Independent living and assisted living are two great options for seniors who need some level of care or assistance. The level of care you or your loved one require is mostly what will determine which of these options is the right one. To help you make the best decision for the future of you or your senior relatives, read on to find out more about the differences between assisted and independent living.
Around the clock care
Residents in assisted living may need help with medication management, daily grooming and dressing, cleaning their accommodation, and various types of medical care. To cater to these needs, skilled nursing staff and other care providers are typically available around the clock. Residents in independent living can still care for themselves, so medical and nursing staff are not usually available on-site.
Specialized care
Many assisted living communities also have additional care provisions for more specialized needs, such as memory care or rehabilitation. These additional services can help residents manage conditions such as dementia or assist their recovery after an injury or surgery.
Accommodation
Both assisted and independent living communities typically place their residents in private apartments. This allows residents to maintain their privacy and as much independence as they are capable of, but it is often a move into accommodation that’s a more manageable size than their previous homes.
Differences in accommodation between independent and assisted living may be seen in the size of the apartments and the facilities that are fitted with. For example, some assisted living apartments may not be fitted with kitchens, suitable for residents who can’t cook for themselves or who may put themselves at risk around hot stoves and ovens.
Costs and payment options
Since less care and fewer services are provided in independent living communities, they are usually cheaper than assisted living. The higher cost of assisted living covers the extra staff that are available for residents’ care and the extra services available to them. However, because assisted living focuses on the provision of care and medical support, it is more likely to be covered by your health insurance, Medicaid, or something similar.
Assisted living offers a great deal of benefits for seniors with varying care needs. If you think assisted living in Woodruff, SC is suitable for you or a senior loved one, then contact Brookstone Terrace of Woodruff to find out more about our community and the services, amenities, and facilities available to our residents.