10 Best Independent Living Communities in Asheville, NC

Independent living communities in Asheville are designed to provide general housing for seniors rather than the specialized care typically found at assisted living or memory care facilities.  As a result, long-term health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare do not cover the expenses associated with independent living, and residents often rely on personal, private funds to cover these costs.

However, Medicare and Medicaid can provide financial assistance to seniors to help cover the expenses of in-home health care services. Additionally, there are other financial options and benefits available to make independent living more accessible and cost-effective.

The following sections provide resources to help navigate private payment methods, veterans benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Because standalone independent living communities in Asheville are considered private residential arrangements meant to house healthy, independent adults, the state of North Carolina does not license or regulate them.

There are some general guidelines that standalone independent living communities in Asheville must follow, such as age requirements (55 and up) and rental and housing laws, including:

• Fair Housing Act: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability.
• Americans with Disabilities Act: Requires communities to meet certain accessibility requirements, such as having wheelchair ramps, handrails, and other features to accommodate residents with disabilities.
• North Carolina landlord-tenant laws: Requires independent living communities to comply with provisions regarding leases, security deposits, and eviction procedures.

Independent living communities in Asheville must also comply with health and safety regulations and disclosure requirements. Health and safety regulations require buildings to be up to code, common areas to be well-maintained, and emergency plans to be in place, while disclosure requirements ensure prospective residents receive certain disclosures about fees, services, and amenities.

Asheville independent living communities are subject to random inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations and housing codes. The City of Asheville Inspections Department is responsible for conducting these inspections, which include obtaining an occupancy permit before tenants can move in to verify that the property meets health, safety, and building standards. If tenants believe that there are any code violations or safety hazards, they can request inspections.

Permit information can be found on the City of Asheville website, and the Development Services Department can be contacted for specific inspection reports.

Regulations for combination independent living and assisted living facilities

Independent living communities that provide assisted living or memory care services are subject to various regulations to ensure that they provide safe, accessible, and comfortable living environments for residents. Some of our partners offer such care, so it’s important to understand the laws and regulations governing them.

For example, these Adult Care Homes, or assisted living residences in which 24-hour personal care services are provided to two or more residents, must be licensed by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), which sets standards for the staffing and services provided. The DHSR also performs yearly inspections to ensure those standards are being met in each facility. The DHSR website has a search function so people can easily find inspection reports.

At a minimum, assisted living facilities in North Carolina must have one staff member awake at all times to provide for residents’ needs. In addition, staff members must be trained in resident care, medication management, emergency procedures, effective communication, and more. These facilities are permitted to provide some health care, but not to the level of skilled nursing care.

To become a resident, a person must need assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing and dressing. Each resident is required to receive an individualized care plan to address their needs related to safety, health, daily activities, socialization, and more.

North Carolina Department of Health contact information

NC Department of Health and Human Services
2001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
Phone: 800-662-7030

COVID-19 regulations for Asheville independent living communities

Asheville, North Carolina has adapted to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by following guidance provided by the CDC and the state of North Carolina. Although there are no specific regulations for independent living facilities to follow in relation to COVID-19 in Asheville, the state regularly provides information and resources related to the pandemic.

The Buncombe County website also provides helpful answers to common questions related to the pandemic, including information about COVID-19 testing sites, vaccination clinics, and health guidelines.

Asheville offers a range of independent living communities for seniors, each with its own unique charm and amenities. This section provides a glimpse into Asheville life, highlighting not only unique features for independent living communities but also what it’s like to live in the area.

Amenities in Asheville’s independent living communities

Asheville’s independent living communities offer a wide variety of amenities to cater to the needs and preferences of its residents. Beyond the basic features of a safe and comfortable living environment, these communities go the extra mile to enhance residents’ quality of life. Many communities feature shared spaces like recreation centers, fitness centers, and swimming pools where residents can socialize, exercise, and relax. These amenities not only promote physical wellness but also create opportunities for residents to connect with one another and foster a sense of community. In addition, many independent living communities host community events, such as excursions to museums, cultural events, and more.

Meals and more

Most of our partner independent living communities offer meal programs and full-service dining rooms, providing residents with food options without having to leave the premises. This convenience can be especially valuable for seniors who may have mobility or transportation challenges. However, many communities also offer transportation services, taking residents to and from any outings including meals, appointments, social events, and errands. This can provide peace of mind for residents and their families, ensuring they can safely and conveniently get where they need to go.

Living close to nature

One of the highlights of independent living communities in Asheville is their proximity to nature. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. Seniors can also enjoy the area’s numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves, which are perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll.

A number of our partner independent living communities have nature trails right on the property for residents to explore and frequently take residents on excursions to the mountains and other outdoor areas. Surrounded by trees and fresh mountain air and within close distance to downtown, independent living in Asheville provides the perfect balance for residents who want to experience the great outdoors and vibrant city life.

Health care for seniors in Asheville

Transportation for seniors in Asheville

Asheville’s downtown area is pedestrian-friendly, and walking is the best way to explore the heart of the city. However, if seniors plan on venturing outside of downtown or to access the surrounding outdoor activities, having a car is necessary. While 100% of A Place for Mom’s independent living partners offer complimentary transportation and 50% offer at-cost transportation if you are exploring farther than their typical range, Asheville has plenty of public transportation options that seniors should still be aware of.

For seniors who need to utilize public transportation, Asheville Rides Transit (ART) bus services offer a free monthly bus pass for individuals aged 65 and older through Mountain Mobility. This service provides flexible travel options without the need for reservations. Seniors can also take advantage of the RIDE voucher program, which offers transportation services to elderly and disabled residents at a discounted rate.

To gauge the ease of getting around the city on foot, bike, or public transportation, Asheville’s walkability and public transportation scores can be helpful. These scores, which range from 0 to 100, are determined by the city’s transportation system, density, biking infrastructure, and walking routes.{{citation: 5}}

Senior activities in Asheville

Asheville is a thriving city that caters to the diverse interests of its senior population. Whether residents prefer to stay active outdoors or simply relax and socialize with friends, Asheville has a variety of activities to suit every interest and lifestyle.

Asheville’s breathtaking natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. The city’s location in the Blue Ridge Mountains and close proximity to the Smoky Mountains offers stunning mountain views, miles of hiking trails, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities.

Seniors can continue to explore the outdoors and stay active by joining the Green Thumb Garden Club or the Senior Hike Trail Club. Additionally, birdwatchers can join the Story Trail Bird Watching Club to discover and identify different species of birds in the area.

Asheville’s charm is not limited to the outdoors, though. The Folk Art Center and Lexington Glassworks offer a diverse collection of contemporary and modern art exhibitions, as well as art classes for seniors looking to explore their creative side. For those interested in history, the Carl Sandburg Home and Hendersonville Brewery Tour provide glimpses into the history and culture of the city.

Asheville’s many restaurants, cafes, and breweries offer opportunities for seniors to socialize and enjoy the local culinary scene. Whether it’s a coffee date with friends, a wine tasting, or a food tour, seniors can take advantage of everything Asheville’s food and drink culture has to offer.

Senior and community centers also provide a wide variety of engaging activities that seniors of all interests can find appealing. From art classes and bridge tournaments to woodworking and sports leagues, there is something for everyone. Explore some of Asheville’s popular senior and community centers below:

• Burton Street Community Center
• Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center
• Grove Street Community Center
• Harvest House Community Center
• Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
• Murphy-Oakley Community Center
• Stephens-Lee Community Center
• Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

Asheville is the perfect destination for seniors looking to explore and stay active, no matter their interests! The city offers a wide variety of attractions that can be tailored to suit any individual and many activities are accessible for those with disabilities. Just get in touch with each location before you plan to visit so they can accommodate accordingly.