10 Best Independent Living Communities in Naples, FL

Seniors can pay for independent living using several different methods, such as private income streams and VA benefits. However, independent living communities are not covered by long-term care insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare.

In this section, you’ll learn more about which payment methods you can use to fund independent living. You’ll also learn how programs such as Medicare and Medicaid can be used to pay for health care costs in independent living.

Stand-alone independent living communities are subject to the same state and federal laws as rental properties and senior apartments. In addition, tenants are protected under the Fair Housing Act, which protects renters and home-buyers from discrimination; the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which protects people from discrimination during the credit application process; and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development lists all Florida tenants’ rights and protections on its website.

However, stand-alone independent living communities aren’t licensed because they aren’t classified as care facilities. More than 60% of our partner independent living facilities in Naples are part of larger care communities, such as assisted living or memory care. If they aren’t stand-alone, independent living communities must follow the same licensing regulations the rest of the facility follows.

Florida’s Department of Health is in charge of licensing and inspecting care facilities. Facilities are inspected before opening and then every two years. Inspectors examine the following factors:

• Staff and patient ratios
• Staff training
• Resident care plans
• The number of registered nurses on staff
• And more

Inspection reports can be found online on the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration website.

Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Naples independent living communities

Naples doesn’t currently have city-wide ordinances related to COVID-19. However, it does recommend people and businesses follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These general guidelines include:

With its subtropical climate, Naples is a wonderful option for independent seniors who want to spend time in or around water. All of our partner communities have a swimming pool. However, if you prefer to explore, Naples also has plenty of beaches, golf clubs, and opportunities to boat or fish.

Independent living amenities and services

Independent living facilities in Naples have plenty of amenities and services designed to make your life easy and stress-free. In terms of services, independent living communities provide dining options, housekeeping, and maintenance so you can spend more time doing what you love. As for independent living amenities, you’ll surely enjoy the swimming pools, fitness centers, game rooms, movie theaters, and arts and crafts centers at some of our partner facilities.

Peace of mind at any stage of life

Many people who are thinking about independent living are also considering what care they’ll need down the line. Luckily, more than 60% of our partner facilities in Naples are combined with other care communities that provide higher levels of health care.

For example, three of our partners offer a combination of independent living and assisted living, and three more offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care. These facilities are a smart option for those who want to avoid moving to a new place when they need additional support and health care.

Luxury living

Naples has a higher cost of living than other cities in Florida. With that higher cost of living comes an abundance of luxury features, such as nearby fine dining and high-end shopping. So, whether you like one-of-a-kind, upscale boutiques or stores with designer brands, there are plenty of options for you to indulge.

Our partner independent living facilities make it easy to get around Naples since all of them offer free transportation, and 56% offer it at-cost. Depending on where you want to go, there are other ways to get around, too.

According to Walk Score, Naples’ walkability is only 35 out of 100.^[05] This means you will need to use vehicles to run most daily errands. A walk score is based on public density, walking routes, biking routes, and public transportation. There are a few walkable neighborhoods, however, including Old Naples, Lake Park, and Sun Terrace.

Beyond driving, there are a few other options to get around the city:

• Naples has scattered bike lanes in some of the busier areas.
• Collier Area Transport (CAT)  is the local transportation network, offering 19 routes throughout the county.
• Naples Bay Water Shuttle serves Naples’ waterfront and operates between some popular dining and shopping spots.

For those who need assistance, CAT’s bus system is fully accessible. It also offers door-to-door paratransit called CATConnect for those who meet Americans with Disabilities Act eligibility requirements. Application information for CATConnect is available online.

Naples is a haven for those who love spending time outside. With sun-soaked beaches and year-round balmy weather, this town has everything you’d expect from a seaside community. Some of the main activities revolve around outdoor points of interest; for instance, Lowdermilk Beach has pretty beach-front parks, and Naples Pier is the perfect place for a stroll. Water-focused activities are also popular. For example, you can view Florida’s famous waterways by boat.

Beyond its beaches, Naples has expansive outdoor areas to explore. Whether it’s Naples Preserve’s famous butterfly garden or the 21-acre Nature Center, there are several options to explore Florida’s flora and fauna by foot or by boat. You can also take a trip to the botanical garden to wander through nine perfectly manicured gardens celebrating different themes and regions of the world.

For those who want to beat the heat, Naples has a number of accessible museums that speak to different interests and ages. For example, the Revs Institute features historically significant classic cars, and The Baker Museum regularly hosts global exhibitions. Want a taste of local history? The Naples Historical Society has several tours, lectures, and events.

While there’s plenty to do in the city center, you could also spend a weekend at Seminole Casino Hotel watching the latest touring musician or spending time at the blackjack table.

If you want to expand your community, Naples is home to several community centers and country clubs. Check out these local spots to make new friends and find new activities:

• River Park Community Center
• Norris Community Center
• Country Club of Naples
• Wilderness Country Club
• Wyndemere Country Club