcare is a serious consideration, and is often a deciding factor in choosing a senior living community. Fortunately, there are financial assistance programs that may be able to help ease this financial burden.

Medicare

Medicare is government-sponsored health insurance for older adults. Unfortunately, it typically does not cover long-term stays in skilled nursing facilities. Specifically, Medicare will only pay 100% of the costs for a stay in such facilities if there is a medical need, such as for rehab following an injury, and only for 20 days. After those 20 days are up, Medicare will cover 80% of the costs for 80 days. The program will not offer assistance for stays exceeding 100 days.

Medicare will not cover the costs of staying in an independent living community.

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 facilities.

Independent Living vs Continuing Care Retirement Community

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 senior residences 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 facility or new city 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 Chicago, Illinois

Your loved one deserves a facility that does more than simply offer services and amenities; they deserve a location that cultivates communities. There are plenty of independent living facilities in and around the City of Chicago whose dedication to enriching the lives of their team, residents, and community partners shows through in their award-winning service.

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