For many, this is a difficult question to answer. Independent living or assisted living? The choice can be tough when you or a loved one are nearing the end of life and want to live in retirement with dignity and independence. Affectionate Care Assisted Living Home in Richmond is here to share with you some of the differences between these two ways of life so that you can make an informed decision about which one will work best for you or your loved one. Continue reading to learn more, and contact us today for more details!
Assisted Living vs Independent Living: What’s the Difference?
What Is Independent Living?
The idea behind independent living communities is for residents to have an apartment or home within a community where they can be self-sufficient and live independently. It is a retirement living option where residents do not have any onsite medical care or assistance with daily activities, but they can receive care as needed from local healthcare professionals. Meals, housekeeping, and laundry services are often included in the rent, and social activities are available on-site.
What Is Assisted Living?
Unlike independent living communities, assisted living facilities provide some types of services and support to their residents while they continue to live in an apartment setting within the community. These may include meal preparation, grooming and hygiene assistance, medication management, and more. Staff is available 24-hours a day to help with any problems that may arise.
The Major Differences
Independent living communities do not provide any onsite medical care or assistance with daily activities, while assisted living facilities provide some types of services and support to their residents
Independent living is for people who want to live completely on their own without any help, while assisted living may be for people who need some help with daily activities but don’t want to lose their privacy or independence.
Independent living communities are generally much less expensive than assisted living facilities, while assisted living may be more costly because of the additional services provided (but still typically far cheaper than nursing home care).
Independent living communities have a more independent feel to them, with social activities and amenities often geared towards those who are active and healthy retirees; assisted living facilities typically have a more home-like feel, with supportive services tailored specifically to the needs of those who need assistance.
Living at Affectionate Care Assisted Living Home
Affectionate Care Assisted Living Home in Richmond offers assisted living services to our residents, but we also provide many lifestyle benefits that independent living communities cannot offer. These include 24-hour caregiver support, private bedrooms with their own bathrooms (and full wheelchair accessibility), dietician-approved home-cooked meals made fresh every day, housekeeping and laundry services, social activities, physical and mental exercise opportunities, and a low resident-to-staff ratio.
For many people, assisted living is the best of both worlds: they get to live in a private community setting while still receiving some level of assistance with their day-to-day activities. If you or a loved one are considering independent living, assisted living, or home care options for your retirement years, please contact us today to learn more about our services!