Independent Living Options From
Meadows Retirement Community
located near Bloomington, IL and Normal, IL

Proactive activities and living conditions designed to promote care and independence are essential to the development of a good living mindset. Meadows Retirement Communities allows active, independent, older adults to live in a community of friends in a beautiful country setting. We have 44 homes that provide security, privacy, freedom, and companionship of community life.

View Our Independent Living Options

Independent Living Doesn't Mean Abandoning Your Active Lifestyle

Meadows retirement homes allow active, independent, older adults to live in a community of friends in a beautiful country setting. In addition, we offer the following services to suit your requirements. Meadows Retirement Communities is dedicated to providing personalized care with these offerings:

• Short-term Rehab
• Retirement Community near Bloomington IL
• Senior Living

Independent Living: What To Know

Independent living is a great option for seniors who are still able to perform daily functions with confidence and want to live  independently.  Independent living communities provide residents with the opportunity for companionship, activities and more. The independent living lifestyle offers residents a safe living environment, but with minimal assistance. Some services, such as housekeeping, meals, and laundry are also available, if desired. For those seeking housing for seniors 55 and older, independent living may be a great option.

What is the difference between independent living and other forms of senior living?

Generally speaking, independent living offers the most freedom of all senior care housing options. Other options, like assisted care or skilled nursing, are designed for seniors who require increased care and monitoring.

Residents in a nursing home require around the clock care and monitoring. They typically live with more complex health care conditions that require the assistance of a skilled nurse or a physical or speech therapist. Some require respiratory care services.

Will Medicare or Medicaid pay for independent living?

Medicare by itself pays for a limited amount of long-term supportive services. Medicare covers up to 100 days of care in a nursing home (skilled nursing facility) after you have spent three days in the hospital and as long as you need skilled care. Medicare will only pay for care in Medicare-certified skilled nursing facilities or through Medicare-certified home health or hospice agencies. It will never pay for care in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or in an assisted living facility (ALF).

Medicaid may help pay for home health care, nursing home and other long-term care services if you have low income and meet other eligibility requirements. 

• All states must cover home care services as part of their Medicaid programs for people who are over the age of 65, have a disability or are blind and whose ability to function requires home care (but not a nursing-home level of care).
• Medicaid will pay for the cost of a stay in a nursing home for people who need a nursing level of care. Medicaid nursing facility coverage includes services such as room and board, case management, skilled nursing care, therapy services and personal care. 
• All states have home and community-based service (HCBS) Medicaid waiver programs that help people stay in their homes or community-based settings. When you qualify for a home and community-based service waiver program, Medicaid will cover services that can help you stay at home or in community settings

Will the VA pay for independent living?

The VA does not pay for a veteran's rent, but it may pay for some of his or her extra required services, such as those needed in apartments for senior living. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides long-term care services to some eligible veterans through three national programs: VA nursing homes; state veterans’ homes; and community nursing homes that work with the VA. 

Veterans have to pay close attention, as the VA has grown increasingly strict on what it will cover and what it will not. The common pension program, referred to as "Aid and Attendance," is designed for veterans who require assistance with their activities of daily living and can be applied to whatever purpose the recipient desires and therefore towards assisted living rent, board or care services.

The VA’s recent new policy states that the VA will only count the cost of the room and board payment paid to such senior living facilities if the facility provides “custodial care," which is a much stricter definition than before. It means that a senior must need assistance with bathing, showering, dressing, eating, getting in and out of a bed or chair, and using the toilet before he can qualify for certain benefits.

What about seniors with special needs?

Apartments for senior living offered in independent living settings might not be appropriate for seniors with certain special needs, including mental and physical disabilities. While one of the primary benefits of independent living is the wide selection of apartments for seniors 55 and older, but those with special needs may require more intensive care or assistance.

Seniors with disabilities like epilepsy, autism, Down syndrome, dementia, Asperger's, and other chronic conditions might benefit more from  skilled nursing services we also offer.

Contact us today to learn more about our services & visit us today! 

Independent Living Options Near Bloomington, IL and Normal, IL
by Meadows Retirement Communities