As you begin the process of determining which senior care option is best for your parent or loved one, the sheer amount of choices can be overwhelming.
Two of the most popular senior care options are independent living and assisted living. To help you figure out what care environment is right for your loved one, let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between the two.
Style
With independent living, residents do just that – live independently. The difference between living here as opposed to remaining home, though, is the potential support that’s readily available to residents. With a smaller space designed more in keeping with their needs and abilities, independent living spaces also offer peace of mind for families and the residents themselves.
Assisted living environments involve more interaction from medical and support staff. Depending on your parent’s needs, care is available throughout the day and night and staff regularly checks in on the health and well-being of your loved one. While independent living offers a more “downsized” version of living on your own, assisted living comes with a lot of customized and individual help.
Cost
Independent living is a great choice for seniors looking to downsize from the larger family home and move into a space that is more efficient, practical, and convenient. At Brethren Care Village, for example, we offer both apartment and condominium style living spaces for our independent living residents. The cost of these can vary based on the number and kind of amenities your parent is looking for. After an initial deposit, rent and amenities are paid on a monthly basis, most – if not all – as an out-of-pocket expense.
For assisted living facilities, the monthly rate for services may be covered partially by insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, government programs or a combination of various resources generally specific to the medical care provided.
Activities
Independent living residents can go where they want to go and do what they want to do, on or off the property. But most of these residences offer a lot of group activities and social events, conveniently located on campus and customized for residents.
Assisted living facilities also offer a large number of activities designed for group involvement. These activities are tailored specifically for the needs and interests of the residents, with a great deal of help and support from medical and other staff.
Family Involvement
Both independent and assisted living options welcome – and even encourage – family involvement. Families are invited to visit and spend time with loved ones.
Which environment is best for your loved one? The simplest answer is that it depends on how much care your parent or loved one needs on a daily business. If they’re able to be alone for a few days without outside help, then independent living might be the best choice. For those who need more regular professional care, assisted living might be the way to go.
Whichever route you choose, at Brethren Care Village, your parent or loved one will be taken care of. Our campus is also built for the future, offering beautiful independent living options on the same campus as our assisted living accommodations. Many residents downsize into a condo here and then remain even as their health begins to decline and their needs increase. We offer the area’s best environment for members of community to thrive during later seasons in life and age in place.
