What to look for when 'shopping' for an independent/assisted living facility

[Freddie]

2. A lot of the difference is $$$

Going into an independent apartment situation normally requires a huge deposit and lots of $$ in the bank, but the monthly rent is pretty comparable to a regular apartment. There’s optional meals provided, laundry, cleaning, etc. all for an additional fee.
Assisted living usually requires a fairly small deposit ($3k when my folks moved into one 10 years ago) but the monthly cost is WAY more. Given your mom’s age this might be the better option for both. When my folks moved into one, Mom had too many physical limitations for Dad to take care of her anymore, but he could have probably lived on his own a while longer. Then he went downhill fast, and I was glad he was already in assisted living. The facility took 2 regular rooms and turned it into a suite for them, with a bedroom, living room and 2 bathrooms. They brought furniture from home and made it pretty nice.