Independent Living
Independent living communities in Los Angeles provide housekeeping, meals and social activities but no supervision or medical care.
What Are Independent Living Communities?
Independent living senior communities are housing designed for seniors 60 and older who want the amenities of a full senior living facility but do not have care needs. Individuals live in their own apartments and get housekeeping, social activities, dining, transportation, and more. The only thing that differentiates an independent living resident from one considered assisted living is that they do not require any care.
Most independent living communities in the Los Angeles area also are assisted living facilities, sometimes with separate living areas but frequently mixed. Having an RCFE assisted living license allows a senior living community to provide basic care to residents who may be largely independent, but may require minimal assistance like medication management or standby shower assistance – two of the most common early needs. In this way, a person does not need to move as they age if they require additional oversight.
Senior living experts like Sarah and her team at Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles are all local to the area and will help you evaluate them all – sharing pricing, RCFE licensing information, amenities, clientele, strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice for your loved one.
Among the stand-out’s scattered around the greater LA area are Kingsley Manor in Hollywood, The Watermark at Westwood Village, Fairwinds in West Hills, The Village at Sherman Oaks and The Variel in Woodland Hills. The only stand-alone independent living building left in Los Angeles is Palm Court in Culver City.
For those who are set on moving to an independent living community, care services may be available on-site provided by independent care agencies, often co-located on the property. Residents contract with them separately and pay them directly. The facility is not involved in the management or administration of these caregivers. It is akin to hiring a home health aide.
Why Should Someone Move to Independent Living?
As your loved one ages, they often become increasingly isolated. Spouses and friends may have died. Neighbors, family and the folks they have hung out with have moved away. Children are busy. Perhaps the senior is unable to drive anymore so activities outside the home are limited. We see too many older adults spending most of their time at home watching television and feeling depressed.
Social isolation is the number one cause of physical and mental decline. Engagement is key to keeping the mind active and the body moving. Even if your loved one is not particularly social, it's greatly beneficial to a seniors quality of life to have a sense of community.
The same holds true with activities. We often hear "my dad is not going to do any activities." But you'd be surprised at how many of our clients step outside their comfort zone to participate in at least some group activities, even if it is only going to a weekly concert.
It is our experience that your loved one should move before they need care. Often families wait too long before looking at senior living communities for their loved one. Being active and making friends will help delay the onset of medical and cognitive conditions. It also will allow the person to better establish relationships that can last through any decline that may occur.
How Much Does Independent Living in Los Angeles Cost?
An independent living community's cost varies based on many factors, and how your senior prioritizes them. Property location, apartment size, amenities and more all play a part, so it’s important to compare actual costs before making this important decision. You can find everything from studios to full two-bedroom apartments with kitchens. Two-three meals/day are included, as is housekeeping, transportation to doctors and activities. Some independent senior living options require an up-front fee, with monthly service fees, and others are simply month-to-month. Prices start at about $3,200/month for a simple studio in Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley to $12,000/month for a two-bedroom in one of the top-tier, luxury communities on the Westside.
Is Independent Living Right for my Loved One?
We have a bias towards the independent/assisted living model of senior living communities instead of independent-only buildings. As time passes, your seniors' care needs will evolve. It’s beneficial to all to find a community that is the best for your loved one today - and in the future.
While someone may enter a residence without requiring any assistance, there are very few individuals over the age of 85 that do not need some sort of help, especially once they are dependent on a cane or walker. The Center for Disease Control reports 81% of injuries in the bathroom for seniors occur because of slips and falls during bathing and showering. Living in a building where caregivers are on-call in case of an emergency can greatly enhance quality of life for both the elder and his or her family.
Frequently Asked Questions About LA Independent Living
- Are apartments furnished? No, when you move into an independent living property it is as though you are moving into an apartment. You bring your furniture, and everything you need to make your place your home. We highly recommend bringing those items that are most cherished such as art, photos, a favorite chair - anything that evokes "home."
- Is Independent Living the same as a 55+ community? Independent Living Communities are different from 55+ Communities. Independent living communities cater to older adults who want to rid themselves of the day-to-day routine of keeping up a house, offering dining, housekeeping, and social activities in support of a hassle-free lifestyle. In contrast, 55+ communities are age-restricted neighborhoods designed for adults aged 55 and older, focusing on leisure activities with amenities like golf courses, fitness centers, and hobby clubs, but without necessarily providing any home-making services. You use a company like ours if you are looking for independent living. A regular realtor can help you find a 55+ community.
- Are there kitchens? Some places have full kitchens but most have kitchenettes, units with everything except a stove.
- Are there any communities with pools? There are a few communities that have swimming pools in Los Angeles but because of space limitations, the numbers are minimal. We'd be happy to tell you about communities with the best amenities in Los Angeles.
- Do I have to sign a lease? Most senior living communities in the Los Angeles area operate on a month-to-month basis. No long term lease is required. The resident only is required to give 30 or 60 days notice depending on the location.
Los Angeles has so many options, you don’t have to make this important decision alone. Check out our blog on the top LA communities and let the experts at Assisted Living Locators help you determine what's best for your loved one. Call us for help at no-cost to you.
There are over 2000 board and care homes in the Greater LA area. Knowing which ones are good is the job of Assisted Living Locators.
Many people don't need to leave home, but do need assistance with daily activities like shopping, cleaning, and health care. It's important to find someone you trust to help.