How to Decide Between Independent Living and Assisted Living
If you’re researching senior living options for yourself or an aging parent, understanding what’s offered with various levels of living can help you make an informed decision. If you’re on the fence about how to decide between independent living and assisted living, learning more can help you select the right senior living situation for yourself or your loved one.
Some people move into independent living in their 60s or 70s and remain independent their whole lives. Others move into independent living and then transition to assisted living when they reach a point where they need some extra help in their daily routine. It’s common for those who delay moving until their 80s and beyond to find that as time goes on, assisted living may be a better fit than independent living. Starting your search now can help you find a community with all the features you want today plus the health care services you may need in the future.
What’s the Difference Between Independent Living and Assisted Living?
When you’re trying to choose the best retirement community for yourself or a loved one, understanding the differences between independent living and assisted living is a great place to start.
What is independent living? Independent living communities offer an active, vibrant lifestyle that empowers you to live as independent as possible as you age. Independent living offers the benefits of a maintenance-free lifestyle without the responsibilities of housekeeping, cooking, yardwork, home repairs and other chores.
When to choose independent living? Independent living is designed for older adults who are self-sufficient in all aspects of daily living. If you love the idea of being close to everything you need for a fun and fulfilling retirement while having a secure plan for the future, independent living is probably a good fit.
What is assisted living? Assisted living provides support with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming and other daily tasks. Highly trained staff members are available to provide help when needed, with licensed nursing staff on-site or on call in case of emergency. Assisted living residents have a personalized care plan, and medication management as well as consultations with a registered dietitian may be included for those who need it.
When to choose assisted living? If you or a loved one is having difficulty managing daily tasks around the house, it’s time to consider making a move to assisted living. It’s helpful to focus on the benefits of moving to an assisted living community, including healthy and delicious meals, engaging social interaction and the peace of mind of having help available at the push of a button.
Plan for a Secure Future
Life Plan Communities (also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRCs) are designed to provide a senior living experience that meets your needs as you age. Life Plan Communities may offer independent living along with higher levels of care such as assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care — all conveniently located on one campus.
At Westminster, our Type A Life Care provides unlimited access to a full continuum of care right on campus. Choosing Life Care at Westminster provides protection against the rising costs of long-term care, because your monthly payment is likely to stay essentially the same, no matter what level of care you need. This can represent a huge savings over paying for an assisted living or skilled nursing facility on a direct-admit basis or paying for in-home skilled nursing care.
Life Plan Communities like Westminster provide a comprehensive financial plan so you can worry less about the future and enjoy life now. Westminster has it all: A vibrant and carefree lifestyle, security and priceless peace of mind for you and your family members — all within a predictable financial framework.
Discover Our Expanded Living Options at Westminster
We invite you to learn more about Westminster’s Carlisle expansion that adds premium-quality residential living accommodations for independent living as well as new residences for assisted living and memory care. The expansion also includes rehabilitation and physical therapy rooms, a new clinic, gym, cardio studio and day spa with massage services.
Want to learn more about our Life Plan Community offering both independent living and assisted living in Austin, Texas? Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule a tour!
