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Assisted vs. Independent Living: Which One is Right for You?
Lisa Reisman • Aug 28, 2019
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Assisted vs. Independent Living: Which One is Right for You?
vcExploring different senior care living options can be stressful because they need to be determined on a case-by-case basis of what is best for that individual. There are benefits to both types of living situations, however it’s important to be aware of the difference between the two in order to make you or your loved ones transition smoother.
Independent Living
For the seniors who are active and in good health, independent living facilities may be a good choice. These communities offer a senior lifestyle filled with recreational, educational, and social opportunities. These types of communities may also be referred to as “retirement communities” or “senior apartments.”
Perhaps the largest appeal to living in an independent living community is for those to maintain a familiar independence and positive self-worth attitude that comes along with being self-sufficient. Within these communities, individuals have the opportunity to participate in community wide events and amenities like counseling, social outings, dining services, and even transportation. Some independent communities have additional fees for these services that can make them fairly expensive. Others communities just provide simple apartment with no activities. One thing to note is that most independent living communities do not have health care services so it is important those seniors are in good health and do not need daily medical assistance.
According to an article on New Lifestyles’ website there are 161 different independent living communities in Atlanta, Georgia. Here is a list of independent living options in your area to explore. New Lifestyles’ website also provides us with these options for independent living:
Active Adult Communities are communities with homes for sale. Most offer a clubhouse where a variety of activities are offered. Services such as landscaping, maintenance & housekeeping are usually offered as well.
Senior Apartments are living units with an age requirement, offering limited additional services. Most have a clubhouse where groups meet for activities, and some offer transportation to planned activities & events.
Retirement Communities offer independent living with amenities such as meals, transportation and activities included in the monthly fee.
Continuing Care Retirement Community ( CCRC) offer independent living along with assisted living and nursing care in a single setting. You can start on the independent level and progress as need be, staying on one campus. These communities normally require an entry fee and offer a living unit, meals, and health care up to the nursing level.
Affordable Senior Housing is a HUD 202 program that offers rental assistance for seniors who meet the requirements of the federal program.
Senior Villages are a newer concept in most major cities, where members pay an annual fee for the coordination of volunteers to provide older residents with services that help them live independently.
Assisted Living
Often times assisted living communities have a negative connotation attached to them because seniors “don’t want to be in a home.” However, there are a plethora of positive possibilities that can come along with assisted living communities. Assisted living can be a great step for seniors who need more socialization and the convenience of having a variety of services at the tip of their fingers. In comparison to independent living, the difference is clear— assisted living honors your independence while providing an added level of care. A major proponent of assisted living is the health care assistance individuals receive, especially those experiencing memory loss and Alzheimer’s where living on their own is no longer a responsible option. According to Dana Larson, contributing writer for A Place For Mom, a few strong reasons to consider assisted living for you or your loved ones are as follows:
1. Physical Activity and Fitness: Many assisted living communities offer gym equipment, exercise classes and even personal trainers to help with physical therapy and elder fitness.
2. Social Activity: Living at home can be isolating, especially if the senior lives alone. It can be difficult for the elderly to maintain their social relationships when they are retired. Assisted living offers socialization through planned activities and outings, such as field trips, dancing and cultural events. Daily living in the common areas also offers fun and socialization for seniors.
3. Safe Living Environment: Often home modifications and in-home care are required for a safe living environment in the family home, which can be very expensive. Assisted living is designed for mobility and accessibility while also offering expert care and medical attention, if needed.
4. Intellectual Stimulation: Communities offer many opportunities for learning, such as computer classes, book clubs, art classes, gardening and more. Some communities are even located near a college so that residents can take advantage of nearby campus resources, including courses and cultural offerings.
5. Chef-Prepared, Nutritious Meals: Senior nutrition is a big problem as many seniors are malnourished these days. Assisted living offers nutritious, often chef-prepared cuisine catered for specific medical conditions and elderly needs. Residents are served three meals a day tailored to the changing health needs of seniors and some luxury communities even offer luxury dining.
6. No Stress of Housekeeping and Transportation: Keeping up with daily chores, housekeeping and appointments is often stressful for not only seniors, but also their family. The vast majority of these burdens are relieved in assisted living ad the community offers housekeeping and transportation services. 7. Help With Daily Living: Family caregivers are also generally responsible for helping with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and eating when a senior loved one lives at home. In other cases, the family or the senior themselves must bear the cost of a home care aide. Both of these options can cause personal and financial strain on the family. In contrast, one of the most basic tenets of assisted living is helping older adults with these ADLs so that they can continue to function as independently as possible.
Assisted living in Atlanta is popular because of its lower cost of living and mild climate, making it a sensible place to retire. Senior Advisor’s website also tells us that with a 6 percent income tax rate, Atlanta is a “tax friendly” city overall. If you think assisted living is the right choice for you or your loved ones, you can check out one of the many assisted living facilities on this website.
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