Whether you are looking for senior services for yourself or a loved one, it can become difficult to sometimes understand the difference between independent living and assisted living. Independent living’s purpose is to serve residents’ social needs. Many of these seniors are fully capable of living independently, with very little support, if any. Assisted living, on the other hand, provides care for residents who need help with daily living tasks, all while still enabling these residents to remain as independent as possible.
Independent Living
Independent living is also referred to as retirement communities, such as Spring Creek Chalet (https://springcreekchalet.com/). These communities are restricted to seniors 55 and older. They are similar to apartment complexes and feature a wide range of meal services, activities, and transportation. Independent living and assisted living offer minor differences in care services and activities. However, independent living typically means that residents are able to sustain themselves without the assistance of anyone.
Independent living communities offer the following:
- Maintenance-free living
- Plenty of amenities
- Involvement in the community
- Activities such as gardening, devotional services, yoga, and game nights
- Laundry, transportation, housekeeping, and meals
The average monthly cost of independent living is typically around $2,552. However, there are many things that can affect the cost, such as:
- Apartment style and size
- Services required
- Location of community
- Level of luxury
Assisted Living
Assisted living communities provide care for seniors who need long-term housing and customized medical care. Residents in assisted living communities require more assistance than those in independent living communities. Many residents need help with mobility, medication management, and personal tasks.
Assisted communities provide:
- Communities that are similar to apartment complexes
- Laundry & housekeeping services
- Assistance with daily tasks including eating, grooming, and bathing
- Daily snacks, happy hours, and dining areas
- Activity calenders based around the interests of the residents
- Transportation for groceries, doctor’s appointments, and more
When assisted living communities are admitting new residents, they must first ensure that they are able to meet their medical needs. For instance, any senior who requires significant medical attention, such as around-the-clock care, may be more suitable for a nursing home. On average, the monthly cost for assisted living in the U.S. is around $4,500. Again, certain factors such as the location and apartment style can have an impact on the monthly cost.
Choosing Between the Two
When trying to decide which option is best for yourself or a loved one, both medical needs and social needs should be considered. Maybe you still need help with daily living activities but still want to be involved in the community. If this sounds like your case, then an assisted living community may be perfect for you. But if you are still mentally and physically able to live a self-sufficient life without worrying about daily chores, independent living may be more suited for you. Either way, knowing the difference between the two is beneficial in keeping individuals safe, active, and healthy.
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