The difference between Assisted Living and Independent Living

When nursing facilities are out of the question and home care is never possible, you are met with the decision on whether to move an elderly loved one to an assisted living facility or an independent living facility.  But is there a difference?  While both facilities foster independence and provide their residents their much needed privacy, the difference lies in the elder care needs they can address.

Independent living facilities are ideal for seniors who are still able to take care of themselves, but will require some assistance in doing house chores or meal preparations.  These facilities function like regular communities, but with the convenient access to medical care, dining and entertainment.  Some of these facilities and communities may even provide 5-star accommodations to give their residents the feel of being in a permanent vacation.  What independent living facilities provide primarily is a relaxing environment where seniors can enjoy their golden years.

Assisted living facilities, on the other hand, cater to seniors with physical disabilities or mental conditions.  In addition to assistance with chores and meal preparations, these facilities may also aid their residents in daily activities such as taking medication, bathing, dressing and eating.  They also offer programs and activities aimed at encouraging socialization between residents.

Most facilities under this category may provide specialized programs for those suffering from a form of dementia.

Choosing between the two facilities will depend on the type of care your loved one will require, as well as the tasks he or she can no longer accomplish independently.  

But matters get even more complicated when both aging parents will require different needs.  What if either parent is suffering from a debilitating condition, such as Alzheimer’s? 

Fortunately, both needs can be addressed by a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC).

Continuing Care Retirement Communities are campuses which provide a wide spectrum of elder care services.  By combining both facilities mentioned above with access to skilled-nursing care, elderly couples with different needs may live within the same vicinity.

These facilities offer two contract types:  an all-inclusive “Life Care” plan where a resident can have access to all health care services, and “fee for a service”, where a resident can select health care services a la carte.

Whether you choose an assisted living facility, an independent living community, or a continuing care retirement community, rest assured that your senior loved one can enjoy their golden years in a safe and secure environment.