Ultimately the choice between assisted living and independent living should be determined by the needs of your elderly loved one. If an aging adult has difficulties with daily activities or anticipates their needs changing in the near future, he or she may want to consider moving to an assisted or independent living community. To make the best decision, it is helpful to fully understand the differences between these lifestyle options.
What is Independent Living?
Independent living is ideal for individuals who can still live without assistance but enjoy the peace of mind of having access to assistance when needed. Also known as Continuing Care Retirement Community living, an independent lifestyle minimizes personal chores and errands along with the costs and stress of home ownership.
Independent living services include:
- Housekeeping.
- Handyman/maintenance services.
- Meal options.
- 24-hour security, home alert system and access to nursing care.
- Utilities cost (excluding cable television and telephone).
- Transport services.
- Social activities within the community.
- Scalable services to increase support as and when it is required.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is designed for seniors who can no longer live safely on their own but don’t require advanced medical care like that provided by a nursing home. As part of an assisted living program, a resident would move into a private apartment in the community that offers an ideal living space – compact, easy to navigate and fitted with grab bars and a walk-in shower with seating.
Assisted living will ensure you stay as independent as possible with access to support services, including:
- Housekeeping.
- Handyman/maintenance services.
- Health monitoring.
- Up to three meals daily.
- Reminders for daily activities/medication reminders.
- Personal care and hygiene assistance.
- Transport services.
- 24-hour security, home alert system and access to nursing care.
- Onsite physical, occupational and speech therapies.
- Social activities within the community.
When considering senior living options, it is usually a good idea to plan with the future in mind. Bristol Glen offers both assisted and independent living options so residents can adjust their lifestyle based on their changing needs. For more information about United Methodist Homes of New Jersey visit www.uhm-nj.org
This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/understanding-the-difference-assisted-living-independent-living/
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