Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

Whether you are looking to design your future lifestyle or helping a member of your family access a higher quality of life at an older age, choosing the right senior living facilities can make all the difference. However, with so many factors to consider, it can be challenging to choose between independent living and assisted facilities. 

Below, you can find a simple breakdown of the two options—but don’t forget that partnering with an expert senior care advisor at CarePatrol is the most efficient way to access the best options for your lifestyle goals. 

What Is Independent Living?

Independent living facilities are housing options designed with the needs of adults older than 55 in mind. These facilities focus on providing accessible spaces and amenities that can make a senior’s daily life easier. 

Independent living facilities often provide the highest standards of hospitality service combined with the skills of trained nurses, which brings peace of mind in the case of emergencies. The living situation comes in many forms—from apartments on an independent living campus to maintenance-free villas in a retirement community.

Whether your home has too many stairs for you to remain mobile or you simply don’t have the energy for the upkeep, independent living facilities are a suitable alternative for adults who can still manage their daily life. These facilities grant you the opportunity to live with dignity, remain active, discover new forms of entertainment, and make new friendships.

Who Is Independent Living For?

Independent living facilities are aimed to accommodate older adults who require little to no assistance with activities of daily living. This housing arrangement allows adults to still live on their own but benefit from companionship and daily activities, while having a reliable staff close by for emergencies. Find out more about independent living here.

The Benefits of Independent Living

You may not think you’re ready to make the move to an independent living facility, but the benefits they can provide might change your mind. You can say goodbye to repairing your home, taking out the trash, and driving to the grocery store. Independent living facilities understand your capability but want to ensure everyone is taken care of. Which is why, depending on the community you choose, you’ll find an array of amenities—typically including housekeeping, transportation, trash removal services, and more. 

In addition, each independent living community is equipped with the proper amenities to meet your mobility requirements, with access to elevators, automatic doors, and wheelchair ramps. Each facility is designed to make living easier, lessen security concerns and encourage social connections.

More benefits include:

• Nurses on staff
• No maintenance
• Meets mobility needs
• Amenities and conveniences
• Companionship
• 24/7 security

What Is Assisted Living?

At some point, the help of family, friends, and neighbors may not be enough to assist in the care of a loved one. Assisted living arrangements are designed to welcome seniors who require an added level of medical and personal care.

Assisted living facilities range in size and typically involve various levels of care, with residents paying more for higher levels. Living conditions include seniors having their own apartment or room and sharing common areas. Assisted living allows you to maintain your independence, but benefit from the care of specialized nurses.

Who Is Assisted Living For?

Assisted living is a more suitable option for seniors having trouble with mobility and stability, or those who require continued round-the-clock care. Assisted living might also be a great option for those who have lost interest in social activities and seem to have lost their purpose in life.

Assisted living facilities understand that not all residents are the same and each individual requires their own specialized care. For this reason, many facilities offer special programs and residential wings for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia.

The Benefits of Assisted Living

It can be difficult to admit you need help, especially when it comes to the day-to-day activities you used to accomplish with ease. Assisted living facilities can provide you with the required help while offering you added benefits. From social activities to an improved nutritional plan, these communities can help renew your purpose.

With continuous medical support members on staff, you or a loved one will have access to personal aid and nursing services 24/7. For those who require more attention on a daily basis, nursing staff is available to help with activities of daily living—dressing, bathing, eating. Assisted living facilities are designed to find a balance between assistance and independence. In order to bring a sense of autonomy to residents, planned events and activities are a continuous occurrence, providing access to transportation and social gatherings each day.

Additional benefits include:

• Increased physical activity
• Nutritional plan
• Reduced stress
• Peace of mind
• Daily activity assistance

Senior Living With CarePatrol

At CarePatrol, we want you to be taken care of and feel secure in the place you call home. Regardless of if you want to eliminate the burden of owning a home and all the responsibilities that come with it, or a loved one is in need of full-time care, it’s our mission to help you find the best home for your needs.

As a senior placement agency with over 20,000 pre-screened communities, we are willing and able to find you a place to call home. Visit our website or call us at (248) 717-2679 to learn how we can assist you.