Many of us may be unfamiliar with the world of senior living. Each senior living option has its own features and services which can make it difficult for us to decide on the most ideal program for ourselves or our aging loved ones. If you are unsure which senior living option best suits your or your loved one’s needs, here is what you need to know about assisted living vs. independent living.
Daily Conveniences
Assisted living communities are designed to provide all-inclusive support to residents whenever it is needed. Residents mostly reside in an apartment home or suite within close proximity to other residents. Help is usually available around the clock which also includes 24-hour emergency response. Residents will also have access to specialized care for activities of daily living such as the following:
- Feeding
- Toileting
- Showering
- Grooming
- Dressing
- Mobility
Residents can also lead a maintenance-free lifestyle whereby their daily chores are taken care of such as housekeeping and home maintenance. Complimentary transportation and meal preparation services are also included as part of their assisted living package.
In an independent living community, residents enjoy the same daily conveniences such as meals, transportation, concierge, housekeeping, and home maintenance. However, independent living community residents are active adults who do not have access to assistance for daily living activities.
Both assisted living and independent living residents have access to a daily lineup of social and recreational activities facilitated within a supervised environment. They are free to participate in whichever activity that they love on their own schedule.
Medical Support
Assisted living is recommended for older adults who do not feel safe living on their own but do not need intensive nursing care. They will receive basic healthcare services that can include medication management, insulin administration, glucose and blood pressure monitoring, and mobility assistance. Independent living residents will not be given medical care but emergency response is available whenever necessary.
Contact with Team Members
Independent living residents will not have as much contact with team members as compared to the residents of an assisted living community. Independent living residents will only interact with team members during meal times, outings, and whenever they require assistance with their personal requests like concierge or housekeeping. They also have more freedom to roam around the retirement community to explore the many leisure activities and wellness programs prepared for them.
For assisted living residents, there will always be team members who will regularly check on their health and well-being. Depending on their level of mobility, residents will have easy access to assistance to help them get out and about with their daily activities. Those who prefer a quieter setting will also receive assistance during meal times in the comfort of their own personal space.
Price
Independent living communities are designed to provide an active lifestyle instead of focusing on senior care. This makes them much more affordable as compared to assisted living. However, assisted living services are likely to be eligible for coverage under Medicaid, Medicare, or insurance, whereas independent living is not.
