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Key Differences Between Independent Living vs Assisted Living

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Your parents have worked hard for decades so that they could retire and enjoy a well-deserved life of enjoyment, relaxation, and freedom.

There was probably a point in life when your dad loved tending to his large lawn or your mom thought of cooking as expressions of love for her family and friends. These days, on the other hand, mowing and raking are becoming bigger chores and cooking for one isn’t as rewarding.

This is the perfect time to start exploring senior living options. Two of the most popular options out there are independent living and assisted living.

What Is Independent Living?

Independent living offers active seniors the benefits of independence without the worry of home maintenance, housekeeping chores, and cooking. Residents enjoy educational, cultural, spiritual, social, and fitness opportunities through the community’s programming.

Services typically provided included making meals, landscaping, housekeeping, social events, transportation, wellness programs, and security services.

Independent Living Home Options

Living independently in senior communities offers diverse housing choices, from apartment-style to cooperative housing. Residents typically have private dwelling spaces while enjoying access to communal areas for social interaction.

Alternative terms for independent living include:

  • Active adult community
  • Senior apartment complex
  • Retirement community
  • 55+ community
  • Retirement home

Tailored for seniors capable of independent living, individual units boast features and amenities similar to those in small homes, townhouses, or apartments. This diverse range of housing options allows seniors to maintain autonomy while fostering a sense of community.

Family Participation in Independent Living

In independent living communities, residents typically hold the primary responsibility for decision-making. However, family members are warmly encouraged to participate in community activities, dining programs, and more. Imagine it like visiting a relative in their own home, with the added benefits of meals and activities included.

Families may receive invitations to resident events, holiday parties, and even have the option to spend the night at their loved one’s apartment.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a smart option for seniors who need some help with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, bathing, preparing meals, and taking medications. It can also accommodate specific care plans to address poor nutrition or other individualized needs.

Services typically include assistance with getting dressed, eating, bathing, using the restroom, health services and medication management, transportation, wellness programs, social events, and housekeeping.

Assisted Living Home Options

Typically, assisted living arrangements adhere to an apartment-style setup. Numerous facilities provide diverse floor plans, encompassing studios, one-bedroom units, and multiple-bedroom apartments. While individual units may or may not come with a kitchenette, included appliances are generally limited for safety reasons. Rooms typically have safety and accessibility features such as grab bars and emergency call buttons.

For assisted living communities offering specialized memory care units designed for seniors with cognitive impairment, heightened security measures are often implemented. These measures may involve the incorporation of locks, surveillance equipment, or supervision at main entrances to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

Family Participation in Assisted Living

In assisted living communities, family members may assume a more active role in care planning for their loved ones. Authorized relatives may receive regular updates or reports regarding a senior’s care and medical status, ensuring they remain well-informed.

Additionally, family and friends are often welcome to join loved ones for meals and events, and some communities even provide opportunities for relatives to volunteer their time to assist with various activities. It’s essential to note that certain assisted living communities may have specific visiting hours or guidelines pertaining to overnight stays.

Assisted Living Vs Independent Living Costs

Both independent and assisted living typically follow a base rate system, allowing residents to add services and amenities for additional fees. While independent living is typically a private-pay arrangement, financial assistance options are available for seniors requiring assisted living.

Independent Living Costs

The core expenses for independent living residents include rent and utilities. Some communities with luxury amenities may have additional costs like membership or joining fees for specialized recreational opportunities such as private golf courses or swim clubs.

Various meal plans are usually offered for on-site dining, with potential additional costs based on selected services. Many independent living providers adopt all-inclusive pricing to streamline billing and enhance community involvement.

Since independent living communities do not offer medical services, Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance typically does not cover costs. Seniors must privately fund their expenses using Social Security benefits, pension income, retirement savings, life settlements, annuities, and personal funds. Those requiring specialized care can hire in-home care, allowing them to stay in their current home and potentially delay the need for a higher level of care.

Assisted Living Costs

The base rate for assisted living communities covers rent, utilities, and basic services like meals and housekeeping. Additional services incur extra charges. The median monthly cost for a private one-bedroom apartment in assisted living is $4,500. Rates vary based on location, staff-to-resident ratio, and available amenities.

Assisted living communities provide more substantial assistance and offer various options for cost coverage. Residents can use savings, personal funds, specific long-term care insurance policies, and Aid and Attendance benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. While Medicare doesn’t cover assisted living, Medicaid offers financial assistance for low-income seniors, with eligibility criteria and coverage rules varying by state. Learn how the arbors can help you cover some of the assisted living costs with these financial options.

Which Option Is Right for Your Loved One?

The choice between independent living and assisted living should be determined by the needs — both current and future — of your loved one. Many communities offer both independent and assisted living options. Ideally, you’d find a community where residents are able to adjust their lifestyle based on their changing needs.

If you’re still not sure which option is best, here are a few things to consider:

  • What does your loved one’s daily needs look like now?
  • What does their doctor think?
  • What does your loved one want to do?

If either of you is still unsure, it might be helpful to learn more about what it’s actually like to live in assisted living. Download our eBook, What Is Assisted Living Really Like? to learn about the ways assisted living has changed over the years, what a typical day in assisted living looks like today, the staff you’ll usually meet in assisted living facilities, and how assisted living actually feels like home.

 

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