Independent living emphasizes giving their residents opportunities for social interaction, access to healthy food, and the freedom to live their lives the way they want. Hence, they have fewer regulations and requirements compared to other long-term care centers. Read on to find out more about the age requirements for independent living in Fairway Park, SC, and how it is regulated.
What is Independent Living?
Independent living communities are catered for persons aged 55 and older. Housing options range from site-built suites to apartments and are typically designed with seniors in mind, being smaller and simpler to navigate and requiring no yard or maintenance work. An independent living community provides a range of services, including three daily meals, and housekeeping services.
Although some independent living communities do not have nurses and medical care, third-party healthcare services can readily be hired if needed. Many independent living communities provide their residents with services that enable them to interact in group activities. These social interactions lessen the symptoms of depression, which increases lifespan.
Age Requirements
Retirement communities must follow the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) to avoid getting sued for age discrimination. To qualify for the HOPA exemption, the community needs to be either:
- Occupied by people 55 years old or older
- Occupied by people 62 years old or older
- Designed and operated to accommodate seniors
55+ communities must fulfill all the following to qualify:
- Must publish and comply with the policies and procedures demonstrating they operate a 55+ community
- Must adhere to the HUD’s age verification requirements for its residents
- Minimum 80% of the community units must have at least one occupant who is 55 or older
If the HOPA requirements are met, the community can create its own rules of how they define age restrictions and just need to comply with the state laws. For example, they may require that all residents must be aged 55 or above.
Independent Living Facilities Regulations
The state issues licenses for retirement communities. These licenses usually only cover the nursing center and food service. Regulation levels and procedures for licensures vary across all states. Each community needs to have the necessary licenses to operate legally.
The department of health and/or social services conducts inspections semiannually or annually. Public health professionals, sanitarians, nurses, and social workers make up the inspection teams. The inspectors have the right to interview residents, team members, and even relatives. Resident assessments, meals, daily living activities, and housekeeping are used to monitor the quality of services and identify problems.
Financial transactions, records, and medical appointments may also be examined. However, independent communities with few services do not need to be regulated as they don’t require state licensing, so check the state’s regulations for more information.
Depending on the level of medical care offered, certain independent living communities are subjected to more regulations. The state will assess the communities that have been approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to make sure they abide by the Nursing Home Reform Act.
If you’re looking for a retirement community in Fairway Park, SC, schedule a tour with us to find out more about our Independent Living community!
