After much discussion and research, you and your family members have finally decided to send your loved ones to a senior living community. However, there are many senior living options to choose from. If you’re confused over which option to go with, no worries as we’re here to help you better navigate the world of senior living. One of the most popular questions is the difference between assisted living vs. independent living. In general, an assisted living community is designed for loved ones who require assistance in day-to-day tasks, while an independent living community is for those who are able to live independently, as its name suggests. There are other differences, listed below.
Amenities
Regardless of which senior living option, most senior living communities grant all residents access to services like housekeeping, transportation, concierge, and activities. When it comes to dining options, it depends and varies from various communities. Some independent living communities may include dining as an add-on in a monthly fee, and residents are encouraged to take out or cook for themselves. In an assisted living community, meals are included, and residents get to dine with their friends in the common dining room. However, at Aston Gardens At The Courtyards, we provide dining services for all residents at our Sensations restaurant, where residents are served three meals a day.
Community Design
Residents in independent living communities tend to live in private apartments, which range from sizes and styles. These apartments are spread out in a large campus, where there is a common gathering area for residents to dine together and participate in activities. The apartments are also larger in size, and situated further away from other amenities.
In an assisted living community, residents stay in apartments that are smaller in size and located nearby to amenities. For example, at Aston Gardens At The Courtyards, our assisted living community is situated close to the Sensations restaurant and nurse’s station. This is to ensure that your loved ones do not have to put in much work when it comes to daily living. The apartments may even be equipped with enhanced lighting, memory boxes, and other safety features. All in all, assisted living communities are typically more self-contained.
Medical Care
Considering that residents living in an independent living community are able to take care of themselves, they live alone and have access to medical care if they request for it. Here, we have a full-time Executive Director who provides health and nutrition coaching, alongside a team of medical and wellness professionals. They deliver personalized care plans and offer physical therapy services in the case of residents needing more medical attention.
On the other hand, residents in an assisted living community will have access to around-the-clock care by staff members and medical personnel. There are more amenities offered too, such as cleaning and personal grooming assistance, medication management, blood pressure monitoring, mobility assistance, and many more. There will also be an on-site medical director, and apartments are equipped with an emergency response system. As you can see, assisted living communities provide that extra layer of security to ensure that residents are kept safe at all times and do not have to travel out for medical services.
