As we age, one topic that becomes increasingly more important is that of housing options for our golden years. We must know how to Decide: Independent or Assisted Living. For some of us, illness or disability may put restrictions on our living accommodations, preventing us from owning our own home or living alone.

Many of us will wish to retain our independence, but we may find that our fixed income and pension may not be enough to have our own place.

Senior or Adult homes can provide a cost-effective housing solution. However, it’s essential to know the differences between assisted living and independent living, so you can help the seniors in your life make the choice that is best for them and your family.

How to Decide: Independent or Assisted Living

Assisted Living

When you hear the term “assisted living” many of us automatically think of the classic term of a “nursing home.” That is what typically comes to mind. However, this option is typically intended for those seniors who are physically or cognitively unable to live on their own and have the means to pay the high fees that “nursing homes” charge their residents. As many seniors late in life develop and are living with chronic health conditions, with a wide range that includes diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc., it can quickly become unfeasible for us family members to maintain the role of full-time caregivers. Assisted living facilities like Adult Family or Senior Care Home offer seniors the ability to keep their own living space, while simultaneously offering any needed medical staff and trained caregivers who are able to help residents with basic tasks, from scheduling medications and doctor’s visits to more basic functions such as bathing or using the bathroom. Another key element of assisted living in Senior Care Homes is that they tend to incorporate full-time medical personnel on staff. Whether orderlies and other staff receive medical and first-aid training, or the facility keeps registered nurses or even doctors on staff, such a living accommodation offers residents access to emergency medical personnel 24 hours a day. This is an important factor not only for the safety of the senior person but also for the peace of mind of us, the family members, who we only want to make sure our loved one is taken care of in a safe and home type environment.

Independent Living

Not all seniors need assistance on a daily basis. Many seniors are able to live independently. They may lack either the financial resources to own or rent their own home or simply want to move into an environment that offers more in the way of social opportunities.

For such individuals, independent living communities are a great choice. Many seniors may choose to move to an independent living community simply to alleviate the responsibility that comes with owning a house, such as caring for the yard work, shoveling snow, raking leaves, and making any necessary home repairs.

These communities can vary in structure from subdivisions and apartment complexes to full-fledged retirement homes. Residents in these types of settings tend to be fairly active. They often desire friends and companions their own age with whom they can socialize.

To help facilitate a healthy, active lifestyle, many such communities frequently organize day trips and activities. Residents of independent living communities are also sometimes provided with off-campus transportation to attend external activities.

Many independent living communities provide accommodations akin to apartments, cottages, or full suites. In addition to bedroom and bathroom facilities, independent living housing can frequently offer full-service kitchens as part of the resident’s suite. These residents are thus able to prepare and even host their own dinners.

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