Understanding senior living options in Florida and the lifestyle and services each one provides is a journey.
Which offering is the right choice for you depends on many unique factors.
Whether you’re an active older adult looking to downsize, or you’re beginning to need support with daily living, understanding your choices can help you make a confident, informed decision. At Westminster Communities of Florida, the state’s largest non-profit system of continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, we’ve guided thousands of families through this journey—and we’re happy to offer this senior living overview.
What Is Independent Living?
Independent living is ideal for active seniors who want to live maintenance-free, while enjoying a vibrant lifestyle full of social opportunities, wellness programs, and enrichment activities. It’s about simplifying your life—not limiting it.
There are three common types of independent living options in Florida:
55+ Communities
These age-restricted neighborhoods are designed for older adults who are still completely independent but want a lifestyle that’s low-maintenance and social.
- Homes are often single-story or have main-floor bedrooms to support aging in place.
- Residents own their homes and pay an HOA fee for services and amenities.
- May include a clubhouse, walking trails, fitness rooms, and scheduled events—but no health care services.
Life Plan Communities (Also Known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRCs)
Life Plan Communities, like those offered by Westminster Communities of Florida, provide active, independent living with a continuum of health care within a single campus.
- Maintenance-free living in an apartment or villa, which residents do not own.
- Amenities may include restaurant-style dining, staffed fitness centers, lifelong learning, arts and crafts studios, and more.
- A one-time entrance fee secures priority access to assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care.
- A monthly service fee covers many or all utilities, housekeeping, transportation, and lifestyle amenities.
Life Plan communities are ideal for seniors who want peace of mind, knowing future care needs can be met without needing to relocate.
Rental Communities
Rental-based independent living offers many of the same lifestyle benefits—without the large entrance fee.
- Pay a monthly rental fee for your residence and included services.
- Some communities offer basic health support, transportation, and wellness programs.
- May not include long-term care or priority access to assisted living or skilled nursing.
Life Plan or Life Care? Understanding the Contracts
When considering a Life Plan Community, it’s important to understand the three main contract types. Westminster Communities of Florida offers a Type B contract, which balances affordability with access to care.
Type A – Life Care
- Entrance fee
- Monthly fee stays the same even if you move to assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing
- Ideal for those who want maximum cost predictability
Type B – Modified (Westminster’s model)
- Entrance fee
- Discounted rates for higher levels of care
- May include some days of care fully covered
- Monthly fee increases when you move to a higher level of care
Type C – Fee-for-Service
- Entrance fee
- No discounts or included days of care
- Pay full market rates when you transition to assisted living, memory care, or nursing care
Assisted Living vs. Senior Living: What’s the Difference?
While independent living is best for those who are still mobile and active, assisted living is designed for seniors who need help with daily tasks but don’t require full-time nursing care.
Assisted living may be the right choice if:
- You or your loved one needs help with bathing, dressing, grooming, or medication management
- Cooking, driving, or keeping up with the home is becoming difficult
- There are growing concerns about safety, memory, or isolation
Most assisted living communities offer:
- A private or semi-private residence
- Daily meals, housekeeping, and laundry
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) on-site or on call
- Scheduled activities, wellness programs, and social opportunities
- Optional access to memory care or Alzheimer’s/dementia support
Fees for assisted living are usually monthly, and based on the level of care needed. Some long-term care insurance or Medicaid programs in Florida may help cover costs.
We’re Here to Help
Choosing the right type of senior living is a big decision—but you don’t have to make it alone. For more than 70 years, Westminster Communities of Florida has helped active older adults live happy, healthy, and purposeful lives with a plan for the future.
As the state’s largest not-for-profit provider of Life Plan Communities, we offer:
- Independent living for active seniors
- Assisted living with compassionate, professional support
- Access to memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing
- Vibrant campuses across Florida, from the Gulf Coast to Central and North Florida
Whether you’re ready to move or just starting your research, our team is here to help you explore all your options—and understand the path that works best for you.
Visit WestminsterCommunitiesFL.org to learn more or schedule a tour of a community near you.
