Does anyone think that independent living centers worth what they cost?

In my humble opinion: NO. When I looked into these for my Mom, I found that most were just overpriced senior apartments. They will happily show you the brochures showing all the "free" amenities like a pool, library, lobby, etc....most of which you can get at any nice apt. complex and pay much less. All the things Mom really needed were "extra." It really added up fast. Around here, most ALFs are around $3000./ mo. Also, Mom cannot maneuver herself to the communal dining area. Some places did not allow food to be brought to the room - others charged for it. I still do not see the value in these places. I think they try to give a shiny veneer on a basic institution. If you parent is well enough to get around and do the basics for themselves, I would recommend gov. subsidized housing. The apts in this area are very nice.
Take a look at this article that one of our members posted recently: http://www.agingcare.com/143425
good luck

It all depends on what you are looking for and what you expect. I read the above article and it raises a lot of serious concerns that in some circumstances are very real especially when it comes to Assisted Living. The question though is about addressing Independent Living and that is a whole different arena. Independent living is just like an apartment complex but often with added benefits. Most have included in their price the cost of one meal a day, housekeeping, on site activities, transportation for shopping and doctors appointments etc. They provide for a socialization and activities not usually found in an apartment complex. If a person is living alone and would benefit from and go to these activities- it's worth the price. If they are loners and don't enjoy socializing and being with others ( which for many is their preference) then it's probably not worth the money. Independent living is not for the sick or frail who need additional assistance from others. Some Independent facilities know that being truly independent as we age is often not a reality and so allow people to remain in them providing they have an aide or another person to help them with preparing meals or dressing, grooming and bathing. You will need to check with the administrators and get everything in writing before you sign the contract. Go onto the web for your state licensing board and find out if there have been any complaints and check with the BBB. Also, spend some time at the facility and speak with some of the residents- look to see how many are independently mobile. See if your loved one can stay in a furnished room for a month to see if they like it (some places have monthly or short term rentals available)- that way your loved one can check it out before making a firm commitment. Hope this helps.

My mother-in-law hates spending $3400.00 a month for asst living (who wouldn't ?) but it's been the best decision we've made so far. It's not that big of a building, and we toured some really massive places. They know her name, they know her problems with vision, memory & sometimes a little ornery behavior, but are wonderful to her. It's a load off our minds knowing that she's under 24/7 supervision, especially since she has fallen on numerous occasions. She's well fed, has lots of room to walk the halls and courtyard if she wants (she does a lot of walking with her walker) they bring in people who play the piano, guitars, singers etc. She has a small fridge in her room which we keep stocked with her favorite yogurt, along with Pepsi etc that she likes. She has a running appointment with the hairdresser for every Wed. to have her hair washed and set (she seems unable to wash her own hair). Plus knowing that she's taking her pills when she's supposed to is great. When she was living at home, she would forget to take her pills even though we had them in a weekly dispenser. Or we'd find a pill on the floor that she'd dropped and couldn't find. Then there was the loneliness she would feel when no one could come and see her that day. She became angry when I was with other people instead of her, and I had to straighten her out on more than one occasion. We (especially me) became her sole entertainment, and when I couldn't see her, she'd throw a hissy fit. Now she has the option of socializing if she wants, no more loneliness. So when she complains about the money, I always tell her how grateful we all are that she even HAS the money to live there. If she lives long enough she'll go though her money, then one of us (probably me) will have to have her come live with us. But until then, it's been great for our family.

Yes they are worth it; but overpriced; sometimes it is considered cheap when compared to them living with you and you having to quit your job and live in a Fed Housing in order to afford to take care of her.