Independent Vs. Assisted Living: What Seniors And Their Families Should Know

August 23rd, 2017 by admin

Looking after an elderly loved one can be difficult. While many seniors wish to remain in their homes, many people find that doing so may not be the best option. Whether it's a question of safety, a desire to be relieved of responsibility, or a mental or physical health situation, assisted or independent living facilities for seniors are often the solution. But do you really know the differences between senior independent living and assisted living? Many times, families mix up assisted and independent living facilities or don't know how to ascertain which will work best for their loved one. Our guide below should help answer some of your questions.

Senior Independent Living

Like the name suggests, independent living facilities are for seniors who are physically and mentally able to live on their own but who may want to alleviate certain responsibilities or have a built-in social setting. At a certain point, some seniors feel like their family home has too much space or requires too much care. Senior independent living facilities often offer landscaping, housekeeping, and meal preparation services to make residents' lives easier. However, if your loved one needs help completing daily tasks, this option won't be right for them. Rather than offering hands-on care, senior independent living options provide a bit of extra help when needed -- but without this help, residents could manage. While housing arrangements can vary quite a bit, ranging from apartment communities to co-ops, around 84.5% of independent living residents would recommend their communities to someone else. That indicates that this option often makes seniors a lot happier than a conventional nursing home setup.

Assisted Living Facilities

An assisted living facility is usually the right option for seniors who do need care for daily activities and are unable to live by themselves. However, it's not meant for those who need extensive, constant medical care. For example, if your loved one needs some help with bathing, dressing, or keeping track of their medications, they may benefit from assisted living. But if your loved one has an advanced dementia condition or other illness that requires round-the-clock care, other options like memory care facilities or skilled nursing centers will be more appropriate. In assisted living, residents usually live in apartment-like units and have access to transportation, social activities, housekeeping services, and meals in addition to the help they receive to complete their daily tasks.

This information should serve as a comprehensive guide, but it should be noted that every situation is different. If your family is struggling to make a decision pertaining to your loved one's living arrangements, be sure to inquire with their physician, as well as care facilities in your area, about which option would be most appropriate for your loved one's needs.

Posted in: Blog