Today’s senior living communities bear little resemblance to their ancestors. Communities serving the contemporary aging population are far less transactional and significantly more lifestyle oriented than they once were.
Many of these communities are designed to cater to distinct segments of older adults, ultimately offering a more personalized continuum of care with services that address an individual’s needs, which may change over time.
Comparing and contrasting options, such as independent vs. assisted living, as well as exploring advanced levels of care will help you select a senior living community that fits your needs for life.
Independent Living
For most seniors, moving to an independent living community is a lifestyle decision. While the community features and amenities are a big draw, the move is often as much about what residents can stop doing as what they can start enjoying.
Independent living gives seniors the freedom to live on their own terms, without worrying about lawncare or home maintenance. Regular housekeeping and linen services also mean they can spend less time on household chores and more time exploring their personal interests and living their best lives.
Seniors who choose independent living are fully self-sufficient and take care of most, if not all, of their own daily needs. In some cases, that autonomy even affects the style of home available to them. For example, residents of Epworth Villa’s independent living neighborhood can choose from private apartments or individual cottages (whereas assisted living communities tend to be more self-contained).
Assisted Living
Assisted living residents often enjoy many of the same home maintenance and housekeeping services as independent living residents. The difference is in the level of care the residents receive. Assisted living offers a helping hand for residents’ activities of daily living.
However, one common misconception is the general purpose of assisted living; many older adults mistakenly believe they are sacrificing their independence by moving to an assisted living community. In fact, the purpose of assisted living is to equip residents with as much independence and autonomy as they can safely manage.
Some residents even become more independent and enjoy a better quality of life, thanks to the personalized support they receive. For example, a senior may refrain from getting out much because they have trouble bending to put on their shoes and socks. With a few minutes of help, they have the footwear they need to move safely and freely throughout the community.
At Epworth Villa, each assisted living resident has an individualized care plan that ensures they get just the right amount of support. That might involve assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, grooming and dressing. Assisted living residents also receive help with tasks known as instrumental activities of daily living, such as medication management and transportation to appointments or entertainment venues.
In assisted living, caregivers often continue to take an active role in the resident’s care, although the day-to-day responsibility shifts to the community team that interacts with the resident on a daily basis. (Notably, this structure can also foster independence since it allows trained care providers to spot potential problems and take corrective action early.)
Last — but certainly not least — assisted living residents also have access to 24-hour nursing staff, on-site physicians are available, and an emergency call system in every apartment offers another layer of safety and peace of mind.
Some Similarities to Note
Care services and living arrangements are the main differences between independent and assisted living, but they do share many common features. For example, residents in both levels of living have access to activities like exercise classes and fitness programs—each tailored to their specific needs—as well as opportunities for socialization and enrichment, such as Bible study groups and arts and crafts. These programs are typically offered separately within each living area, ensuring they align with the abilities and preferences of the residents they serve.
In addition, residents in either type of community typically have access to multiple dining options, relieving them of the responsibilities associated with grocery shopping, meal planning, preparation and cleanup, while making it easy to enjoy nutritious, well-balanced meals each day.
Other thoughtful touches, like an on-site mini market and bank, offer convenience, while amenities like a coffee shop help create a vibrant community where friendships flourish and residents can pursue their personal interests.
Skip the Decision — Choose Both!
Creating a smart plan for retirement means thinking about what senior living options suit you best now, but also how your needs will change with time. In other words, although you may be fully self-sufficient now, there’s a good chance that at some point in the future, you may need some extra support.
In fact, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, at least 60% of Americans will eventually need help with activities of daily living. Your chances of needing long-term care increase if you have a chronic health condition or have a family history of chronic health conditions.
Fortunately, you don’t have to choose independent vs. assisted living. Choosing a Life Plan Community like Epworth Villa means you can enjoy the benefits of independent living immediately but also know that you can access assisted living (and other levels of care in senior living) if your needs change.
Epworth Villa offers both independent living and assisted living on a single campus for convenience, continuity and peace of mind. In addition, residents have priority access to on-site skilled nursing, rehabilitation and memory care if the need arises.
A Life Plan Community gives you a clear lifelong plan for managing your aging process. It begins with a vibrant independent living experience and offers you the guarantee of additional care if or when you need it.
