Do you worry about being unable to take care of yourself as you grow older? Are you looking for aid in your daily activities and pursuits? It may be time to think about deciding the best senior care.
There are several common signs that show it’s time to get home care. For instance, if you start having mood swings or loss of appetite, it may be time to consider senior care service. There are almost twice as many assisted living facilities than nursing homes.
In this post, we’re talking about independent living vs assisted living in specific. These two options are the most popular ones among others. Read on for the differences between the two as well as their pros and cons.
1. What You Need to Know About Independent Living
If you’ve lived a healthy lifestyle in your younger years, you may still be living an active lifestyle as a senior. However, age has a way of sneaking up on a person and makes it better to keep help around. Instead of sustaining yourself, move to an independent living community for easier living.
In essence, an independent living facility offers your autonomy and minimal help.
If you want to, you can still choose to do some of the daily chores yourself. These facilities allow you to do menial tasks that you might enjoy instead of taking it away from you. You can delegate which chores you would like help with and which ones you would rather do on your own.
As for the living facilities, you move to a community for independent living. These communities are also known as retirement villages and senior apartments. These facilities include a private or semi-private room, apartment, or townhome.
It also offers activities like wellness programs to keep you active. Some entertainment may be available as well as other amenities. These amenities may include beauty salons, laundry, pool/gym, transportation, and housekeeping.
2. When to Choose Independent Living
Seniors who can still live on their own should opt for this choice. Often, these will be seniors aged 55 and over. You can also wait a few more years as these facilities are sometimes called 62+ communities also.
Independent living is for seniors who move in for the sake of the community but can live by themselves still. Most independent living facilities relieve you of daily chores and other simpler tasks. This way, you’re able to enjoy your retirement days however you want.
There are studies that state that most seniors don’t have enough money to afford home health care. Statistics suggest 74% of seniors 65 years old and above can cash in the majority of their primary assets to afford at least two years of moderate home care. If you’re a senior looking to get independent living care, you may need to prepare $2800 monthly or $34000 yearly.
3. What You Need to Know About Assisted Living
Assisted living for seniors takes place in personal or residential care homes. It may take place in senior group homes as well. Assisted living offers day-to-day help for seniors who need it.
The typical services provided for assisted living homes include menial and simpler tasks. These may be dressing up, eating, bathing, or using the restroom. It also includes the services provided for independent living like transportation and housekeeping.
Assisted living also provides health services and medication management for the clients. In essence, its caregiving system is more meticulous and occurs full-time. When you’re considering assisted living, know that it’s different from board and care homes.
Some assisted living communities also offer amenities like specialized memory care units. These specialized units are often placed in a dedicated wing within the community. There will be security measures in place and often no kitchens in this wing.
4. When to Choose Assisted Living
Assisted living is for the elderly who need help with basic day-to-day tasks. Often this will be for seniors who are living with chronic health conditions. It also deals with seniors who are experiencing cognitive decline like Alzheimer’s.
Round-the-clock caregivers will be able to provide emergency health services if needed. If you’re unable to continue living in independent living homes, you’ll most likely move to an assisted living facility. Also, you can still enjoy the amenities for social interaction and entertainment offered in independent living facilities.
If you choose assisted living, you must prepare $3600 monthly or a yearly $43000 for the costs. These costs already cover your meals and emergency services.
5. Independent Living vs Assisted Living
Now, you know more about the two living options for senior care. Let’s do a side by side comparison of independent living vs assisted living.
Assisted living provides full-time medical and custodial care for a higher monthly cost. Independent living, while cheaper, has caregiving services limited to basic tasks like housekeeping. Remember to focus on your needs first rather than the costs.
Independent living also offers amenities like housekeeping, entertainment, laundry, and transportation. Assisted living offers all the amenities that independent living provides. Not only that but it also offers regular and basic support for daily tasks.
Assisted living is for seniors who are unable to do basic tasks. Meanwhile, independent living is for seniors who can still take care of themselves.
Consider these things when you’re unsure about which one is best for you.
When you decide on either one of these, think about the turn your life will take. To what extent do you experience difficulty with certain tasks now? Give great consideration to your doctor’s suggestions since they know your future needs.
When you begin to exhibit signs of needing a living option, sit your family down and have a conversation about your choice. Ask them about what they think and what they may suggest for you.
Choose Your Senior Care Option
Choosing between independent living vs assisted living can be a big decision. To learn more about our care services for seniors, feel free to visit our blog page.
If you have any questions about our senior care services, please give us a call.
