The Difference Between Independent and Assisted Living Communities

Have you recently concluded that your aging loved one may benefit from some sort of senior living option? If so, you may be overwhelmed by the abundance of available choices. Two of the options most often confused with one another are independent and assisted living. Many people view these terms as interchangeable; others may assume they both fall under the category of “nursing home.” Both of these notions are inaccurate. The word “nursing” generally pertains to skilled nursing, a level of care that provides a high level of medical supervision. It is best suited for people in short-term recovery from a moderate injury or temporary illness, or a long-term patient suffering from a more severe injury or chronic disease.

If your loved one is generally healthy but does not seem capable of living on their own any longer, they are likely a good candidate for independent or assisted living. But what is the difference? Below, we will provide summaries of both care levels so that you can better determine which option would work best for your family.

Independent Living

Just as the name suggests, independent living provides the most autonomous living situation for an older adult. It is basically no different from life in their own home- with a few key differences. For one, they would live in a community or on a campus designed for independent living. Whether it is an apartment in a building or a cottage on a larger campus, they would no longer reside in their own home. This option is suited for people who are generally self-sufficient but may have become overwhelmed with the upkeep and maintenance of their own house or apartment. Independent living communities often give residents the ability to keep their own car on campus, come and go as they please and make their own schedules. However, they generally do not provide any level of care or assistance. This means that if your loved one has any degree of cognitive or physical limitations for which they need extra help, they will not likely receive it on an independent living campus.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is very similar to independent living- residents generally get their own living spaces and can structure their days as they please. However, there is one important difference: they can receive assistance from trained aides where and when they need it. This means that if they experience any degree of difficulty with daily life – whether that be with grooming, eating, mobility, dressing, hygiene, using the restroom or taking medications – they can get help at a moment’s notice from people who know exactly what they are doing. Physical and cognitive challenges are common with advanced age, and if your loved one is exhibiting any signs of either, assisted living is likely the best option for them.

If you would like to learn more about a Freeport assisted living community that also offers memory care, call WinnPrairie today at 815-656-4800 or contact us online.