The Real Difference Between Staying in Independent and Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities is a great choice if you need more personal care services than you can get at home or a living retirement community, but you don't need the round-the-clock medical care and supervision of a nursing home. Assisted living facilities provide the security and safety of 24-hour support and access to care. Day or night help is only a telephone call away. However, privacy and independence are motivated. A good center will build-up a customized plan that meets your needs and accommodates your disabilities, while giving you the freedom to do what you could for yourself.

Assisted living facilities are a fantastic option for families whose loved-ones need aid with the activities associated with everyday living. These activities of daily living or ADLs ranges from just a little helping hand all the way through comprehensive watch care including aid from medical staff. The standard services offered in these living facilities include meals, laundry services, and housekeeping. Depending on the needs of the citizen, they can also include assistance with bathing and dressing, ambulating, and all types of medical care as needed. Different facilities have different set-ups, of course, with some designating certain wings from specific levels of care.

Independent living facilities, however, are simply just any housing arrangement designed mainly for seniors, generally those aged 55 and over. Housing differs widely, from apartment-style living to free-standing houses. In general, the housing is friendlier to older adults, often being smaller sized, with easier navigation and assistance in yard maintenance if there is a yard. You can even hear the terms retirement communities, retirement houses, senior housing and senior apartments applied to independent living. The key difference between independent living and other housing options is overall health and assistance in daily living activities.

Independent living is a favorite option of self-reliant seniors who maintain active lifestyles and enjoy the convenience of having cultural, social and physical services at their fingertips. Seniors are free to go in and leave the community as often they wish. However, many prefer to take advantage of the amenities, activities and sense of community provided by their like-minded neighbors. Independent living expenses can also be often equivalent or even more affordable than those needed to own and maintain a home.

Finding a new home for an elderly family member, whether it be independent or assisted living facilities, can be a bit frustrating to say the least. If you are, however, equipped with the right tools, locating the optimal home for them can be such a breeze. The key factor is finding one that will give the best care and attention to your loved-one. It should provide activities that he or she likes to engage with. Surrounded with people he or she can very easily relate with. Most importantly is that it should be accessible to you so you can visit them anytime you want.