Are you or your loved one considering an assisted living vs. independent living community? If so, you might be wondering about the differences between the two. And seeing as the AHCA/NCAL reports more than 800,000 Americans living in assisted living homes, it’s more important than ever to understand what sets these two options apart.
Understanding the difference can help you find the best care for yourself or a family member, factoring in daily activities, costs, and more. It’s also important to consider daily independence in this decision-making process.
Fortunately, all those topics are covered in this helpful lifestyle comparison guide.
What Is an Assisted Living Community?
The first of these two senior living options is assisted living. Assisted living communities are ideal for older adults who need some type of help every day.
This might be due to a health condition or mobility issues. No matter what the issue is, assisted living communities can help seniors with a variety of issues.
These care levels include:
- Bathing
- Help to remember to take medication
- Meal planning and preparation
- Assistance with mental and physical exercises
If you or your loved one feels that daily assistance would be beneficial, then consider looking into an assisted living community. These communities have plenty of other older adults to socialize with, ensuring all residents have a robust social schedule. They also offer plenty of opportunities to have fun, from game and movie nights to outings that highlight the best local attractions.
One of the main benefits of an assisted living community is access to 24/7 support. These trained professionals are there to help you or your family member should they need assistance any time of the day or night, offering you peace of mind. This is especially important for older adults who are at a greater risk of falling and sustaining an injury due to medication or a health condition.
Always call to speak with a dedicated staff member about their available options so you know what to expect before joining an assisted living community. Depending on the type of assisted living community you look into, it may offer support for Senior Memory Care, helping those with dementia.
What Is an Independent Living Community?
Other retirement choices include independent living communities. They differ from assisted living communities in that their residents still care for themselves.
This doesn’t mean they don’t need any support, but it’s much less intense than what residents in an assisted living community require. The benefits of an independent living community are still great, however, as they provide opportunities for residents to:
- Socialize with other residents
- Join clubs and groups
- Exercise with friends
- Attend local outings
- Dine at restaurants within the community
These communities are designed for seniors looking to connect with like-minded individuals and provide plenty of opportunities to get out, make new friends, and have fun. Yes, assisted living communities are similar, but residents in independent living don’t require the same level of personal attention, if any.
Another bonus of independent living is the maintenance-free lifestyle it offers residents. Anyone seeking housekeeping and maintenance will be happy to know that many wonderful independent living communities offer these amenities. They also boast gorgeous floorplans with something for everyone.
Depending on the community, some independent living communities are pet-friendly. And seeing as 45.5% of American households own a dog and 32.1% own a cat (American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF)), there is a need for communities that welcome pets right along with their residents.
The Cost of Assisted Living vs. Independent Living
When looking into these two living options for seniors, the cost varies by location and community. However, older adults can usually expect to pay upwards of $3,500 a month for independent living while assisted living can cost as much as $4,500 a month.
You can expect independent living to be more cost-effective than assisted living, as they typically don’t offer assistance with personal care. This doesn’t mean seniors who require assisted living should forego the care they need; it’s just important to understand that independent living is typically less expensive.
Are There Disadvantages of Assisted Living Communities?
Just like independent communities lack the personal care that assisted living communities offer, the latter lacks in certain areas.
For example, assisted living communities might not have access to extras commonly associated with independent living communities. This includes:
- Yoga studios
- Swimming pools (although some assisted living communities may have them for therapy)
Additionally, independent living communities don’t have the same 24/7 access that assisted living communities offer. The exception is when the two types of communities co-exist in tandem.
What to Look for in Each Community
When touring an assisted living community, be sure to ask about the staff-to-resident ratio, for example. You should also ask about:
- Available floor plans
- Handicap accessibility (especially in private rooms)
- The type of training caregivers receive
- Available amenities
- Pricing
These are just a few items to address. You can ask the same questions about an independent living community, although you might be more focused on available activities and opportunities to connect with other adults.
However, keep in mind that social relationships are extremely important regardless of the community type, so be sure that wherever you’re touring there are plenty of opportunities for all residents to come together and form meaningful connections.
Assisted Living vs. Independent Living: Which Is Right for You?
When considering assisted living vs. independent living, be sure to factor in your or your loved one’s daily routine, whether assistance with bathing, dressing, and appointment management is needed, or if independence is preferable. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to let trusted friends and family weigh in. No matter what senior housing types you choose, you’ll find yourself in loving and supportive company.
This is what sets Aston Gardens At Parkland Commons apart from other communities. We proudly offer both independent senior living and assisted living options, making the transition from one living plan to the next a seamless one. We also have a variety of events and activities for all our residents to enjoy, helping them to connect with other members of the community and make new friends.
To learn more about what we have to offer, reach out to our team today. We’re happy to answer any of your questions and can offer you a tour of our beautiful floor plans in Parkland, FL.
