Independent Living Communities in Michigan

For older adults still able to carry out their normal routine but who enjoy the added benefit of receiving care as needed, independent living communities in Michigan are a great choice. This senior care type allows individuals to maintain their unique lifestyles in environments devoted to social enrichment and their overall well-being. Although each location varies, seniors are sure to find a range of amenities and opportunities for recreation, complete with housekeeping and other maintenance services. Whether it's a studio apartment, a small cottage and anything in between, independent living is quickly becoming one of the most popular long-term care options for seniors in Michigan.

Find INDEPENDENT LIVING Facilities In MICHIGAN

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Cost Comparison of Michigan Independent Living 

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Clinton Township $2,000 $2,975 $2,542
Farmington Hills $1,690 $2,250 $1,970
Fort Gratiot $637 $1,174 $906
Riverview $2,525 $2,705 $2,615
Rochester Hills $2,450 $2,625 $2,538

Michigan has 201 independent living communities with the average cost of $2,190 per month. 

When trying to find independent living communities in Michigan a good place to start is by comparing costs. Each community will have unique amenities and services, but your monthly payments provide access to the main features. With housekeeping, transportation services, fitness centers, and meal plans being the standard, you’ll be able to find a community that fits your personality and budget. Independent living in Michigan varies in cost based on location, size, and the housing options available.

Recreation & Attractions in Michigan

Michigan has so much to offer residents with beautiful places such as Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Belle Isle Park, R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Holland Harbor Light, and Grand Island National Recreation Area. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has a huge forest, beaches, and dune formations. Belle Isle Park is the largest owned island park with many features such as an aquarium, conservatory, museum, yacht club, zoo, and more.

R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is the home of all kinds of transportation on display. The Holland Harbor Light is a big lighthouse nicknamed Big Red and Grand Island National Recreation Area has a beautiful forest and is located on Lake Superior. It is a great spot for hiking, fishing, and biking.

Michigan's Climate, Geography & Culture

The average temperature for Michigan is 48 degrees with an average high of 57 degrees and a low of 39 degrees. The temperature is in the 30s during winter with heavy snowfalls and cloudy days, which are not uncommon in Michigan. Annually, Michigan receives 32 inches of rainfall and 51 inches of snowfall. In the Southern areas, heavy thunderstorms are common while Michigan’s tornado season begins during the late spring and early summer. The spring and fall temperatures are usually between the 40s-70s, and the summer temperatures are usually between 70 and 80 degrees.

Michigan is known historically as one of the United States' most industrious states. Before the recession, Detroit was made famous for car manufacturing for the Big Three, General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Since then, the state has been busy retooling its economy to remain at the forefront of auto manufacturing in the U.S. Of course, we couldn’t talk about Michigan’s culture without mentioning their music scene, namely the Motown sound that was born in Detroit. This musical movement played an important role in racial integration through popular music. Michigan residents are typically modest, hard working, and resilient.

Michigan Independent Living Regulations and Laws

All rules and regulations of Michigan independent living communities are overseen by The Department of Human Services. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate health, safety, and medical standards for each and every resident. Upon request, these reports are to be made available to the public, detailing any past violations and the steps taken to correct them. Your safety and satisfaction are of utmost importance to your community and fellow residents, so never feel discouraged from airing your grievance if you think a violation has been made. 

Crime & Safety in Michigan

Sperling’s Best Places ranked Michigan 50 out 100 (1 being the lowest amount of crime) for violent crime and 42 out 100 for property crime; the United States ranked 41 out 100 for violent crime and 44 for property crime. The Crime Prevention Association, neighborhood watches, crime stoppers, and police departments all aim to reduce and prevent crime. They provide information and safety tips for community members in order to for them to be prepared.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Raisin Township0.271.59
Kinross Township0.521.55
Gaines Township0.002.55
Thetford Township0.442.50

(source: safewise.com

Payment Options for Michigan Independent Living 

Medicaid and Medicare do not cover independent living costs, so it is usually necessary to consider different methods of payment if you cannot pay for this care privately. 

Firstly, U.S. veterans can receive up to $1,644, or as much as $1,949 a month as a married couple. If a spouse survives their veteran, they may also be eligible to receive around $1,056 monthly. 

The next option is to collect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you are a U.S. citizen over the age of 65. You are required to have a disability (including blindness), support dependents, or don't already receive a sustainable income. The average amount comes to around $733 a month. 

Another option is to open a senior living line of credit, allowing you to use up to $50,000 of unsecured credit payable directly to your independent living community. In most cases, the repayment terms are very flexible and there is little to no collateral required, making this option popular among seniors looking for independent living in Michigan. 

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in Michigan

Your rights as a U.S. citizen afforded to you by the Constitution still apply no matter what senior care type you choose. If you believe that these rights have been violated, it may be in your best interest to contact an elder law professional. For assistance in learning about and exercising your rights, you can review the Michigan Ombudsman

MI Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

State and federal HIPAA laws require all resident records and medical reports of services provided on community grounds are recorded, maintained and available to residents in a timely manner. Don't feel pressured to release or share these documents without proper authorization. Depending on the nature of your inquiry, you may request to obtain copies or the original version of your medical records. In Michigan, your records will be held at their respective facilities for up to 7 years after you've been discharged.  

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.