Self-sufficiency

Independent living facilities allow residents to live autonomously while help is readily available.

Independent living communities are senior-exclusive communities that allow residents to maintain their independence while allowed the option to call outside agencies, such as home health care companies, if assistance is needed.

Independent living allows residents to be self-sufficient while providing them with social and fitness activities, as well as safety and security. Communities may consist of single-family residences, apartments or condominiums. Many of these communities offer amenities such as light housekeeping, laundry, scheduled meals, home maintenance, landscaping and transportation.

Independent living residents generally are in good health, can perform daily living activities such as bathing, grooming and dressing, and enjoy an active lifestyle. For example, Atria Senior

Living in Lady Lake is a facility just a mile or so from The Villages and all of the recreational, entertainment and shopping opportunities that the 55-plus community has to offer.

On campus, Atria provides fitness and learning opportunities, chef-prepared dining and social events, and 24-hour support from a professional staff if necessary.

Many independent living facilities are part of health-care campuses that offer other services on the spectrum of senior care. People who require assistance with daily tasks may want to consider an alternative to independent living. For example, Atria Lady Lake also provides assisted living facilities and a program called Life Guidance, an approach to memory care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, according to the Atria website.

INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITIES

Atria Lady Lake

352.775.1308

The Willows of Wildwood

352.430.0076

Lake Ridge Village

352.329.3503

Waterman Village

352.383.0051

Sumter Senior Living

352.653.2232

Insurance Coverage

Residential and custodial costs for independent living are paid for out-of-pocket. Medicare and Medicaid typically do not cover independent living expenses. Monthly housing rates vary widely by community; residents often have the choice of buying or renting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers programs for low-income seniors.

THINKING LONG-TERM CAN HELP WITH COSTS

Unlike traditional health insurance, long-term care insurance is designed to cover long-term personal and custodial care in a variety of facilities and settings, including home.

“The most important thing about long-term care insurance is for people to start early and when they are healthy,” says Robert Whitaker, insurance agent for Michael Whitaker and Associates in The Villages. Robert conducts seminars on the cost of home care, assisted living and nursing homes—he strives to make people aware of different options available.

For many people, that could mean purchasing a long-term care insurance plan between ages 50 and 60. Policies cost less when purchasers are younger. A policy can supplement retirement funds that could be drained prematurely by an expensive assisted living facility, for example.

Long-term care plans reimburse policyholders a daily amount (up to a pre-selected limit) for services and activities of daily living. The cost is based on: how old you are when you buy the policy; the maximum amount that a policy will pay per day; and the maximum number of days (or years) that a policy will pay.

Costs in 2019 increased slightly over the previous year. A couple in their mid-50s can expect to pay an annual premium of just over $3,000 for a potential combined benefit of more than $770,000 in coverage should they begin needing care at age 85.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” policy. Before deciding on a policy, talk with a professional and request information on the insurance company’s premium rate history.

Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance