The Difference Between Independent Senior Living & Assisted Living

People age with different daily living needs.

Choosing the right living facility for yourself or a parent will depend on several factors. Understanding what each type of facility offers will help make that decision easier.

Choices

Senior Outlook.com says that independent living and assisted living are two important options to consider for someone who needs more than adult day care and but does not need a 24-hour full-care facility.

Housing

Help Guide.org notes that both independent and assisted living may include single dwellings, apartments or single rooms in a large group facility.

Independent

Senior Outlook.com recommends independent living for people who need minimal or no help. And independent facility may offer options for meals, transportation and planned activities and recreation for seniors. Independent living facilities may also be called retirement communities, senior housing or congregate living facilities.

Assisted

Senior Housing Net describes assisted living as a place that provides daily activity support and care. Help Guide.org points out that it is necessary to ask what is provided as some assisted living resources do minimal care such as meals while others may include medication management, limited housekeeping and other services. Assisted living may also be called board and care or congregate housing.

Selection

Help Guide says to consider whether the need is long term or temporary, the individual's abilities and needs, privacy, finances and medical care needs to evaluate the right placement.

References

• Senior Outlook.com: Housing Options for Senior Living
• Senior Housing Net.com: Types of Housing & Care
• Help Guide.org: Choosing Senior Housing and Residential Care

Resources

• Aging Care.com: How to Evaluate Senior Living Options
• Assisted Living Federation of America: Assisted Living Community Evaluation Checklist
• U.S. Administration on Aging: Nation Center on Elder Abuse Homepage