Yes independent living is different from assisted. Independent is for those who do not need personal care, though it can be hired privately if needed, but who want their meals in a beautiful dining room, concierge services, activities in and outside of the independent living, a nice pool which assisted living never has, lovely communal living space outside your apartment, and no maintenance that a home has. Sumter Grande is gorgeous and five star Independent Living, and yes, expensive. You do retain all the benefits of The Villages.
Five star Assisted Living offers meals, activities, if in The Villages access to activities and amenities; but it also has the built in care so as you need assistance, you can pay more and increase it according to your needs. There is also nursing staff, built in rehab, and many care aides. The costs go up and up according to your needs and you can expect a 3-5% increase annually.
I am a licensed Assisted Living Administrator though not associated with any property. As I have said on this forum many times before, PLEASE look beyond the chandelier when you walk in and the beauty of the assisted living communities. Ask how long the Administrator has been there and how many they have had; how many nursing hours are provided a week; ratio of caregivers to residents; look at most recent State surveys, complaints and investigations; talk to residents and family members about their experiences; eat more than two meals there before making a decision; find out where their transportation will take you to and how far it goes; ask about their annual increases; find out about activities, live entertainment and outings; and check out the management company that is responsible for operations and how many times if any management companies have changed
|