The Difference Between Independent Living and Assisted Living at Our Community

According to an AARP survey, 75 percent of retirees hope to remain in their homes as they age. Most people crave comfortable, familiar surroundings as they turn the page to the next chapter of their lives. For many seniors, though, aging in place isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The right senior living community can help you live a luxurious, comfortable retirement, even if your needs change or you face health issues as you age.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the many options available, especially if you’re weighing independent living versus assisted living. Here’s what you need to know about each option.

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living: What’s the Difference?

Both independent living and assisted living offer an all-in-one approach that includes gourmet dining, plenty of activities, a luxury home, and additional support services such as housekeeping. Seniors who prefer more adventure, want to live near friends and neighbors, or crave the chance to learn new skills may consider these senior living options.

The primary difference between the two is that assisted living caters to seniors who need consistent help with activities of daily living such as bathing, eating, food preparation, dressing, or using the toilet. Independent living is for seniors who are fully or mostly independent. There’s some crossover between the two, though. Seniors in independent living can get extra help through a home health aide. Moreover, the long list of amenities independent living offers — including food preparation and a senior-friendly home — may help them remain independent for longer.

Many seniors choose independent living with the knowledge that they may one day need more assistance. At The Preserve, you can transition from independent living to assisted living without disrupting your routine or relationships.

How Senior Living Can Improve Your Quality of Life

Seniors who want to age in place may be skeptical of senior living. After all, they may have visited their grandparents in nursing homes, leaving them with a strong determination not to end up in a “home.” Today’s senior living, however, is a far cry from the nursing homes of the past. The Arbor Company caters to seniors who want active, meaningful lives. For 30 years, we’ve supported seniors’ efforts to strike up new romances, master new skills, and remain more independent.

Choosing Between Independent Living and Assisted Living

A transition to independent living might be the right step for you if you’re in good health, do not need regular assistance with activities of daily living, and you meet several of the following criteria: 

• You live alone and frequently feel lonely. 
• You’re struggling to find fun things to do with your retirement. 
• You’d like to make more friends. 
• You’d love to spend less time and money on recreation. 
• You’re tired of eating out or cooking every night. 
• You have special dietary needs, but lack the time or motivation to make delicious food that addresses these needs. 
• You want to cut back on your responsibilities and housework. 
• The costs of homeownership feel overwhelming. Compare the costs of senior living to those of staying at home here.

Assisted living could be the perfect choice if several of the above criteria are true, and: 

• You have a chronic, terminal, or serious medical condition. 
• You have mild dementia. 
• You have trouble with activities of daily living such as bathing or food preparation. 
• You worry about what would happen if you fell or otherwise needed help at home. 
• Your loved ones have expressed concerns about your safety at home. 
• You are no longer able to drive.

The Preserve at Palm-Aire offers supportive independent and assisted living options that empower you to live life on your terms. Our range of senior living options means you can live in the same community even if your needs change. We’d love to talk to you about your options, or welcome you to one of our many fun community events. Contact us to learn more about our community.