Independent or Assisted Living - Making the Right Choice

Whether you’re a senior looking to enjoy the golden years of retirement or a family looking to improve the standard of living of an elderly loved one, assisted living and independent living are two options that potentially offer the answer to your search.

For some assisted living offers the security and comfort one longs for as they enter their twilight years, not to mention the support and care that can be vital to their health. Others prefer to opt for independent living which continues the life a senior has become accustomed to with a little safety parachute when needed. Below we shall take a look at which is the more suitable for you.

The Benefits of Assisted Living

Deciding on assisted living is never an easy choice. Some seniors feel that it strikes a blow to their dignity and freedom while it is not uncommon for families to feel guilt at allowing somebody else to care for their kin. Decisions are never taken likely but sometimes assisted living is simply the best option available.

Those families that do not have the means (financial, time-wise and other) to care for a relative can be assured that trained professionals in retirement homes have the time and resources to properly care for a senior. From the other viewpoint, seniors needn’t feel guilty for asking for help from somebody outside of the family. Of course, there are no instances where assisted living is also the only option, as is the case with those with no family or kin.

Retirement homes that offer assisted living are generally aimed at those seniors that need a little extra help with their day to day dealings. Staff can assist with the likes of bathing, grooming and dressing or any other seemingly routine task that an individual struggles with.

The dietary needs of seniors are carefully considered when they take residence at an assisted living retirement home and nutritious meals are prepared. Everyday household tasks such as laundry, housekeeping and the changing of bed linens are completed by staff rather than the senior themselves. Escorting and transport duties are also undertaken to ensure the needs of the resident are met.

Ultimately, assisted living is designed to eliminate those tricky tasks allowing an individual to relax and enjoy their waning years, while also maintaining the health and wellbeing, independence and dignity of the senior.

The Advantages of Independent Living

Although the two are technically different, independent living offers many of the same benefits to those we’ve associated with assisted living. The main factor that separates the two is that independent living is focused on those seniors that need less help to enjoy their day to day lives.

Those seniors residing in independent living quarters are generally considered to be able to look after themselves thoroughly. They rarely need assistance dressing, eating or looking after their health. In fact, many might consider that they do not need to enter a retirement community.

While this may be true there is one very good reason for seniors to opt for independent living. By selecting a retirement home seniors are able to interact with their peers. Many independent living homes are found with assisted living facilities, often overseen by the same people. By living close together, residents can enjoy time together, be it chatting, heading out on excursions or simply heading to the store together. Compared to the many individuals that have to sit home alone during the day, or for extended periods of time, this offers a healthier environment.

Independent living also, as the name suggests, promotes an individual’s independence. We’re seen how those residing at an assisted living community can come and go as they please. This remains the same for their independent counterparts.

Another benefit of independent living is that should the need arise residents are close to those that can help. Be it a medical emergency or just the slowing of the body, assisted living practices can be put into place ensuring continuity of care for your beloved family member.

Deciding whether to enter an assisted living retirement home or an independent living facility will depend on the individual circumstances of the senior. Those that require that additional help are likely to benefit from assisted living while maintaining dignity, comfort and wellbeing. Those that feel they have more left in the tank but appreciate the company of others are more likely to enjoy independent living.