Independent Living Vs. Assisted Living: What’s the Difference?
Have you been considering transitioning out of your home and into a senior living community? Before you do, it’s essential to research and gather all the facts you need to make an educated decision so you can find the best senior living option that feels right for you.
With so many living options for senior adults, you may feel overwhelmed by all the senior living communities. We’ll help you start sorting through the questions you may have by answering a common question, “What’s the difference between independent living and assisted living?” We’ll break down some of the differences for you.
What is Independent Living?
As the name suggests, independent living communities are for older adults who can live independently with little assistance but want to be a part of a community that encourages social engagement and community interactions with other senior adults in similar situations. Sometimes this can mean simply moving to a neighborhood or community that is specifically designed for seniors who are 55 and up.
Independent living communities are sometimes referred to as:
- 55+ community
- Senior apartments
- Retirement community
- Active adult community
- Continuing care retirement community
What is Assisted Living?
An assisted living facility is different from independent living communities in that they are for seniors who may need assistance with daily tasks, including bathing, dressing, grooming, going to the bathroom, medication administration, etc.
Cost of Independent Living vs. Assisted Living
When considering the cost of assisted living it is often billed around a rental model. Monthly rental fees at an assisted living facility often include
- Housekeeping
- Maintenance
- Security
- Nursing care
- Meals and dining options
- Programming
- Around-the-clock staffing
A few hours of personal care a day are usually worked into the rental cost or can be added for an additional fee.
Technically assisted living is an out-of-pocket expense, but many people have long-term care insurance policies that may cover a portion of the monthly rental fee. Many assisted living communities also offer subsidized programs to help with the cost. When looking into facilities, make sure to ask about these options.
The cost to live in an independent living community is usually different from assisted living facilities. At an independent living facility usually, there’s an entrance fee upon moving in, with up to 90% of it being refundable upon leaving. There may be an additional monthly fee to cover items such as:
- Maintenance
- Meals and dining options
- Security
- Programming
- Housekeeping
Differences in Support and Medical Care Services
Generally, independent living communities are for senior adults who don’t need daily assistance or medical care, so those services are not required or offered, making the overall cost of an independent living community a bit lower.
At an assisted living facility you’re paying for assistance with daily tasks and on-call nurses. Many assisted living facilities have doctors on-site as well for the convenience and safety of their residents. The cost of having these services on site will make assisted living a little more expensive.
Community Layout
There are design and layout differences between independent living communities and assisted living facilities. Independent living communities may have a layout that feels like a typical neighborhood, with homes spread out around a central meeting area for meals, programs, and entertainment. Living quarters tend to be bigger in independent living communities, and there is a greater distance between each building. The homes in an independent living community may be apartments or cottages.
Assisted living facilities have a different design than an independent living community. The layout is accommodating to disabled individuals and those who need assistance. In assisted living communities, everything is closer together and easier to access.
The Role of Loved Ones
Being surrounded by loved ones in your older years is key to ensuring positive physical, emotional, and mental health. If a senior community is not welcoming to family and friends, that is a red flag. It is so important that friends and family feel welcome in their loved one’s senior living community.
In independent living communities, members’ families are welcome to visit, become a part of the community and even enjoy the amenities within the community.
In assisted living facilities, family/loved ones often need to take on a more active role in caring for their loved ones living in the community, especially for residents with dementia. Family members are kept in the loop and updated about their family member’s health and progress and are an active part of care planning.
Community Programming and Other Amenities
One of the perks of both independent and assisted living communities is the various programming and amenities available for the residents. These amenities may include
- Housekeeping
- Round-the-clock staff
- Dining spots
- Transportation options
- Social engagements
- Entertainment
- Libraries
- Cafes
- Game rooms
- Pools
- Gyms or fitness centers
Oftentimes a monthly dinner fee is often worked into the rental price at independent living communities. Many communities offer various meal options from fine dining to casual food. Residents can also cook meals at home.
Assisted living facilities typically include every meal, and most residents eat their meals in the dining rooms together. Most residents in assisted living look forward to their meal time for social interaction with their friends.
Live in the Moment and Start Your Next Chapter at Summit Vista
Live your best retired life at Summit Vista. Enjoy delicious and nutritious meals in multiple dining venues, work up a sweat in our fitness center, engage in life-changing wellness programs, and more. Contact our retirement counselors online or call 801-758-3138 to learn how you can live life to the fullest in our award winning senior living community.