When maintaining your home or living alone starts to become overwhelming in retirement, it may be time to explore different senior living options. Maybe you’re interested in having extra personal assistance in your day-to-day life. Or perhaps you are looking to increase your social circle while minimizing home maintenance and yard work. Whatever you are seeking, there is a lot of peace of mind that comes from residing in a secure, amenity-rich community designed for seniors.

Independent living and assisted living are two of the most common levels of senior residential living homes. The core difference between the two is in the level of service provided. The amount of personal care and medical assistance needed will determine which senior living lifestyle is best for you or your loved one.

What is Independent Living?

Independent living is a type of senior living option for active, older adults who are self-sufficient and do not require assistance with daily tasks, like bathing or dressing. Seniors who move to an independent living community benefit from the gentle transition from residing in their family house to entering their own private condo, townhouse or apartment home within a community of like-minded seniors.

Seniors can live life on their terms while enjoying easy access to onsite dining, housekeeping and social activities. Other great features of independent living including:

• A variety of dining options including chef-prepared meals or making your own meals
• Freedom to host friends and family whenever you please
• Housing options designed to accommodate older adults, typically being smaller, easier to navigate and requiring less upkeep
• Options for many individual and group activities within the community such as games, fitness and off-campus outings
• Privacy and independence without the burden of home maintenance and yardwork
• Planned social events within the community to socialize and meet friends
• Peace of mind knowing there’s assistance available if needed

What is assisted living?

Like independent living communities, assisted living residents enjoy a variety of convenient onsite services and amenities that allow you more time to do all the things you find most important in life. Assisted living might be right for you if you are otherwise healthy and independent but could use some assistance with activities of daily living, like grooming, dressing, medication management and bathing. The support provided in assisted living is oriented around making sure residents can live as independently as possible while doing the things they love most.
 
Benefits of assisted living include:

• Private living spaces, like apartment homes, that can be personalized to your individual tastes
• Around-the-clock care available from a compassionate team of professionals
• Resort-style amenities and services, such as housekeeping and transportation to off-site appointments
• Chef-prepared meals that cater to your unique dietary needs
• Vibrant social calendars and activities designed to keep you active and help you grow meaningful relationships

What type of senior living is right for me?

Ultimately, the choice between assisted living and independent living should be determined by the needs of you or your aging loved one. Whether you’re eager to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle or you are beginning to experience a decline in your current health, you have many options when it comes to senior living communities. To make an informed decision, start by understanding the options available in your area. Talk to loved ones for assistance in your decision-making process and tour different communities to get a feel for the people and services.