As one gets closer to retiring, it’s usually time to think about how they are going to handle their retirement. If you are in such a predicament, the major issue you might be grappling with is how you will be accommodated. When thinking of retirement and accommodation, many people automatically think about nursing homes. However, unless you are severely ill, this is not something that should even be an option. There are many ways to enjoy your retirement years in an environment that is fun, fulfilling, and designed to suit your needs in every way. Assisted living and independent living facilities might sound the same, but there are key differences that make them quite different. It’s important to know these so that you can choose what’s best for yourself. In some cases, you may even find yourself having to move from one to another.
Their Meanings
As the name suggests, independent living is a mode of living where an individual in retirement is more self-sufficient. They may have morbidities such as non-communicable conditions, but they are usually fit enough to ambulate and do most things on their own. In some cases, they may need help in doing a few complicated tasks such as taxes, but they are overall self-sufficient. They usually don’t need someone to look over them constantly.
On the other hand, an individual who needs assisted living usually has a condition that makes it impossible for them to carry out regular daily activities on their own. They may be able to do simple things, but on the whole, require someone to help them out. An example is a quadriplegic. Both can live in retirement communities since those that offer assisted living have staff trained to care for such individuals.
Living Space
The living space for someone who needs assisted living is quite different from one who is comfortable with independent living. The latter’s apartment usually has features similar to a regular home. Their apartments are usually slightly modified with features such as railings and anti-slip mats in the bathroom to prevent falls. A person who requires assisted living usually needs an apartment specialized with equipment such as surveillance cameras in the kitchen. Guests who have severe cognitive impairment usually have kitchens devoid of appliances or items that might hurt them. They usually depend on the community team members to help them with daily activities such as cooking, bathing, and in some cases getting in and out of bed. Their apartments may also have facilities to make it easier to move around such as a stair lift and sturdy railings. It’s not common to find their apartments having staircases.
Cost
Assisted living costs more than independent living on account of the extra accessories, labor, and effort needed to keep the guest comfortable. Independent living guests may want to take part in activities such as golf on a private golf course, which may drive up their daily cost of living. Sometimes, the community has many facilities in place, so this cost is not exaggerated.
These are just a few of the differences between assisted and independent living. In reality, everyone has unique needs in a retirement community, and issues such as cost are determined on an individual basis. Contact us today for a tour of our community and more information about the amenities.
