Assisted Living vs Independent Living: Make an Informed Choice

Deciding between assisted living and independent living is one of the most important choices seniors face. Over 800,000 Americans have already made the move to assisted living communities. However, whether you should be the next person to sign up will depend on several factors.

Assisted living and independent living communities are similar types of senior housing. In some cases, they are located on the same site. But there are also crucial differences that will help you decide which is right for you.

In this handy guide, we'll walk you through each one. By the end, you'll feel confident you're making the right choice.

The Facts About Independent Living

At one time, you may have felt that staying in your own home was the best way to enjoy your golden years. While this works well for some, the responsibilities of running a home can become a drag for others.

Maybe you don't want to clean and maintain an entire house anymore. Perhaps mowing the lawn - or arranging for someone else to do it - is more of a hassle than a joy. If that's the case, independent living could be a great option for you.

Independent living advantages include having someone to do all the hard work for you. You still have your own home that's a private sanctuary for you to enjoy. You just don't have the stress of cleaning or maintaining it anymore.

Besides housekeeping and maintenance, many independent living communities provide extra services that seniors find helpful. These may include:

• Laundry
• Transportation
• Grounds maintenance

You can invite your friends over and enjoy beautiful grounds, knowing you don't have to lift a finger. This can also help you stay safe, as you can avoid activities that put you at a high risk of falling or getting injured in other ways.

Amenities and Support

Typically, independent living communities have a central hub that provides activities. These may include:

• Educational classes
• Lectures
• Fitness activities
• A gym
• Social events
• Games and other fun activities

However, independent living generally does not provide personal care support. Residents can make their own arrangements for an outside company to provide support, but independent living communities do not normally provide elderly care services.

Independent living accommodation often has a kitchen, allowing you to prepare your own meals. However, one of the key advantages is that it may also provide meals on-site, meaning you don't have to cook if you don't feel like it.

Who Should Choose Independent Living?

If you are still in relatively good health and don't need help with activities of daily living, independent living could be the best choice. However, if you now need some extra support or anticipate that you will do so soon, keep searching. Other senior care options, such as assisted living, may be more suitable.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is similar to independent living. Every resident has a private home yet is part of a larger community. You will get all the same amenities and benefits as independent living.

The crucial difference is that assisted living communities provide elderly care services. They do not have medical staff on-site, but team members are trained to provide support.

This may include:

• Going to the bathroom
• Showering
• Dressing and grooming
• Mobility
• Preparing meals
• Eating
• Medication management

If you have a long-term condition such as diabetes, assisted living caregivers can provide helpful medication reminders. However, they cannot adjust your medication or prescribe medication.

Each resident has a personal care plan. The support team will help you access the medical care you need. They are typically located close to medical providers, such as hospitals and clinics, and will arrange appointments and transportation.

Assisted Living Benefits

Residents in assisted living communities get all the benefits of having their own home without any responsibilities! Plus, you have the reassurance of knowing someone is on hand 24/7 if you need help.

Assisted living communities also provide 24-hour security. You can sleep well at night knowing that you are in a safe home being continually monitored.

Knowing that your personal care needs will be covered is also reassuring. The staff is focused on helping you enjoy a safe, dignified, and rewarding life. Plus, the activities and amenities ensure you remain an integral part of a vibrant community.

You also won't need to worry about preparing your meals anymore. The on-site kitchen prepares an enticing range of tasty and nutritious meals each day. Dine in your room or enjoy good company with other residents in the dining room.

Who Should Choose Assisted Living?

Assisted living is the right choice for adults who have health concerns but do not currently need continuous nursing support. The conditions may limit what they can do for themselves, but they are manageable without a nurse on site.

Typically, adults who choose assisted living communities need help with one or more of their daily living activities. If they need further support in the future, their care plan will be adjusted, and extra help will be provided.

Assessing Senior Care Options

Both independent living and assisted living have advantages for seniors who are ready to move out of their current homes. Independent living allows you to continue your current lifestyle while being part of a supportive community. The extra services provided can also make life easier.

However, if you cherish your independence but need a little extra support, assisted living is the way to go. Life can be much more enjoyable when you know people are available 24/7 to help. The community and activities allow you to enjoy the best social life you've had in years!

Choose Highland Place Assisted Living

If you have decided that assisted living is the right choice for you or your loved one, look no further than Highland Place Assisted Living. We provide the personal care support seniors need so they can enjoy their lives to the fullest!

Our current residents love that there is always something going on. There is no need to be lonely, as there are other residents and supportive staff to interact with. Rest assured that you will feel safe and happy in our vibrant community.

Why not come and experience Highland Place for yourself? Contact us today, and we'll arrange a tour.