Finding the best senior independent living community in Central Virginia for you or your loved one!

From Richmond to Charlottesville and everywhere in between, our senior living advisors are here to guide you in your search for the right independent living.

What is independent living?

Independent living communities (IL) are residential options for older adults to live independently while enjoying all the amenities. 

From studio apartments to stand-alone cottages, they're designed to feel like a private residence without all the hassle of homeownership (i.e., essential utilities, landscaping, and maintenance). In addition, independent living offers residents a safe living environment with access to minimal assistance if they need it. 

More and more seniors are opting to move into ILs long before they need the care to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle while planning for the future.

What are the benefits of independent living?

  • Designed for active older adults, usually 55 and up.

  • Can be located in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) to provide resources and assistance in the future. 

  • Provide residents convenient access to amenities such as medical care, dining, housekeeping, laundry, entertainment, and social activities.

Independent living: Retirement Communities VS. CCRC

What's the difference? Which is the right one for you or your loved one?

An independent-living apartment or cottage is usually located in either a retirement community or a CCRC (continuing care retirement community).

A retirement community is a residential community or housing complex designed for older adults who can generally care for themselves. Many communities will allow home health to come in and assist. If more care is needed, the resident would generally move to an assisted living or hire outside help for their care needs. 

A CCRC offers IL, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and long-term care so residents can move through various levels of care while remaining in the same community.

Making the decision that is right for you or your loved one depends on many different factors; current health condition, location, budget, etc. At Benchmark Senior Solutions, we can help you determine which setting is the best fit to meet your needs.

What a great find Whitney was for me and my family. Navigating senior living is one of the most difficult things you will do and there are very little resources available to you for caring for a loved one with dementia. Whitney has been fantastic through this whole process. She's been responsive on our time not just working banker's hours. She's knowledgeable of centers and how they work and teaches you the right questions to asks and what to look for. She does all of the leg work for you. I just can't say enough great things about Benchmark Senior Solutions. If personalized help with someone who truly cares about you and your loved one and is respectful of your financial budget, you won't be disappointed.

– Tina G.

Do you want to learn whether an independent living community is the right option for you or your loved one?

With a combined 35+ years of clinical and operational experience in the senior living industry throughout Virginia, we can help you with your search!