Independent Living in Waco

Independent Living in Waco, Texas

Older adults have more senior living arrangement options available than nursing homes. In Waco, there are plenty of options available that fit the wants and needs of seniors of all walks of life—including your aging loved ones.

What are Independent Living Communities?

Nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, are not the only kinds of senior care facilities available. For older adults who value their freedom and can safely live alone, independent living communities are probably their match made in senior living heaven.

Independent living communities are unique types of senior housing. Unlike residents of memory care and assisted living facilities, independent living residents require little to no help with activities of daily living (ADLs). By contrast, caregivers at memory care and assisted living communities offer more extensive services, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia care, to address residents’ needs.

Why Choose Independent Living?

Commonly known as retirement living communities or senior apartments, independent living locations may offer amenities not seen in other senior health care facilities. These amenities can include:

  • Swimming pools
  • Pet-friendly floor plans
  • A restaurant-style dining room that makes socializing easy
  • Fitness centers and wellness programs
  • WiFi access
  • Spacious common areas that facilitate socialization
  • Full-service salons and barber shops
  • Being within walking distance of local outings
  • Organized daily recreational and social activities

Such amenities are great for inviting children and grandchildren out for intergenerational activities on a gorgeous sunny day.

Is your loved one a social butterfly? Ask yourself the following questions regarding your aging relative:

  • Can they complete ADLs with ease?
  • Are they independent?
  • Do they want to live in a unique space rather than a sterile facility?
  • Do they want single or multi-bedroom apartment options?
  • Do they want to live in a community with other active adults?
  • Do they want to live life to the fullest?

If you answered yes to these questions, an independent living community could be the perfect place for your loved one.

Factors to Consider

Selecting the perfect senior living location for you or your loved one means keeping the following in mind.

Pricing

We know that pricing can be a make-or-break factor when selecting senior housing. That’s why it’s important to explore payment and financial assistance options available to you and your aging relative.

Medicare

Medicare is government-sponsored health insurance for older adults. It does not cover costs associated with independent living arrangements.

Texas 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 skilled nursing care services.

In Texas, the Medicaid program helps provide care for 2/3 of nursing home residents, according to the Texas Health & Human Services Commission. Medicaid in Texas may help people pay for assisted living services. Specifically, if people meet strict criteria, they can use a STAR + PLUS waiver to apply for financial aid for assisted living facilities and services.

Texas Medicaid does not cover costs associated with independent living. The exception to this rule is if someone lives in a continuing care retirement community, in which case Medicaid and other programs may offer some financial assistance.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

A continuing care retirement community, also known as CCRCs or life plan communities, may be the right choice for your aging loved one if they want to stay in a single location during their golden years.

A CCRC offers a plenty of senior living options—from skilled nursing services to independent living programs—all at a single location. This fact means that when residents’ needs change, they can still get the personal care services they need without moving somewhere else.

Coronavirus Concerns

If you’re concerned about COVID-19 for yourself or your loved one, it’s easy enough to receive more information about communities online or through the community’s official phone number. You can even take virtual tours online at many facilities.

Why Choose Waco?

Numerous museums and libraries, gorgeous natural attractions like Lake Waco, diverse cultural festivals and activities—there is something in Waco for everyone to do. Perhaps best of all, costs of senior care facilities in the area are usually lower or about the same as the national average.

Really, the better question is why someone wouldn’t choose to retire in the Waco area.

Independent Living Communities in and around Waco, Texas

Moving at any point in time is stressful; moving in your golden years can be extra stressful. That’s why your loved one deserves a facility that does more than simply offer services and amenities. They deserve a location that cultivates a community. Whether they relocate to the suburbs or downtown Waco, there are plenty of adventures that await your loved ones in the Heart of Texas.

There are plenty of senior living communities and senior care options in and around Waco that will provide quality care for your loved one, giving you peace of mind regarding their well-being. That means there are plenty of locations that can accommodate a wide range of senior citizens. Find independent living communities in and around the Waco area today!