What Is the Difference Between Independent Living and Assisted Living?

Assisted Living vs. Independent Living: Key Differences

Both assisted living and independent living communities free you from having to keep up with household chores and home maintenance responsibilities, allow you to live among neighbors your own age and participate in a wealth of activities. However, there are many differences between these two senior living options.

Levels of Care

The type of care available in assisted living and independent living communities is perhaps the biggest difference between the two. An assisted living community provides basic senior care. Staff members are available to assist with daily living tasks, such as dressing, bathing, grooming and toileting. Most assisted living communities also provide medication management services and assistance with managing chronic conditions. However, they don’t offer the more intensive nursing care provided at skilled nursing communities.

Independent living communities generally don’t offer senior care. Instead, they’re geared toward seniors who are currently living independently and want to maintain their lifestyle in a community surrounded by their peers. Many independent living apartments do have emergency call response systems that enable residents to quickly get help if they suffer a fall or have a medical emergency, but otherwise, the communities generally don’t offer any type of medical care.

Layout and Design

Because they cater to different needs, independent living and assisted living communities differ in terms of their layout and design. Independent living communities often feature large campuses complete with outdoor spaces for gathering and activities, giving them the look of an apartment complex.

Assisted living communities tend to be more self-contained, with apartments and common areas located within the same building or close together. Their layout and design enable seniors with mobility issues to access areas more safely.

Dining

Both assisted living and independent living communities usually provide dining services, but their offerings are different. Residents at assisted living communities routinely receive three meals plus snacks per day served in a dining room. Apartments and suites in these communities may have small kitchens, but they may not.

In an independent living community, seniors usually have the option to prepare meals themselves in the full kitchens included in their apartments. At the same time, the communities typically have on-site restaurant-style dining options as well. Residents may automatically receive a set number of meals per day or have the ability to purchase a flexible meal plan to suit their needs.

Activities and Amenities

Life at any senior living community gives you access to activities and amenities, but the details of these programs and services vary. Independent living communities tend to tailor activities to active lifestyles, and their amenities are often similar to those provided by resorts. For example, an independent living community may offer daily yoga classes, overnight sightseeing trips and tennis courts.

Programming at assisted living communities is usually designed to suit the needs of people who may have mobility issues. For example, there may be chair aerobics classes, art lessons or cooking classes to participate in. Amenities often allow residents to see to their needs without leaving the community. You may be able to book an appointment at an on-site salon or see a health care provider for medical checkups without leaving home.

Cost

Because they offer senior care, assisted living communities usually cost more than independent living communities. However, Medicaid and long-term care insurance may help cover some of these costs. Medicaid and long-term care insurance are less likely to pay for independent living communities.

Deciding Which Is Right for You

Now that you have a clear picture of the main differences between assisted living and independent living senior communities, think about your own needs to determine which option is the best fit for you. Generally, an independent living community is a great choice for someone who:

• Is fully independent
• Is eager to be free from household chores
• Wants to meet people of similar age
• Is excited about the prospect of activities and programming

On the other hand, an assisted living community is an ideal choice for someone who:

• Needs a little extra help with daily living tasks
• Doesn’t need round-the-clock medical care but can benefit from medication management and basic health monitoring
• Wants more opportunities to socialize with other older adults
• Can benefit from having activities to enjoy daily

As you consider your options, keep in mind that some senior living communities offer both independent living and assisted living apartments on the same campus. Called continuing care retirement communities, these communities give seniors who don’t need daily living supports now the peace of mind about the future and make it easy to transition to assisted living care if it’s ever needed.

Learn More About Senior Living Options

With more than 20 communities located across five states, Bethesda provides senior living options for virtually every need. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the freedom from chores, the fun activities of an independent living community or the supportive, enriching environment of an assisted living community, we’ll be glad to help you further explore your possibilities. Contact us today for more information.