Many people use the terms ‘assisted living’ and ‘senior living’ interchangeably. While it’s true that assisted living is a type of senior living, they are not one and the same. There are actually several other types of senior living; the most common are independent living and memory care. In fact, each of these types of senior living caters to specific needs and wants. Here’s how assisted living differs.
The Support
This is one of the biggest differences between assisted living, independent living and memory care. Assisted living offers support with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, eating and getting around as well as onsite care with staff available 24/7. Communities like ours strive to provide just the right amount of support to empower your independence.
Independent living, on the other hand, typically does not offer onsite care or support with daily tasks although you may opt to use third-party home health services for those needs. Many senior living communities offer both independent living and assisted living on the same campus. This is really the best of both worlds as you could retire to independent living initially, then, should your health needs evolve, easily transition to assisted living later while remaining in the same familiar surroundings.
Memory care is a type of senior living that is designed to support and nurture those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia exclusively. In these communities, you’ll find 24-hour care from specially-trained staff as well as onsite cognitive and physical therapy. The environment is secure, yet comfortable and features an easy-to-navigate layout.
The Assisted Living Lifestyle
Assisted living and independent living are very similar in terms of lifestyle. It’s often surprising to those considering assisted living, but truly, needing a little help here and there shouldn’t diminish your ability to live a full and active life. At least not in our communities!
Both of these types of senior living offer an ever-changing monthly calendar filled with social activities, outings, classes, clubs, fitness and wellness opportunities. Although independent living typically offers a wider range of accommodations from condominiums and apartments to even free-standing cottages in some communities, our assisted living apartments feature a range of floor plans including studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments.
While memory care offers a higher level of care and support; these communities also understand how important being active, engaged and social is to overall wellness – plus it just makes life more fun! In our memory care communities, we balance new opportunities with familiar favorites so residents have the comfort of routine while also being able to enjoy trying something new.
The Amenities
The amenities offered in both assisted living and independent living aren’t just for show. They’re designed to give you more freedom and independence in life by removing the stress of chores with home and yard maintenance, weekly housekeeping, linen service and dining taken care of for you. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of scheduled transportation and concierge services. With all that free time, you can now focus on doing the things you love!
Other amenities in these types of senior living typically include a fitness center, library, full-service beauty salon and barbershop. Not to mention welcoming common areas and beautiful grounds.
Our memory care communities are warm and inviting with all the comforts of home as well. Plus, they offer amenities such as weekly housekeeping, linen service, scheduled transportation and home-style meals served by wait staff in our cozy dining rooms.
For more information download our Just the Facts Guide to Assisted Living or contact us today to schedule a tour.
