What are the Differences Between Independent & Assisted Senior Living?
Brian SheridanMay 27th, 2022
In many families, there may come a time when an elderly loved one will need additional support due to illness, mobility issues, or the natural course of aging. At that point, when the family can't provide an adequate level of care on their own, it might be time to consider placement into a Senior Living Community that can best provide care for the older person's changing needs.
Two levels of senior living that often come up while researching care options are "Independent Living" and "Assisted Living". As the names suggest, the main differences between these levels of care are:
Independent Living communities are designed for older people who don't need much help with day-to-day tasks. They mostly rely on the community for a friendly, supportive environment and fun social activities. Assistance with household tasks is available but not often required by the residents.
Assisted Living communities offer support for residents needing regular assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as personal care and household tasks. However, they can still live relatively independently and participate in social activities. Assisted Living may also include Memory Care units specially built for people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
There are also many other specific differences you should be aware of to ensure your loved one gets the appropriate level of care. Here are some of the most important:
Living Spaces
Independent living units range from apartments to patio-style homes.
Most of these are private dwellings with access to common areas such as a pool, gym, or community socializing areas, including libraries, fireplace rooms, and games rooms where residents can socialize with other community members. Independent living resembles having an apartment or small house anywhere else, but with transportation and maintenance services and a built-in social structure. Most communities include at least one meal per day.
Assisted Living is typically apartment-style only, with a kitchen in some cases. Otherwise, assisted living can look and feel just like Independent Living in many ways.
Memory care units may include enhanced sightlines so the resident can navigate their space easier. They also feature increased safety measures such as locking doors and extra surveillance equipment but will not have kitchens due to safety concerns.
Medical care and daily support
There generally is no onsite nursing or medical-type support in Independent Living. Residents are usually able to safely manage their day-to-day affairs and move about the community without assistance. If they need to see a doctor or have medical appointments, local transportation services are available to shuttle them back and forth.
Most Assisted Living communities provide licensed practical nursing (LPN) during the day, with some also having a registered nurse on staff during the day or 24 hours a day. Transportation is also available for medical appointments outside of the community. Assisted Living staff also provides daily support with ADLs, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, meal prep, and more.
Amenities and Programs
Your loved one will enjoy the same amenities in both types of communities, such as housekeeping, social activities, libraries, cafes, and games rooms for all abilities.
Independent Living and Assisted Living activities include game nights, field trips, music nights, support and discussion groups, holiday celebrations, exercise classes, and continuing education courses. Memory care activities are generally tailored toward physical and cognitive stimulation and are delivered in smaller groups.
Transportation to grocery stores, appointments, and other places is also available to residents in both communities.
Meals
Meals are often included as part of the monthly fee in Independent and Assisted Living. Independent Living usually includes one meal per day with a wide variety of options ranging from fine dining to casual takeout.
Assisted Living communities include three meals per day within the monthly fee, usually taken in the common dining area. However, residents can take their food back to their residence if they want to have a quiet meal at home.
In both cases, nutrition is paramount to each meal the community chefs prepare. In addition, menus are often customizable to conform to one's dining preferences or health or religious restrictions.
Family involvement and decision-making
Families are always welcome to immerse themselves in the Independent Living community, including participating in the amenities and sharing meals with their loved ones. Most of the decision-making about their lifestyle is done by the resident.
Families take more of an active role in their loved one's care in Assisted Living and Memory Care. Designated family members are apprised of the resident's ongoing condition and are directly involved with progressive care planning.
How costs are paid
Independent living residents usually pay an entrance fee upon moving and an additional monthly fee covering maintenance, housekeeping, security, some meals, amenities, and programs. In some cases, much of the entrance fee is refundable when moving out. Some independent living communities only require a small one-time community fee, which is often less than $5,000.
Because independent living communities don't offer medical services, Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and other financial aid programs won't cover the costs. Instead, residents have to pay privately, using Social Security benefits, pension income, retirement savings, life settlements, life insurance annuities, and other funding sources.
Many Assisted Living communities pay using the rental plus care model. The rental fee covers maintenance, housekeeping, security, three meals per day, nursing observation, programming, and 24/7 staffing. Daily personal care such as assistance with bathing, grooming, and medication management is included in the additional care fee. Some communities will bundle everything into an all-inclusive price that covers rent and care charges.
Residents generally pay for Assisted Living from the same sources as Independent Living. However, since Assisted Living offers required medical and physical services, funding options are available to help Florida families cover the cost. Your Senior Living Advisor will be able to help you apply for all of the funding options you qualify for.
No-cost help finding quality Independent Living and Assisted Living in Northeast Florida
Navigating the world of senior living can be daunting and confusing, especially if you're doing it alone or for the first time. With so many factors to consider, you need to make the most informed decision about where your loved one will spend their vintage years.
That's why families looking for Senior Living Communities in Northeast Florida call Brian Sheridan of Assisted Living Locators for help. Brian and his team will take the time to get to know your elderly loved one's needs, wants, and requirements and present a list of best-fit options that suit their lifestyle. Brian's team will do all the research for you, making the entire process easy.
Contact Brian at 904-559-3203 or bsheridan@assistedlivinglocators.com to find the best Senior Living Community in Northeast Florida for you or a family member today!