Independent living
Independent living is housing for older adults who require no assistance with daily activities, typically studios or apartments with optional recreation, housekeeping and dining.[1] It is a housing choice rather than a care setting, so residents who later need personal care usually add home care services or move to assisted living.[2][4]
Definition
The California Department of Aging describes independent living communities, sometimes called retirement homes, as studios or apartments for people who require no assistance. These communities may feature recreational activities, housekeeping and meal options in a restaurant-style dining room, and may offer other services such as transportation.[1] Age-restricted senior communities, typically for adults 55 and older, are a related option in which residents live in apartments, condominiums, townhomes or cottages.[1]
Independent living versus assisted living
| Feature | Independent living | Assisted living |
|---|---|---|
| Help with daily activities | Not provided as part of the housing[1] | Personal care, medication help, 24-hour supervision[2] |
| California license | Not one of the CDSS senior care license types[5] | Residential Care Facility for the Elderly[1] |
| Typical payment | Private funds | Mostly private funds; limited Medicaid/Medi-Cal help in some states and counties[2][6] |
Regulation in California
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Senior Care Licensing Program licenses and monitors two types of senior settings: Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly and Continuing Care Retirement Communities.[5] State law defines an RCFE by the provision of care and supervision, protective supervision or personal care.[7] Housing that provides none of these is outside that definition, so families should ask any independent living provider which, if any, of its services are licensed. Many campuses combine an unlicensed independent living building with a licensed assisted living or memory care building; the licensed portion can be looked up in the CDSS facility search.[8]
Costs and payment
The CareScout Cost of Care Survey, the most widely cited national cost survey, covers home care, adult day health care, assisted living and nursing homes and does not publish an independent living median.[9] Medicare does not pay for housing or long-term custodial care.[3] Residents generally pay from personal funds such as savings, pensions or home-sale proceeds, which the National Institute on Aging lists as common sources for long-term care costs.[10]
When independent living stops being enough
If a resident starts needing regular help with bathing, dressing or medications, options include hiring home care in the apartment or moving to assisted living. In a CCRC, residents who can no longer live independently move to the assisted living section or receive home care in their independent living unit.[2]
Frequently asked questions
Is independent living the same as a 55+ community?
Not exactly. The California Department of Aging describes independent living communities as apartments for people who need no assistance, often with dining and housekeeping, while 55+ senior communities are age-restricted housing that may offer amenities such as a clubhouse or pool.[1]
Does Medicare pay for independent living?
No. Medicare does not pay for housing or long-term custodial care.[3]
Can I get care in independent living?
Yes. Residents can arrange home-based services such as personal care or home health; in a CCRC, residents sometimes receive home care in their independent living unit.[4][2]
See also
References
Web pages accessed September 28, 2026 unless noted. See sources and methodology.
- ^ "Determine the Best Housing Option For Me". California Department of Aging.
- ^ "Long-Term Care Facilities: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and Other Residential Care". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Long-term care (coverage page)". Medicare.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- ^ "Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Senior Care Licensing Program". California Department of Social Services.
- ^ "Assisted Living Waiver". California Department of Health Care Services.
- ^ "California Health and Safety Code §1569.2 (definitions, residential care facilities for the elderly)". California Legislative Information.
- ^ "Care Facility Search". California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Search tool.
- ^ "Cost of Care Survey 2025: national median costs". CareScout (formerly the Genworth Cost of Care Survey). Survey fielded July–November 2025.
- ^ "Paying for Long-Term Care". National Institute on Aging (NIH).