There are a lot of different senior living communities out there. You may hear about nursing homes or independent living, but what about options in between? For example, what is assisted living? And, how do these services differ?
As you begin the search for the right community, it’s helpful to know what the differences are amongst the various types of senior living options and how they vary from one another.
Independent Living
Independent living is often the right choice for seniors who are self-sufficient and safely able to handle daily tasks on their own. This option allows one to live just as they would on their own but with the many perks of a senior community, which can include:
- Daily social events
- Household maintenance
- Transportation
- Meal options
A major advantage of independent living is that it provides freedom from home maintenance and chores. Additionally, many senior living communities also offer à la carte services for independent living residents that can be added onto living packages.
Consider independent living if:
- You’re ready to hand day-to-day chores and home upkeep to someone else
- You would enjoy the company of others and the opportunity to make new friends
- You prefer the peace of mind that comes from a community setting with the right level of services and amenities accompanied by employees who genuinely care
- You’d benefit from downsizing, consolidating or eliminating bills associated with homeownership
Related: Tips For Transitioning Into Independent Living
Enhanced Living
Enhanced living is unique to our Independence Village and StoryPoint Group communities. A good step between independent living and assisted living, enhanced living typically offers a non-licensed environment where support with items like medication reminders, mobility support and daily activities is available.
Because each resident has a unique journey that requires different care, we offer this living option as an extension of independent living that offers more assistance and attention. For example, one may not fully require everything assisted living has to offer but would prefer more support than independent living provides. Enhanced living bridges the gap between these two living options.
Enhanced living may be a good fit for you if:
- You are looking for flexible care services to aid in maximizing your independence
- You aren’t interested in household chores or mundane home upkeep
- You’re interested in being part of a community with added social programs and opportunities
Assisted Living
Assisted living is ideal for those who need added support with daily tasks beyond what is available in independent living. This option offers a licensed environment with specially trained staff — allowing residents to live autonomously in a private apartment while receiving on-site support including daily meal service, housekeeping, assistance with medication administration, mobility support, health care coordination and more.
Our Independence Village and StoryPoint Group communities partner with skilled nursing groups to provide additional support as well as occupational and physical therapy. Assisted living allows licensed specialists to be readily available as they are needed.
Assisted living might be the best fit for your loved one if:
- Care needs are becoming too much to be managed at home
- The benefits of a licensed setting with professionally trained employees would be a welcome change, especially in an environment where residents are cared for like family
- Home maintenance, cooking and cleaning are becoming unmanageable. In assisted living at Independence Village, residents receive three meals per day, daily housekeeping, laundry services and more
Related: What To Ask When Moving Into Assisted Living
Memory Care
If your loved one has a memory impairment such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, a memory care community might be a good fit. Many senior living communities offer licensed memory care services with trained staff to support seniors with dementia and other memory impairments.
Memory care communities often feature specialized programming to help residents maintain independence as long as possible while also being equipped to support those in all stages of memory impairment.
Independence Village and StoryPoint Group communities provide special amenities and services that help memory care residents live as easily as possible. Windows are enlarged to allow more natural light and minimize shadows, handrails are designed to fit those with arthritis, and essential oils are used to help residents maintain daily schedules. For example, citrus essential oil is used to awaken the senses and stimulate appetite.
Memory care communities commonly feature:
- 24-hour licensed support in all areas of living, wellness, dining and more
- Specially trained employees equipped to navigate the effects of memory impairments
- Programming designed to challenge and engage those with memory loss
Related: Placing A Parent In Memory Care: When Is The Right Time?
Nursing Home
Nursing homes are similar to assisted living services within a senior living community in that they are equipped to support seniors who need extra help with daily tasks.
It’s common to wonder about the differences between nursing homes versus assisted living communities. The main difference is that nursing home residents require full-time monitoring and tend to greater health care needs.
Nursing homes commonly offer a greater level of support, which can include medication administration, helping residents get in and out of bed, providing dressing assistance and more. Often, a nursing home is a beneficial option for seniors who have very limited mobility or who have more complex medical needs and require high-level assistance and monitoring.
Learn more about the differences between nursing homes and assisted living by downloading our guide.
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) offer care that spans the spectrum of services needed as seniors age. Part independent living, part assisted living and beyond, these types of communities are able to support independent seniors as well as accommodate changing needs as time goes on.
While all senior living options come at a cost, CCRCs typically require a significantly larger entrance fee, sometimes referred to as a life care endowment, which often starts around $100,000.
Unsure Where To Start? We’re Here To Help.
Many families face similar challenges when beginning their search for senior living. At Independence Village, we understand each individual has a unique journey. Our team is here to walk you through available living options so that you can find the best fit. Call us today at 1-844-403-6569 to discuss which living option is best for you.
