A report from Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis states that nearly 20% of adults above the age of 55 in 2022 struggled with at least one activity of daily living (ADL).
As people age, they can experience more difficulty with tasks that were once incredibly simple. If you need a bit of extra help, there are various options to consider, such as assisted living and independent living.
Before making any decisions, however, you should make sure you understand these options. So what is the difference between assisted living and independent living?
Keep reading to find out.
Assisted living is one of the most popular senior living options available. It's a type of care that focuses on helping people with various ADLs, such as:
People who struggle with tasks like these can benefit greatly from the care provided in assisted living communities. The exact care that a resident receives can vary based on their needs. You can look at different retirement community types and discuss your needs with them to ensure they can provide suitable care for you.
Most assisted living communities also provide other benefits, including:
These are all things you should consider when choosing an elder care community.
Independent living communities have some similarities and some differences when compared to assisted living communities. They provide care for seniors who need help with certain tasks but don't provide the same level of care.
Instead, they're based on the idea of only providing minimal assistance and allowing residents to go about their daily lives largely on their own. Many people have a desire to retain their independence as they age, and independent living allows this.
Caregivers can help residents with specific needs they have, and allow them to handle everything else on their own. This level of self-reliance is preferable to many seniors, making this a more suitable choice for them.
These communities also typically offer similar amenities, activities, living options, etc.
Arcadia Place is an independent community in Vista, CA, that's dedicated to providing a better quality of life for all residents. We've built a comfortable, welcoming environment that's perfect for anyone interested in independent living.
We're located just a short drive from the beach for those who enjoy coastal living. It's also easy to access urban areas, so there's plenty nearby.
However, we've also built an engaging community so there's plenty to do without even leaving. We provide a range of amenities, such as:
Residents can enjoy these at their leisure.
Not everyone wants to live in the same way, so we offer various living options. You can choose from a selection of floor plans based on your needs and your budget. They vary in terms of:
Our spacious apartments come equipped with full kitchens/kitchenettes and include most utilities and cable TV. We can also take care of housekeeping and laundry, so you won't have to worry about these tedious chores. On top of this, Arcadia Place is pet-friendly, so you won't have to leave your furry friend behind to come here.
As we get older, we tend to become less active, both physically and socially. This is an issue, as it can have negative health impacts. Arcadia Place works to help residents socialize and stay active to improve their health and well-being.
Some typical examples of these include:
All of these encourage social interactions between residents and are a great way to enjoy both old and new hobbies.
We also run on-site health and wellness programs. These help people stay both physically and mentally active and healthy. They're specifically designed for seniors, so you don't need to worry about over-exerting yourself.
People often neglect their diets as they age. If preparing meals becomes more difficult, they may settle for easier options, but these can also be less healthy.
If you don't maintain a quality diet in your later years, it can be very detrimental to your health. At Arcadia Place, we understand this and work to ensure our residents eat well.
We have a team of professional chefs who use quality ingredients to prepare delicious, nutritious homestyle meals every day. You can have these in a restaurant-style dining environment along with tableside service. Alternatively, you can enjoy these nutritious meals in your own apartment if you prefer.
Both independent living and assisted living can offer high-quality care. Ultimately, you should consider your own needs so you can decide which would be best for you.
If you need quite a bit of help and feel like independent living may not be enough, then assisted living might be the right choice. However, if you're still quite capable and want to maintain your independence, then independent living could be more suitable.
Bear in mind that you can change things further down the line. Many people take the approach of starting with independent living and then moving on to assisted living if they feel that they need more support, so this is definitely something to consider.
This assisted vs. independent living guide should have given you a better understanding of how these two options compare. Knowing the difference between assisted living and independent living is crucial for your decision-making process. It's also vital to remember that the community you choose will have a huge impact on your experience.
Arcadia Place is a well-renowned retirement community in Vista, CA, that's committed to giving seniors the help they need in their later years. Our range of amenities and activities helps ensure there's always something to do, and our experienced caregivers can help you manage any ADLs that you have difficulty with.
Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or want to schedule a tour.