What is Independent Living?
Independent Living has become a term used to describe housing options for older adults who need little or no on-going assistance to remain living independently in their own homes.
What are Those Independent Living Housing Options?
There are five basic categories:
Congregate Housing
This type of housing is basically the same as a type of housing called Multi-Unit Assisted Housing With Services . Generally, congregate housing refers to an apartment complex exclusively for older adults where supportive services are available, including the opportunity for residents to have at least one meal a day in a central dining area. Services vary from facility to facility. Some may have a part-time social worker on staff to help arrange needed services; some may arrange for local providers of services to visit on a limited basis. This type of housing may be either subsidized or private pay. For some residents, this type of housing does represent Independent Living. Services are available but do not have to be used. Residents who live in congregate housing that offers a multitude of services of which they take advantage, could be identified as living in a "Multi-Unit Assisted Housing With Services" facility which is congregate housing as well.
North Carolina has a service that will help seniors identify suitable housing.
Additionally, your local aging agency may have a list of suitable adult housing. Contact their Information and Referral Specialist for personalized assistance.
Living in the Community Without Assistance
Everyone is familiar with this independent housing option. Older adults buy or rent homes in a community and interact with their neighbors as they have always done. Some seniors may live with other family members or friends. This is still considered living in the community without assistance.
Living in the Community With Assistance
The independent living housing option for older adults who need some assistance is the option to live at home with limited outside assistance and/or with a caregiver's assistance. Community services such as Meals on Wheels or In-Home Aide Service can be brought to the home and, often, a caregiver oversees all assistance. Levels of care needed vary from individual to individual. Regardless of the level of care needed, being able to successfully continue to live in the community is considered "independent living".
Other Housing Options
Elderly Apartments, Public Housing, Subsidized Housing, Section 8 Vouchers, Adult Communities, Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, & Shared Housing are all various types of available housing. For definitions of these options and information on how to access these types of housing, go to the Full Circle of Care caregiver website, our sister site .
Intertwining lives, Intertwining services
| If you need help locating any of these types of housing in your county or understanding eligibility, contact your local aging agency. |
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