When it comes to retirement, seniors have more options than ever before for services and accommodations. In-home care, moving to independent senior living, or transitioning to assisted living are all excellent options for seniors. If you’re considering a retirement community, you should keep a few things in mind. First, it’s important to research different communities to find one that fits your needs and budget.
Additionally, you’ll want to consider the amenities and services that are important to you. Finally, visiting a few different communities is also a good idea before deciding. Knowing what is suitable for you or your loved one can be difficult when many options exist. There are important differences between independent living vs. assisted living to consider. Contact us today by calling 214.227.7182 to learn more about living options with Buckner Retirement Services.
Understanding Independent Living
Independent living is a great option for seniors who want to remain as independent as possible. It provides an opportunity to age in place with assistance as needed from trained staff and professional caregivers. This type of community usually offers amenities such as housekeeping, laundry services, and meals. Seniors also have access to social activities and transportation services. Independent living communities generally provide a home-like atmosphere where seniors can maintain their autonomy.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living involves more support from a team of caregivers who provide assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Assisted living communities usually have 24/7 nursing staff and amenities like recreational activities and meals. Assisted living is a great option for seniors who need help with activities of daily living but still want to maintain independence and enjoy socialization.
Services in Assisted Living vs. Independent Living
One of the main benefits of both independent and assisted living is the convenience of daily services. Residents in senior living communities have access to amenities and services like housekeeping, on-site dining, and access to social activities. In addition, things like home upkeep, landscaping, and security are generally taken care of. Living at home can require a lot of work, and a retirement community can help take on some of the responsibility.
However, there are significant differences in daily services provided in independent vs. assisted living. Independent living is designed for seniors who want to enjoy community benefits such as security, on-site dining, and housekeeping but don’t need much extra day-to-day help.
Assisted living residents receive a bit more support in daily services and can get help with everyday tasks and chores as needed.
Care Difference Between Independent Living vs. Assisted Living
How much day-to-day care is needed can be a deciding factor when considering independent living vs. assisted living. Independent living is designed for active seniors who can manage most or all of their day-to-day activities. Independent living residents have access to staff when they need help with something, but they usually don’t need much extra support. Assisted living provides a higher level of care and support. Staff in assisted living communities can provide support for things like:
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Everyday grooming
- Meal preparation
- Medication management
- Laundry
- Transportation
Assisted living staff is also equipped to scale care up or down as needed. For example, seniors experiencing a temporary health regression may need extra support that can be scaled back when they begin to recover.
Family Involvement
Family plays a critical role in the lives of seniors, regardless of their living situation. The amount of family involvement can look a bit different in independent living vs. assisted living. In independent living, family members do not generally have a lot of interaction with the community staff. Staff is there to support residents when needed, but there is generally no need to coordinate care with family members. Family members can come and go as they please and treat their elderly loved ones to activities off-site. In assisted living, the community staff may need to contact family members more often to get guidance on medical decisions and care preferences. In addition, some seniors in assisted living experience limited mobility, so family members may be encouraged to visit on-site instead of taking their loved ones to off-site activities.
Explore Independent vs. Assisted Living with Buckner Retirement Services
Buckner Retirement Services provides luxury living accommodations for seniors in all stages of retirement. Our communities offer top-notch amenities, including:
- Recreational programs
- Educational programs
- Nutrition education
- Group outings
- Dining services
- Housekeeping services
- Transportation
- Snacks
- Spa
- Library
- Arts and crafts
Whether our residents are just starting their retirement, leading an active lifestyle, or experiencing health challenges and needing extra support, our facilities and staff stand ready to serve them. Regardless of the level of care our residents need, our dedicated staff supports them daily. Contact us today at 214.227.7182 to learn more about assisted living vs. independent living at Buckner Retirement Services.