The terminologies can be quite confusing when you are just learning about senior living options. As you do the necessary research, think more about finding the right retirement community that will provide the level of care that your loved one requires at the time. Assisted living North Richland Hills provide distinct services from 55+ communities.
A 55+ community is an active independent living area that houses aging adults from fifty five years of age and above. An assisted living community typically provides care for aging adults who need assistance with some daily routines but not as much as a round-the-clock nurse. Residents as well as their family members choose the community that best caters to theirs or their loved one’s needs.
Differences Between Assisted Living and 55+ Community
Here are a few differences that set assisted living and 55+ communities apart from each other.
- Medical Care and Supervised Care
A 55+ community is an independent living center for aging adults who do not need much assistance or care. As a result, these services are not offered to them. An assisted living, however, offers medical and supportive care to its residents because they need it more readily. Residents have access to assistance with daily activities. Team members are always on call for convenience and safety.
- Cost of Living
Living costs for assisted living encompasses maintenance, housekeeping, security, nursing, programming, food, activities and professional care. These costs are incurred monthly or as per the signed contract and may be increased periodically after a rent lock duration, if applicable. Conversely, independent living only requires an entry fee which is refundable (up to ninety per cent) as well as an additional monthly fee to cover maintenance, housekeeping, security, some meals, and programming.
- Family Participation
55+ communities encourage family members to be involved with all activities but the final decision rests with the resident. You are welcome to share meals and partake in other amenities and social events with your loved one. With assisted living, only designated family members are kept updated about progress, state of health, milestones and concerns pertaining to the resident. You will also be highly involved in the care planning process as well as major decisions for your loved one’s well being.
- Activities and Programs
Independent and assisted living communities offer a wide range of amenities and programs regardless of your loved one’s care requirements. Some of these amenities include housekeeping, designer remodeled apartments, round-the-clock access to professional care, transport arrangements, social opportunities, and so on. The contrasts lie in how these services are rendered.For instance, while independent living may allow take out options, assisted living strongly encourages eating in the dining room with friends as meal times aid social connections.
- Community Layout
Assisted living communities are designed to be homely, neighborhood friendly and generally more compact. Independent living communities are structured like campuses, with buildings spread across an expanse of land. These distinctions make it easier to navigate an assisted living center. The layout can also impact on the ease with which residents can make new connections.
