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Independent Living in Utah

For seniors looking for a great place to retire, Utah should be high on the list. The outdoor recreation opportunities found in Utah’s beautiful national parks and the clean air quality are beneficial, and the state has a higher-than-average life expectancy. Utah is one of the top 10 places to retire, according to Kiplinger. These perks may be why 11.4% of the 3.2 million people who call Utah home are age 65 and older.

Independent living communities provide independence without assistance with the activities of daily living. They have perks like community activities, low-maintenance housing and occasional wellness checks. Independent living is ideal for Utah seniors who can take care of their daily living needs but want to enjoy an active, low-stress retirement.

The cost of assisted living in Utah is lower than average compared to both nearby states and the United States as a whole. Based on data from the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, seniors can expect to pay $2,310 a month for independent living communities in Utah.

This guide explores the costs of independent living in Utah, how seniors can pay those costs and resources they can use to encourage independence throughout their retirement years.

The Cost of Independent Living in Utah

Note: There is no definitive source of information regarding the cost of Independent Living in Utah; however, it’s about 30-40% less than Assisted Living per month. By taking Assisted Living costs from Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey for 2021 and subtracting 35%, we’ve estimated how much seniors will pay for Independent Living.

Utah has the least expensive Independent Living costs in the region, and it’s significantly cheaper than the national average of $2,925 per month. The three other states that make up the “Four Corners” – Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona – have average costs of $3,088, $2,924 and $2,600 per month, respectively. Wyoming, the least populous state in the nation, has a median price of $2,710 per month for Independent Living. Nevada’s average price is about $160 more than Utah’s and Idaho’s is about $220 more per month. 

In the cities of Utah where cost information is available, Independent Living costs are similar. Logan has the least expensive average in the state at $2,145 per month, but Salt Lake City averages just $7 a month more at a median price of $2,152. Provo, which is just south of Salt Lake City, has the highest Independent Living costs in the state at $2,402 per month. Near the border with Nevada and Arizona, the city of St. George has a median price of $2,275 per month for Independent Living. 

Salt Lake City

$2152

St. George

$2275

Provo

$2402

Ogden

$2381

Logan

$2145

Independent Living costs in Utah are very affordable compared to other types of senior living and care. This is one of the few states where Independent Living is less expensive per month than Adult Day Care. Assisted Living is about $1,200 more per month than Independent Living. In-Home Care costs an average of $5,625 per month, and Home Health Care costs about $100 more due to the light medical services it provides. Like all states, Nursing Home Care in Utah is the most expensive type of senior care at $7,178. 

Independent Living

$2275

In-Home Care

$5625

Home Health Care

$5720

Adult Day Care

$1939

Assisted Living Facility

$3500

Nursing Home Care

$7178

Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Utah?

Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Utah.

Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.

Paying for Independent Living in Utah

Independent living communities in Utah are typically more affordable than assisted living and nursing home services, but they still have a cost. Seniors have a number of options to help them pay for this type of living arrangement.

Because medical insurance does not cover independent living community costs, long-term care insurance may. Selling the senior’s home or using it as a rental home, then using those proceeds to pay for independent living costs, is another option. If a senior owns a home that other family members want to live in, a reverse mortgage can free up the funds for independent living.

To get more ideas about how to pay for independent living, visit the independent living guide.

Independent Living Resources in Utah

Utah seniors residing in an independent living community may need additional financial or healthcare assistance from time to time. Throughout the state, resources are available to assist seniors in these areas. Below is a list of the available resources that provide help to seniors and their caregivers to encourage independent living.

ResourceContactService
Utah Legal Services(801) 328-8891Utah Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income Utah residents, including many seniors living on a fixed income. Three offices located in Salt Lake City, Provo and St. George serve the entire state. Seniors can get help with Social Security and Medicare cases, housing problems, estate planning and guardianship cases through this program.
Utah Senior Health Insurance Program(800) 772-1213Seniors in Utah can contact the Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services to get free counseling about their Medicare health insurance choices. This counseling is through the Senior Health Insurance Program. SHIP counselors are unbiased and offer one-on-one counseling to help seniors find and utilize their Medicare benefits.
Utah Nutrition Program(801) 538-4171Through local senior centers and the Meals on Wheels program, the Utah Department of Human Service’s Nutrition Program ensures seniors get adequate food. Seniors can contact their local Area Agency on Aging to find out about nutrition programs in their areas or to request a nutrition assessment to ensure they're getting enough healthy foods.
Utah 211211Utah’s 211 hotline provides free, confidential help to anyone who calls. This program connects seniors and other needy Utah individuals with organizations and programs that can help them with their financial or healthcare needs.
Utah Area Agencies on Aging(801) 538-4171Seniors can connect with resources available to them in their local communities by connecting with the local Area Agency on Aging. The AAA provides help for seniors and their caregivers to understand their rights and take advantage of assistance programs that are open to them. Types of programs include nutrition assistance, transportation assistance, SHIP counseling, senior centers and utility assistance.
Utah Department of Veterans Affairs(801) 326-2372Seniors in Utah who served in the armed forces can get help and support through the Department of Veterans Affairs. This may include access to medical care, medical insurance, financial support and burial or insurance services.

Directory of Independent Living Facilities in Utah

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Independent Living in Utah

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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