The first step to finding a senior living residence is determining what type of residence best suits your current and future needs. For most seniors and their loved ones, that means determining the differences and similarities between the main types of senior living options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory care. If you are struggling and trying to determine whether Assisted Living or Independent Living is right for you, you aren’t alone. These two senior living options are often confused with one another, even though they are quite different.
Let us guide you through what Independent Living is for seniors, what Assisted Living is for seniors and the difference between the two that you should know about.
What is Independent Living for Seniors?
Independent Living is designed for active older adults looking to “rightsize” their home and the household tasks that go along with it. These residences often feature luxury amenities like swimming pools, walking paths, restaurants and encourage connections between neighbors through events, programs, and planned trips. The typical Independent Living senior can manage daily personal tasks without help.
What Is Assisted Living for Seniors?
Assisted Living residences offer residents a low-maintenance lifestyle, onsite amenities, and wellness resources onsite. However, they also provide a team of around-the-clock caregivers who support residents with tasks as needed.
Assisted Living residents typically need support or assistance with at least one daily personal task. Caregivers are there to provide verbal or physical assistance personalized to each resident and their individual needs.
Differences Between Assisted Living and Independent Living
The main difference between Assisted Living and Independent Living is the caregiver component. Independent Living residences often offer around-the-clock security but do not have caregivers onsite who will help with daily tasks or in cases of medical emergencies. For residents who need additional support, caregivers in an Assisted Living residence provide it, along with the peace of mind that someone will be there to respond immediately in case of a fall or emergency.
Another difference between Assisted Living and Independent Living is the dining experience. In Assisted Living residences, residents gather for meals three times per day in the residence's dining room. Independent Living residences often have an onsite restaurant, but residents have a flexible dining plan and can choose when to eat a meal.
Most Legend Senior Living residences offer Assisted Living, Independent Living, or both options. You can learn more about the differences between the two by contacting a nearby residence. We'd love to invite you for a visit!
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