The beautiful city of Athens, Georgia is nicknamed the Classic City and is bursting with rich history, art, activities and a variety of events. If you or an aging loved one are in love with the charm of the town, then it’s likely your ideal spot to begin the search for a senior living community. Although you know Athens is the place you want to call home, you may be uncertain as to what type of community will best suit yours or your loved one’s needs.
In fact, you might even be feeling a bit overwhelmed at the thought of searching through all of your options and finding the answers to your questions on the care and amenities found within the different types of senior living communities. Will your meals be provided? Will a healthcare professional be on site? Will you receive help managing your medications?
Leave your worries at the door, because we’re answering your questions by breaking down the top differences between independent living and assisted living in Athens.
3 Factors to Keep in Mind
1. Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
This is one of the main differences between independent living and assisted living. ADLs include bathing, dressing and medication management, just to name a few. Think of these things as the everyday tasks that you or your loved one may not be able to accomplish without a little help. Unlike independent living communities, assisted living communities provide help with ADLs. Finding the right assisted living community will offer opportunities for socialization and activities while helping residents with those personalized healthcare needs, like hygiene tasks or eating. Independent living communities are ideal for those still living fully independent but desire a community where a calendar of activities is at their fingertips and a maintenance-free lifestyle is available.
2. Housing Design
Independent living communities come in a variety of designs, from apartments and condos to villas and housing co-ops. It is more common to still drive your own car while in independent living, so the community may be more spaced out, whereas assisted living communities are traditionally apartment-style homes with a variety of floorplans. In addition, assisted living apartments are usually equipped with safety and accessibility features, such as emergency call buttons and grab bars. They are also more likely to have memory care on campus, so that residents have a higher level of care on the same property if ever needed.
3. Available Amenities
While independent living and assisted living communities generally all include some sort of community space where activities and socializing take place, there are a few key differences between what the two options offer. Independent living communities may have more resident-run activities. For instance, if a group of residents enjoy playing bocce ball, they may organize the activity themselves and promote it to others. Assisted living communities tend to have more community-organized activities that are led by a designated staff member. Also, certain activities in assisted living may be geared toward cognitive stimulation, like those in our Hedges neighborhood here at Arbor Terrace Athens.
What to Look for at All Senior Living Communities
Whether you or your loved one move into an independent living or assisted living community, there are a few elements that you should look for regardless. First, never underestimate the power of a warm welcome and a friendly smile. Be sure to select a community that makes you feel right at home. Ask questions about the dining, as this may differ from independent to assisted living—such as, how many meals are included in the monthly fee, and what are the dining room hours? Take a look at the activity calendar to ensure the community offers a variety of vibrant options to engage the mind, body and soul. Finally, learn more about the cost. Independent living communities may have a lower monthly fee, as the monthly median cost of assisted living communities in Georgia is $3,535 as of 2021, but keep in mind, assisted living options will include certain care benefits. It’s important to ask questions to gain all the knowledge upfront before making this big decision.
Check out The Complete Guide to Assisted Living to learn everything you need to know about what assisted living encompasses and if it’s the right fit for you or your loved one.
