Senior Living: Finding the Right Option
When it comes to choosing between independent and assisted living, it can be tough to determine the right assisted living options for seniors. At first glance, independent and assisted living can look very similar – both offer comfortable living quarters, nutritious meals, interesting activities, and a safe environment for their residents. However, assisted living and independent living communities are quite different.
How to Choose the Right Senior Living Options
Learn about the various community types
There are several types of senior living communities, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes.
Understanding the difference between independent living and assisted living can be more difficult. Independent living is for those who can live independently, but prefer to have someone else handle the household chores, ground maintenance, and more. Assisted living is for anyone who can live independently but needs a little help with certain activities.
Determine your parents’ needs
If your parents can complete daily chores and activities without needing any help, independent living may be the right senior living option. If they need assistance with bathing, dressing, preparing or eating meals, though, they may benefit from a move to an assisted living community that is staffed with professionals who can provide this type of support. Look for a community that best fits your parents’ needs.
Assess the community design
Independent living communities tend to feature multiple buildings spread out across a single campus, along with a central gathering area for meals and programs. These communities usually have larger living spaces and require short-distance travel by foot or car to commute from the living space to the central gathering area. An independent living community is the perfect choice if your parent gets around easily and is able to travel short distances.
Assisted living communities are usually more self-contained and have a smaller footprint. Your parents can access meals and programs in the same building in which they live. An assisted living community may be the right choice if your parent has trouble getting around and therefore prefers easy access to services and amenities.
Learn what amenities and services are included
The top-notch independent living communities offer a wide variety of amenities and services, which may include clubs, health and fitness classes, forums, games, movies, devotionals and bible studies, tours, musical entertainment, and even volunteer projects.
If your parent needs assistance with activities of daily living, look for an assisted living community that offers those specific services.
Visit several senior living communities
While there are many similarities between various senior living communities, each community has its own personality. Visiting the senior living communities can help you decide which is the best fit for your parents. When visiting, be sure to assess curb appeal, look at the living quarters for comfort and safety, and meet the caregivers there. Ask about the specific amenities and services provided.
Be sure to visit King’sBridge Retirement Community, which combines the freedom of independent living with the support of assisted living. We have a solid reputation for delivering superior service to our residents. If your parent enjoys fine dining and fun activities, and could benefit from weekly laundry, housekeeping, and carefree professional maintenance, independent living or assisted living at King’sBridge may be the perfect option.
