The Cost of Senior Independent Living

You’re a senior, and you’re very independent. So, what’s the better option for you: aging at your home on your lonesome or in a living retirement community?

While the former might be more comfortable, it offers fewer benefits than the latter.

The experience of being part of a senior community can be life-changing; you’ll associate with fellow seniors, develop relationships, be active with social activities, and be supported by passionate and experienced staff members. The best part? You can do all this while still embracing your independence.

The only lingering concern hanging over the second choice is the cost of being part of a senior living community. The most important thing about the price is that it varies from person to person, depending on where they live in the country, what they want, their lifestyle choices and what’s available.

Therefore, understanding what an independent community is, what can impact the cost, and some average prices, can prove useful in your search for a senior living community.

What is an Independent Senior Living Community?

Independent living refers to seniors who can enjoy a carefree retirement without assistance for personal care, such as bathing, grooming, taking medication and generally looking after themselves.

Independent seniors are generally more active and healthy and can live on their own but wish to take advantage of the social opportunities and convenience offered by retirement homes. 

However, that is not to say that independent seniors don’t require help or assistance. They still might help from staff – anything from taking medications to mobile transportation – but their needs aren’t as great as those in assisted care situations. 

What Impacts the Cost of Senior Independent Living?

Location, Location, Location.

The old adage of “location, location, location” still rings true for retirement homes too. Where the home is located will affect the pricing for the accommodation and living facilities. Most notably, communities in high-end neighbourhoods will charge more, but you’ll also be living in a safer, more secure area.

The Level of Care Required

Seniors that require more support for their living arrangements might end up paying more for it. That’s the sad reality, but it’s just how the industry works. This can include anything from walking support and washing to fall prevention treatment and memory care. You’ll have to consider your health when considering places.

The Amenities of the Home

The area in which you have the most control. You can choose the amenities you want, which greatly affects the cost. Amenities can include:

• Type of residence (such as private or semi-private one-bedroom or two-bedroom)
• The number of residents (if you live with your spouse)
• Fees for pets
• Types of activities you participate in
• Concierge services
• Types of meals
• Private transportation

In most cases, these amenities will be included in your overall monthly cost. In others, you might have to pay for them out-of-pocket.

What’s the Average Cost of Senior Independent Living?

Having a baseline average of what senior independent living can cost you can help you find a place that works for your budget and lifestyle. Here is what our research told us:

• According to ComfortLife, “Across Canada, monthly fees range from $1,453 to $4,500 (and higher) on average”, but they state that price varies “on the size and location of the accommodations, the type of community, and the quality and number of amenities.”
• Where You Live Matters says that fees for “​​assisted living communities and independent living communities generally have a monthly rate that could range from $1,500 to $6,000.”
• A Place For Mom states that “depending on the location, community and amenity options, costs can range from $1,400 to $3,500 per month.”
• AssistedLiving.Org suggests similar amounts, stating that “​​living in an independent living community can cost from $1,500 to $4,000 a month.”

While these are just averages from reputable, resourceful websites, your best course of action is to set up an appointment with the retirement homes you wish to live in. Having a one-on-one meeting with the homes can give you insight into how much it will cost to live there. You can then work the numbers to see if you’ll get what you want in a retirement home.