If you’re in your golden years, it may be time to consider moving into a senior living community. These communities provide a comfortable lifestyle for active seniors, and they can also offer the security of knowing that you’re surrounded by a support network.
Assisted living is often the best option for those who need additional care, but do not require extensive medical and nursing assistance. But which one is right for you?
Costs
If you’re considering senior living options for your loved one, it’s important to think about the costs involved. Depending on where you live and what kind of care is needed, assisted living may be cheaper than independent living. Additionally, some residents are eligible for Medicaid waivers that help offset the cost of assisted living.
Assisted living typically involves monthly fees that include rent, housekeeping services, programming, meals, and 24-hour staffing. These costs are based on your location, floor plan size, and amenities. Many communities also offer flexible dining plans that allow you to eat outside the community’s restaurant. Additional fees can be charged for services such as physical therapy and wellness programs.
Independent living is more lifestyle-oriented than assisted living and is often less expensive. Unlike assisted living, independent senior housing is not considered a form of care and therefore is not covered by Medicare or long-term care insurance. However, independent living communities do often provide access to health and wellness programs and may offer a variety of entertainment opportunities like movie events or book clubs. These facilities are also often equipped with safety and accessibility features like elevators, wide hallways and doors, and mobility aids.
When researching different independent living options, ask about the additional fees that might be charged for housekeeping services or transportation. In addition, make sure to ask about any other care services that are available on-campus.
It’s also important to consider the amount of money you currently spend on groceries, food at home, entertainment, and gym memberships. These expenses can be reduced or eliminated with a senior living community that offers a full array of amenities and social activities.
The best way to determine if an independent living or assisted living community is right for you is to visit the facilities and talk with the people who live there. Make a list of the amenities and services you want to have and compare that to a cost estimate from the community. Also, ask how many meals are included with your rental and what type of transportation is offered for errands or social events.
Care
Independent living communities aren’t designed to provide hands-on care like a home or assisted living facility. Instead, they focus on centralized hospitality services for socialization and remove some of the chores and responsibilities that may be harder for seniors to do at home for people that may need some assistance with daily activities. This can include things like housekeeping, meals, and transportation to doctors’ appointments. Some independent living facilities may also offer onsite health care. This can be in the form of on-site nurses or a relationship with local health care agencies that offer home health care services for a fee.
Assisted living communities are typically designed like small villages with multiple apartment buildings surrounding a central space for dining and programming. These spaces often have one-bedroom apartments with a full kitchen and bathrooms. Depending on the facility, meals can be provided in a central dining room or delivered to a resident’s apartment. Some of the services offered in these communities include three meals a day, medication management, and help with bathing or dressing. Many of the costs for these services are included in the base monthly rate, while others will be an additional cost. Residents will typically be assessed by staff members who can then recommend the level of care that’s needed.
Both independent and assisted living communities have upfront costs, but there is a drastic difference between what’s covered in those rates and when insurance might kick in. Independent living facilities will typically quote a monthly fee that includes rent, utilities, and basic services like housekeeping and meal plans. Assisted living facilities will typically offer a base rate that covers most of the basics, but they will also add on options like one-on-one support and specialized health care.
While both types of communities have their pros and cons, it’s important to consider what’s best for your aging loved one and what they’re able to do for themselves. If you’re thinking about independent or assisted living for your aging parent or loved one, be sure to tour a few different facilities before making a decision. This will allow you to see what the living environment is really like and ensure that your family member will enjoy their stay.
Socialization
While hand-on care is not a focal point at independent living communities, many of them still provide excellent socialization services. These communities usually feature centralized hospitality services and have an expansive activities calendar to keep residents busy. They also offer support for day-to-day activities that may become more challenging as a person ages, such as taking medication or showering. However, they don’t have a medical team on-site at all times to address emergencies.
Most independent living communities are single-building or multi-building campuses that have studios, duplex cottages, and apartments with 1-3 bedrooms. These facilities typically have a range of amenities, such as a full-service restaurant, a library, and game rooms. Some even have shuttle services to take people out for local shopping or cultural attractions.
Depending on the type of community, some independent living communities may require that a person meet specific health requirements before they can move in. This is a good way to ensure that the facility has the resources to care for a resident in the event of an emergency. Independent living can be a good option for healthy seniors who want to simplify their lives, reduce their home maintenance responsibilities, and enjoy a social life among peers in similar stages of life.
In comparison, assisted living communities are more focused on providing support for the day-to-day tasks that might become more difficult as a person ages. For example, if an individual starts to have trouble bathing or dressing due to arthritis or osteoporosis, an assisted living community would be a great option. This is because these communities have staff members available to help with these issues. In addition, they often have nursing observation and support for medication management.
One of the best ways to boost senior socialization is through organized group activities. These events allow residents to meet each other and build new friendships. They can also be a great opportunity for seniors to connect with their family members. In addition, many assisted living communities also have transportation services that can take residents to local stores and other social venues.
Maintenance
As the name suggests, independent living facilities offer housing that is friendlier to aging adults. These communities feature more compact apartment-style living and are free of yard work and maintenance responsibilities. They also usually offer a wide range of amenities and services, including onsite restaurants and recreation centers. These amenities can include swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, clubs and interest groups, continuing education classes, and holiday gatherings. If you or a loved one plans to move into an independent living community, visit the area and try out some of the amenities and services. This can help you decide if the environment will be suitable for your needs.
In addition, independent living communities allow residents to bring their own durable medical equipment, such as commodes and grab bars. They can also make limited renovations to their homes with a building sign-off.