What Is the Difference Between Independent Living and Assisted Living?

June 08, 2023 / Assisted Living, Independent Living

For many individuals getting older, the time will come when they decide to make a move into a new style of living. Seniors who are looking for a more independent lifestyle with a community focused aspect and the option for more assistance if they need it will often come across two excellent options: independent living communities and assisted living facilities. These are two very popular options for seniors who are still able to take care of the majority of their daily activities but are considering options that will provide support as they transition into needing more care in the future. The Senior Care AZ team is breaking down independent living and assisted living communities today: what they offer, the costs of each, and how to decide which option might be the best choice for you or your loved one.

What Is Independent Living?

Independent living communities offer seniors, who are looking for a fairly active and independent lifestyle, a community where they can reside and attend social events with individuals their own age with common interests while not worrying about the challenges associated with owning a home. Independent living takes away the stressors of home upkeep, chores, laundry, and housekeeping while giving residents the opportunity to take part in the robust social calendar and events that happen within the community. Independent living is designed for seniors who are still active and likely to participate in community activities and who want to keep their independent lifestyle without worrying about taking care of a home and other responsibilities associated with living on their own.

What Is Assisted Living?

An assisted living community is also a long-term residential community that is designed to provide active adults with minimal care and supervision but some level of support with the activities of daily life. Residents in an assisted living facility will often live in studio or shared-apartment style housing with private living spaces and small kitchens for preparing food as needed. Similar to seniors in independent living facilities, seniors in assisted living facilities generally do not require 24/7 skilled nursing care, but in an assisted living facility, assistance with some daily tasks will be provided if needed. Some activities of daily life that an assisted living facility can provide support with include medication management, meals, housekeeping, or personal care. An assisted living facility often feels more like a retirement community, with additional healthcare support for residents who need it. There are ample opportunities for socialization and activities with their community, and they also often have outings and will provide transportation for residents. Assisted living facilities are designed to support the physical and social health of residents while providing stimulation in an effort to slow physical and cognitive decline.

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living: Services

There are a range of services provided in an independent living and assisted living community, some of which may vary depending on the specific facility. In general, services in each facility follow some of the following structures:

Independent Living Services

Independent living facilities aim to make their residents’ lives easier and allow them to live independently for as long as possible, but they do not provide medical or custodial care to residents in the way that assisted living facilities can. Instead, services are more focused on aiding in the independent activities of residents. Meals can generally be provided for independent living residents, although some facilities may charge an additional cost for the coverage of three meals a day. Housekeeping services are often provided, sometimes at an additional cost, depending on the facility. Social outings and community events are often planned and are a main focus of living in the community. Transportation may be provided to and from doctor’s appointments for residents.

Assisted Living Services

Assisted living facilities generally offer a wider range of services for individuals who may need them. An assisted living facility generally offers three meals a day at no additional cost, as well as housekeeping services. Skilled nurses in the facility can generally provide medication management, and medical care is either on call or in the facility at all times. Individuals needing caregiving services can access this through the facility, and it will be available around the clock. 24/7 assistance with the activities of daily life is available, as well as supervision if needed. Assisted living facilities also offer a full calendar of activities and social events, often on a daily basis.

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living: Community Design

Independent Living Community Design

Independently living communities are often designed as a campus, with multiple buildings and residences spread out and a gathering place for programming and meals in a central location. There is often a greater distance to travel between buildings in the community.

Assisted Living Community Design

Assisted living communities generally have a smaller footprint and are more confined. Many of the residents’ needs can be met within the residential building or community, and there is generally more close proximity to the staff, which makes providing services and assistance more accessible.

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living: Family Involvement

How involved the family becomes with the community their loved one lives in depends on the style of community as well as the preferences of their loved one and the family. Independent living and assisted living often have different levels of family involvement expected.

Independent Living Family Involvement

Independent living communities generally encourage family members to become immersed in the community and culture, but the decision making is ultimately up to the residents of the community. Family members can visit and enjoy amenities as they wish.

Assisted Living Family Involvement

In assisted living facilities, families are generally more involved in the care of their loved ones. Designated family members are often assigned to be more involved and will be kept updated on care as needed.

Cost of Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

Independent Living Cost

Independent living varies greatly in cost depending on the type of facility, but will often cost anywhere from $18,000 to $42,000 per year. These costs are generally paid out of pocket and may be paid for through the sale of assets, such as a home.

Assisted Living Cost

In 2020, the national median annual cost for an assisted living facility was $51,600 per year. These costs are typically paid for out of pocket or through the sale of assets such as a home or long-term care insurance that has been paid-into over the course of many years.

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living: Which Should You Choose?

The choice between independent living and assisted living is often determined by the needs of the senior who will be a resident in these communities. If you or your loved one has a high level of independence but wishes to be freed from some of the responsibilities of owning a home while still maintaining a very active lifestyle, independent living might be right for you. If you foresee a higher level of care being needed in the near future and want to have that option while maintaining an independent lifestyle, assisted living could be a good option. The professionals at Senior Care AZ offer Arizona senior placement services and can work with you to determine what the best course of action is, no matter your unique situation.