Is Independent Living or Another Senior Community Right for You?
When you imagine retirement, what do you hope it will be like? Do you want to spend your days enjoying your favorite pastimes, mingling with friends and family members, and getting out and experiencing everything your town has to offer – or simply relaxing?
Whatever your ambitions, you’ll want to pursue them free of the worries, burdens, and obstacles that come with homeownership, living alone, or residing in a setting that may not promote your health and happiness or accommodate your needs as you age.
Perhaps you’re wondering whether or not it’s time to consider a move to an independent living community. If that’s the case, you’ll need to understand what independent living is, who it is designed to best support, and how other senior living options differ in their lifestyle and amenities. With this knowledge, you can determine which of these options can provide the ideal lifestyle for yourself or your loved one.
Independent Living Is Ideal for Self-Sufficient, Healthy, and Active Seniors
What are independent living communities? Who are independent living communities for? Great questions! One of the most popular housing options for seniors, independent living is best known to serve those who are – as the name implies – independent. They’re generally in good health, and they’re capable of handling daily living activities and maintaining their dwellings without any or much assistance. Independent living residents prefer autonomy and privacy, in an environment that may be safer than living entirely on their own and that comes with occasional support for relieving responsibilities and stress.
In this arrangement, the individual rents a living space, typically an apartment or a cottage, within a community designed for seniors. Often, they can also access common living spaces, opportunities to socialize with other people, a collection of hospitality-based services, amenities and activities, and supportive care and other resources. However, these offerings may not be included in the monthly rental and can likely require an additional fee.
Assisted Living Is Best for Seniors Who Need Regular Assistance
If a senior requires frequent assistance with tasks and can benefit from supportive staff, the most cost-effective and beneficial senior living option near you could be assisted living. As with independent living, choosing an assisted living community still affords the freedom to curate a comfortable space the individual can call their own – as well as a tranquil, unburdened lifestyle. Residents spend their days enjoying cherished pastimes, downtime with friends and family, events, programs, outings, trips, and conveniently scheduled transportation for errands and appointments.
How Are Assisted Living and Independent Living Communities Similar?
Just like in an independent living community, an assisted living community should feature a setting that’s designed to accommodate seniors and their changing abilities as they age. Rather than renovating their current dwelling to prevent accidents, falls and hazards, residents can move into an accessible, custom-built home to boost their mobility and to focus on safety and security measures. They can enjoy safe, and often one-level living spaces, throughout the community and outdoor areas. Assisted living homes should be well-equipped, pet-friendly, stylish, and ready to be decorated to their taste.
A team of skilled staff members relieves residents of tiring, tough, and burdensome chores, such as housekeeping, laundry, home maintenance, landscaping, meal preparation, and more. Trained chefs prepare healthy dining menus – ensuring seniors get the vital nutrition they need – and a team of culinary staff serves and cleans up. That emphasis on good senior health habits should also include onsite fitness equipment, supervised classes and activities, an array of wellness programs, and adequate hydration support.
Assisted living residents enjoy plenty of common spaces and amenities that offer crucial opportunities to interact face-to-face with each other and with visitors. They are inspired to respond to a curated calendar full of engaging activities and events that cater to a variety of interests and hobbies. Staff plans off-site outings and visits to local landmarks, parks, shops, restaurants, entertainment, houses of worship, and more – complemented by chauffeured transportation, of course, so residents don’t need to drive if they don’t want to.
Another mutual benefit is the financial freedom seniors can feel. In making the transition to assisted living, residents no longer need to pay for home-related costs, such as a mortgage with interest, property taxes, insurance premiums, repairs, and upkeep. They can also streamline finances and bill payments and consolidate utilities, household expenses, and certain health care costs.
Assisted Living Residents Can Rely More Deeply and Often on Built-In Support
What is the biggest difference between independent living and assisted living? Simply put, in an assisted living community, the staff is equipped to provide closer supervision and hands-on support with daily living activities. That distinction can make all the difference for a senior who struggles frequently and could benefit from assistance with personal tasks. Supportive care for activities such as getting in and out of bed, showering, getting dressed, personal hygiene, using the restroom, traveling around community grounds, managing their medical care, and ensuring they take medication safely and on schedule can be critical for many aging seniors.
At the top assisted living communities, a team of experts – the individual, along with designated family members, physicians, and health professionals – will sit down with the senior living community nurses and advisors. Together, they will create a comprehensive, customized care plan tailored to the individual’s specific abilities, needs, and preferences, intended to guide all parties in delivering consistent care. Because a number of factors are discussed and evaluated before the move, after the move, and on an ongoing basis, the senior gains the right level of support, now and in the coming years.
Assisted living eliminates the continual risks and worries associated with seniors who live alone or without access to aid. In instances when no one else is around to assist, a fall, an injury, or another personal emergency could lead to serious health issues – or worse. In comparison, assisted living enables seniors and their loved ones to count on a series of “safety nets.” Among them should be a secure, accessible environment, routine checks, a call-for-aid system with 24/7 response, and access to an on-call nurse and/or medical attention when needed.
Memory Care Communities Might Be the Right Move
There’s also another choice in the search for senior housing. If Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive change is a current concern, or to be prepared for the possibility, look for an assisted living community featuring onsite memory care.
In a memory care community, residents enjoy all of the same benefits found in independent living and assisted living – but with the added value of trained, knowledgeable staff providing help that’s further adapted to seniors living with memory conditions.
In a calm, compassionate setting, memory care residents experience specialized engagement and activities, brain health fitness programming and behavioral support. With even stronger safety precautions, including wander protection (secured doors, increased security, staff members monitoring the exits consistently, etc.), they and their loved ones welcome extra peace of mind.
Every Day Can Go More Smoothly in a Senior Living Community
Sometimes, it’s not immediately evident which type of senior living is best in your situation. That’s why consulting with a senior care advisor working in a community offering a continuum of care can be a wonderful solution. In a senior continuum, residents age in place, moving from one level of care to another, as their needs change. For instance, residents in assisted living can transition seamlessly into memory care as their conditions evolve – staying in one location, in familiar spaces, and among friendly faces – to preserve their independence and improve their overall quality of life.
Avoid waiting until changing circumstances – physical, mental, emotional, and logistical challenges can suddenly make a move into senior living more difficult, stressful, or even impossible. Allow Stoney Brook’s professional team to provide the guidance you need. Our relationship-centered, Central Texas assisted living communities and memory care communities are designed to enhance seniors’ total wellness. Schedule a complimentary visit to meet us in person. Plus, check out our free, insightful resources, devoted to helping seniors and their caregivers. Subscribe to our blog, and read our eBook, Your Vital Guide to Senior Living and Care Options in Central Texas. Access your copy now!