Find Independent Senior Living in Washington, DC

Independent living communities are quickly becoming one of the most popular options for retirement. Between keeping up with yard work and other chores around the house, there isn't always time to focus on what you'd like to achieve in your golden years. Independent living communities in DC provide you with an all-inclusive residential space complete with meal plans, laundry services, housekeeping, and plenty of amenities for recreation and your overall wellbeing. You'll meet like-minded, active peers and be able to spend time on the things you love in a studio apartment, townhouse, small cottage or any other housing options available. With so much flexibility, it's easy to see why independent living in DC is a great choice.

Find INDEPENDENT LIVING Facilities In WASHINGTON DC

Cost Comparisons of The District of Columbia's Independent Living

StateMonthly MinimumMonthly MaximumMonthly Median
Maryland$899$6,880$3,238
Virginia$795$3,800$2,181
Pennsylvania$900$9,570$3,555
New Jersey$2,000$5,355$3,371
Delaware$698$4,300$2,864

The District of Columbia has 6 independent living communities that have an average cost of $6,990 per month.

With each community offering its own unique amenities and services, costs will vary based on location, size, and the housing options available. In most every DC independent living community, you’ll find housekeeping and linen services, transportation, meal plans, and fitness centers, all included in your monthly payments. It is likely that your community will provide medical services, however, they often come at an additional cost. Here are a few prices found throughout Washington DC.

Recreation & Attractions in The District of Columbia

The Smithsonian Institution was chartered by Congress in 1846 and maintains most of the nation’s official museums and galleries in DC. Because of this, the Smithsonian and its collections allow these educational facilities to be open to the public for free. Besides the abundant art, history, and scientific displays, The National Zoo in Woodley Park is another great location to explore. Washington DC is also a national center for the arts with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts being home to the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington Opera, and the Washington Ballet. Clearly, there is more than enough history and culture to keep you occupied almost endlessly. 

Washington, DC's Climate, Geography & Culture

Washington, DC is located in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. East Coast and is bordered in the northwest by Montogermy County, Maryland, Prince George’s County, Maryland to the east, and Virginia in the south and west. The city has a total of 68.34 square miles, 7.29 square miles of which are water. 

Winters here are somewhat chilly and prone to light snow averaging 15.5 inches annually with temperatures around 38 degrees. Summers here can be hot and humid and an average of 80 degrees with an average humidity of 66%. Washington, DC is also prone to some violent storms called nor’easters, which also affect large portions of the East Coast. 

DC is home to the three branches of the United States’ government as well as many national monuments and museums. The district also hosts 176 foreign embassies and the headquarters of numerous international organizations, trade unions, non-profit organizations, lobbying groups, and professional associations. 

District of Columbia Independent Living Regulations and Laws

All rules and regulations of Washington DC independent living communities are overseen by The Office of Aging. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate safety and medical standards for all residents. Annual reports of are to be made public upon request, detailing any past violations and how they had been corrected. Never feel discouraged from airing your grievance if you think a violation has been made -- your safety and satisfaction are of utmost importance to your community and fellow residents. 

Crime & Safety in DC

Sperling’s Best Places ranked Washington, DC as being an 87 on a scale of 100 (1 being the lowest crime) for violent crime and 60 for property crime; the United States overall ranked 41 for violent crime and 44 for property crime. Through Washington, DC's many neighborhood watches, police departments, and crime stopping programs people in the community are working to reduce crime when possible. 

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Washington, DC12.451.83
United States3.826

(source: neighborhoodscout.com)

Payment Options for Washington, DC Independent Living

When considering how to pay for independent living in Washington DC, there are several options available. Although most people pay for this care type with their own private funds, pensions, or assets, there are several ways that you can make the expense easier on yourself and family. 

To start, U.S. veterans can receive financial benefits up to $1,644 as a single person or $1,949 if married. The surviving spouses of veterans are also eligible to receive up to $1,056 a month in assistance. If these methods are unavailable to you, consider Supplement Security Income (SSI).

Another popular independent living payment option is to start a senior living line of credit. This can allow up to $50,000 of unsecured credit that is payable directly to your independent living community. Since there is usually no collateral required and the repayment options are flexible, many are choosing this option to pay for their long-term care choice. 

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in DC

Generally speaking, all residents reserve the right to participate in their own medical care and financial matters. It's especially true that you will retain your rights afforded by the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights while living independently in Washington, DC. If you believe that your rights have been violated, don't hesitate to reach out to a lawyer familiar with elder law. 

For assistance in learning about and exercising your rights, you can review the District Ombudsman provided by AARP for more details. 

Washington, DC Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Residents of independent living communities or those who have received formal medical care can access their records for up to a minimum of 10 years. State and federal HIPAA laws ensure that these records are confidential and can only be accessed by you and your healthcare provider. This is private information and should be respected by your independent living community. Don't ever feel pressure to release your medical information without proper documentation or authorization. To receive your records, submit a request via your healthcare provider or physician and you should receive a response within 30 days. 

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.