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April 13, 20213 Factors When Selecting Memory Care Community
June 8, 2021While some of the realities of aging can be stressful for seniors or those approaching senior age, it’s comforting for many to know that there are several excellent care options for those who have certain needs due to age. And while there are several different programs or community types to consider among seniors who are considering a move to a location where they can receive assistance, two of the most common such communities are assisted living and independent living – these are similar in some ways, but also have some notable differences that separate them.
At Cozy Retire, we’re happy to offer high-quality, award-winning assisted living community services to numerous seniors throughout Ogden, Kaysville and Layton, offering several levels of assistance and personalized care plans depending on each individual’s needs. How do our services compare with independent living communities, and which should you be considering if you’re a senior or a caregiver helping with this decision? Here are some basics on each.
Assisted Living Basics
Assisted living communities for seniors are meant to combine themes of independence with the basic forms of support that some seniors require. This support will vary widely between individuals – some may have physical needs in terms of dressing or grooming themselves, while others may have needs in healthcare, social engagement, bathroom usage, meal consumption and many other areas, and assisted living staff are here to help with all of them.
It’s important to note that assisted living communities are not the same as nursing homes. Nursing homes tend to refer to those for individuals with even more significant medical needs, including complex care programs that involve daily services. Those in assisted living communities may have some of these needs, but they’re generally less intense.
Independent Living Basics
Independent living communities, on the other hand, are meant for seniors who are still pretty active – but want to be free of some of the burdens and responsibilities of homeownership while also having care resources on-hand if needed. Basic maintenance and household duties are carried out by staff, giving residents plenty of time to participate in various programs, enrichment activities and more, both on-site and off-site. However, independent living communities tend to have somewhat fewer specific care resources, and may not be ideal for seniors who have particular health or related needs.
Choosing Between Them
To be clear, there is no “wrong” answer here – whether a senior chooses assisted living, independent living or even one of a number of other setups in this realm comes down completely to their needs and preferences. Seniors who don’t have many health issues and just want to lessen their responsibilities while enriching their life may gravitate toward independent living; those with a few more care needs who want these maintained while also living an independent life may look to assisted living.
For more on any of our senior care programs or communities, speak to the staff at Cozy Retire today.