What Is the Best Way to Research Independent Living Options: Including Ratings and Costs?
Category: Life Care or CCRC
April 12, 2025 — Steve S. asked us a question we know a lot of people have: “What Is the Best Way to research Independent Living housing and see ratings and costs?” The same question might apply to Assisted Living and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs – or Life Care Communities). We asked Chatgbt the question, and they instantaneously came up with a very good answer. Here goes:
Researching Independent Living housing—especially for yourself or a loved one—can feel overwhelming, but a structured approach makes it much easier. Here are some practical steps and tips for gathering accurate info on options, ratings, and costs:
The primary rating system for independent and assisted living communities is the Five-Star Quality Rating System developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). While this system is primarily for nursing homes, it can provide some insights into the quality of care in assisted living facilities. Additionally, states often have their own rating systems or regulations that can help families evaluate facilities
Here is the link to their Comparison Tool.
Step-by-Step Guide to Researching Independent Living Housing
1. Clarify Your Priorities
Before diving into listings, ask:
- Preferred location(s)?
- Budget range?
- Must-have amenities (e.g., dining, transportation, activities)?
- Medical services on-site or nearby?
- Age or income qualifications?
Comments on "What Is the Best Way to Research Independent Living Options: Including Ratings and Costs?"
Steve S says:
Hi John
It's under the influence from your website that I moved to Lewes, DE although now I'm living in Swanville ME!
Something I learned that might be of interest -- if you google Independent Living with no buy in fees in the state you want to live in, you can find places that don't charge what I consider to be very expensive rights to live in their development - some well over $1 million - though they sometimes give you a credit if you need a higher level of care or move out.
As I get older, I think about living in Independent living developments though my visits to a few have left me a little shocked since I'm pretty active and don't feel like I want to eat 3 meals a day with strangers and I'm not drooling yet...
Some of the sites like A Place for Mom are very aggressive and your phone will ring quite often if you give them your phone number.
I'm happy that you were able to use my question for the site and I'll keep an eye on it. Thank you.
Steve S
John says:
One of the things I am wrestling with is are there good options for being a snow bird and living in a ccrc or life are community. While we can still travel easily it would be great to enjoy the best of both worlds. Balance that against the expense. Some places might not charge for the food component while we are away. Anyone have any ideas on this ?
Patricia says:
I was told by one independent living recruiter that I would not want to dine with assisted living folks, and that his community has two different campuses, one for independent living and one for assisted living, which were across the street from one another. Another place I found had different dining rooms for independent living and assisted living. I just keep it simple by not looking at a combined location, and there seem to be options for just residing with others who chose independent living residences only.