As you may have noticed, the 55+ communities are booming throughout 417 land. The fliers you have received in the mail or seen on social media show these properties to be upscale maintenance free condos/apartments. If you have inquired about pricing, most of them are slightly under (depending on what type of apartment you choose) the senior independent living communities. You may ask yourself, why would I move into an independent living community if most of the 55+ communities are cheaper?

As a previous nursing home administrator, I have overseen independent living communities, and as an owner I have visited many 55+ communities. I hope that the analysis listed below will assist you of which direction to take of moving in either yourself or a loved one.

Let’s break it down and compare the two types of entities before you decide to choose one over the other.

55+ Communities:                                                                             

Avg. Range from $950-$2000                                                                          

Deposit Required – Non-Refund                                                                      

Typically No Second Person Occupant Fee                                     

Possible Annual Rent Increase                                                                         

Outside Agencies Provide Medical Care, if needed                      

Medical Care is Private Pay or Private Insurance                                 

Higher Level of Care Can Involve Moving Out                                 

Pendants (Emergency Call Button) Not Offered                         

Typically No Pull Cords (Emergency Wall Cords)                               

Typically No Activities Director Employed                                                    

Activities are Typically Resident Led                                   

Typically No Transportation Vehicle for Errands/Appts.          

Meals are Resident’s Responsibility                                                                

Amenities Vary (Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness, Movie Theater)         

No Courtyards, but Walking Path                                                                    

Room Sizes Vary (Studio, 1, 2 & 3 Bdrms)                                                      

Typically a Full Kitchen (stove, fridge, microwave)                           

Typically, Patio and Balcony Options                                                              

Only Some Offer Free Internet/Cable                                                             

Land Line Resident’s Responsibility                                                                

Typically Offer Washer/Dryer Hookups                                                          

Housekeeping for Apartment is Resident’s Responsibility                               

Employs part/full-time Maintenance Dir.                                                      

Employs Monday-Friday Leasing Director                                                     

Typically No After-Hours Receptionist                                           

Typically Carports & Garages Offered                                                            

Does Not Offer a Salon                                                                                      

Secure Entries                                                                                                      

Most Pet Friendly                                                                                

Not Regulated by State Surveyors   

Independent Living Communities:

Avg. Range from $2250-4200

Community Fee Required – Non-Refund

Always a Second Person Occupant Fee Per Month

Possible Annual Rent Increase

Outside Agency Provides Medical Care, if needed

Medical Care is Private Pay or Private Insurance

Become Top of Priority List to “Sister Communities”

Typically Offers Pendants (some charge a minimal fee)

Typically Offers Pull Cords (Emergency Wall Cords)

Employs a Full-time Activities Director

Activities are Led by Activities Dir. or Resident Led

Employs a part/full-time Bus Driver for Errands/Appts.

Offers 3 meals per day (restaurant style)

Amenities Vary (Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness, Movie Theater)

Courtyards with Walking Path

Room Sizes Vary (Studio, 1 & 2 Bdrms)

Typically a Full Kitchen (stove, fridge, microwave)

Typically, Patio and Balcony Options

Typically Internet/Cable is Free

Land Line Resident Responsibility

Typically Most Offer Washer/Dryers

Employs part/full-time Housekeepers

Employs part/full-time Maintenance Dir.

Employs part/full-time Administration Team

Typically Employs After-Hours/Weekend Receptionist

Typically Carports & Garages Offered

Typically Offers a Salon for Hair & Nails

Secure Entries

Most Pet Friendly

Not Regulated by State Surveyors

There are several 55+ communities and independent living communities in the 417 land. How do you know which one to move into? That is where I can be a resource and guide for you or your family. I have a select few communities that I personally have interviewed, toured, sent clients to that would be a great fit for you, and that I only recommend.  

Please contact my company for a complimentary consultation.