Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Another post reminded me. In independent living, you had to pay someone if you needed someone to check on you. My mom was paying about $30 a day for a check-in who dropped in to make sure meds were taken and my grandma could get up and walk. Sometimes she had arthritic troubles getting out of her chair during the last year of her life.

My mom visited about 4-5 days a week so this person was an extra daily contact.

Well yes because the definition of independent living is that you don't need any extra outside help on a daily basis. If you need someone to ensure you take your meds, you must pay for that (if the facility themselves will even provide it---many require you to go to assisted living for that).

Then what makes it different from just a plain 'ol apartment?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Another post reminded me. In independent living, you had to pay someone if you needed someone to check on you. My mom was paying about $30 a day for a check-in who dropped in to make sure meds were taken and my grandma could get up and walk. Sometimes she had arthritic troubles getting out of her chair during the last year of her life.

My mom visited about 4-5 days a week so this person was an extra daily contact.

Well yes because the definition of independent living is that you don't need any extra outside help on a daily basis. If you need someone to ensure you take your meds, you must pay for that (if the facility themselves will even provide it---many require you to go to assisted living for that).

Understood. My grandma stayed in independent living because it was home-like. Schedule and room under your control. Carpets vs. linoleum. All of the residents were lucid, etc.

The point is, it's very expensive for that little bit of extra help that keeps you from feeling like you live in a hospital.

My grandmother lived there for 6 years and died close to 101. It was worth it.

yes, if you have the money, $900/month extra to stay in IL is a good idea.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP. Another post reminded me. In independent living, you had to pay someone if you needed someone to check on you. My mom was paying about $30 a day for a check-in who dropped in to make sure meds were taken and my grandma could get up and walk. Sometimes she had arthritic troubles getting out of her chair during the last year of her life.

My mom visited about 4-5 days a week so this person was an extra daily contact.

Well yes because the definition of independent living is that you don't need any extra outside help on a daily basis. If you need someone to ensure you take your meds, you must pay for that (if the facility themselves will even provide it---many require you to go to assisted living for that).

Understood. My grandma stayed in independent living because it was home-like. Schedule and room under your control. Carpets vs. linoleum. All of the residents were lucid, etc.

The point is, it's very expensive for that little bit of extra help that keeps you from feeling like you live in a hospital.

My grandmother lived there for 6 years and died close to 101. It was worth it.

Anonymous wrote:PP. Another post reminded me. In independent living, you had to pay someone if you needed someone to check on you. My mom was paying about $30 a day for a check-in who dropped in to make sure meds were taken and my grandma could get up and walk. Sometimes she had arthritic troubles getting out of her chair during the last year of her life.

My mom visited about 4-5 days a week so this person was an extra daily contact.

Well yes because the definition of independent living is that you don't need any extra outside help on a daily basis. If you need someone to ensure you take your meds, you must pay for that (if the facility themselves will even provide it---many require you to go to assisted living for that).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If they need special diets, make sure that will be accommodated if there are communal dining hall meals included in the fees.

My grandma needed a low salt diet and the communal menus at her place did not have special meal options. Of course she could have skipped some parts of the meal, but that is difficult. And food costs were not opt-out, although she had a kitchenette.

You would think a low-salt option would be common for seniors.

It should be. I'd run fast from any facility that can not accommodate basic food allergies/dietary needs. As many people require that. Low salt should be a given at a retirement home

My mother is in a rental rather than buy-in independent living. 2 meals are included, as is weekly cleaning and maintenance. There are busses to grocery stores and activities, and a lot of on site activities.

She pays heat, cable/internet, renters insurance, plus some groceries, and of course personal spending. She spends very little.

PP. Another post reminded me. In independent living, you had to pay someone if you needed someone to check on you. My mom was paying about $30 a day for a check-in who dropped in to make sure meds were taken and my grandma could get up and walk. Sometimes she had arthritic troubles getting out of her chair during the last year of her life.

My mom visited about 4-5 days a week so this person was an extra daily contact.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If they need special diets, make sure that will be accommodated if there are communal dining hall meals included in the fees.

My grandma needed a low salt diet and the communal menus at her place did not have special meal options. Of course she could have skipped some parts of the meal, but that is difficult. And food costs were not opt-out, although she had a kitchenette.

You would think a low-salt option would be common for seniors.

You would think. I believe they were having trouble keeping a cook and support chefs. It was a very nice building though. And still solvent. My grandma passed 9 years ago.

Read the contract and ask questions. Is housekeeping, laundry service included?

What about extra activity fees?

Transportation-wise: some have a bus that leaves at set times. Other elders may use access a ride or other elder transport. Some use uber.

Fees will go up annually. Generally, money from a house sale will cover many years. It is not a bad way to live. But when they need more care, or aides, that can get costly.

Anonymous wrote:If they need special diets, make sure that will be accommodated if there are communal dining hall meals included in the fees.

My grandma needed a low salt diet and the communal menus at her place did not have special meal options. Of course she could have skipped some parts of the meal, but that is difficult. And food costs were not opt-out, although she had a kitchenette.

You would think a low-salt option would be common for seniors.

Find out whether internet is included. What about cleaning? How many meals do they have?

Do buses take them grocery shopping?

If they need special diets, make sure that will be accommodated if there are communal dining hall meals included in the fees.

My grandma needed a low salt diet and the communal menus at her place did not have special meal options. Of course she could have skipped some parts of the meal, but that is difficult. And food costs were not opt-out, although she had a kitchenette.

In laws want to sell their home and move into an independent living facility. I am concerned they are making the decision too quickly. Looking at the costs, there is a flat fee and a few items like trash disposal (which apparently you don't have to pay if you take out your own trash). However, I assume they will need renters insurance? They hope to get rid of their car and the place says they will take them to doctor's appointments but I wonder if that is usually reliable or if they will need to take some sort of cab or car service.

If you are familiar with Independent Living facilities, what hidden costs may we not be thinking about?