Assisted Living or Independent Living: What’s Best for Your Parent?

Assisted living or independent living could be the right choice if your parents are struggling to shop and prepare healthy meals? Could they use help with a few daily tasks? Are they no longer driving and are dependent on others for rides?

It’s not uncommon to need a helping hand as we grow older. But your parents will still want to remain independent and in charge of their own lives.

The good news is that there are two types of communities that can support them to do just that – assisted and independent living.

If you’re wondering which lifestyle might be best for your parents, the following can help your family decide together.

What type of help do your parents need?

Asking these questions can help define the areas where assistance is needed and which community might be the best fit.

1. Are your parents able to handle the tasks of daily living?

Could they use help with dressing, bathing safely, housekeeping and managing basic tasks?

2. Are your parents able to shop for and prepare healthy meals?

Is it a challenge to go to the store? Do they plan and prepare nutritious meals or rely more on processed foods and snacks?

3. Are your parents remaining as active as they once were?

Are they physically and logistically able to participate in the activities they enjoy?

4. Are your parents becoming socially isolated?

Do they still get together with their friends? Or are they beginning to show signs of loneliness or isolation?

5. Are your parents able to drive or find other transportation?

The ability to drive often impacts the ability to remain independent. Do they still drive or have access to alternatives?

6. Are your parents able to keep up with the maintenance of their house?

Is their home well-kept or beginning to show signs of disrepair? Do they need help with the upkeep?

7. Is your parents’ home age-friendly or does it need renovating to make it accessible?

Does their home support efforts to age-in-place? Are there too many stairs or other accessibility issues?

8. Are your parents keeping up with their bills and finances?

Do you notice the mail piling up? Are they paying their bills on time and managing their finances and other personal business?

9. Do your parents feel safe in their home and neighborhood?

Has their neighborhood changed over the years? Do they still feel safe in their home and the area?

10. Are your parents anxious about living alone?

It’s not uncommon to begin to feel anxiety about living alone or what might happen if an injury or illness occurred. Your parents may be worried but not sharing their concerns.

Assisted living or independent living? The benefits of both styles of retirement living

Once your family has a better understanding of the type of support your parents might need, consider the services they’ll find at assisted or independent living and determine which type of community might be best.

You’ll discover there are many similarities and advantages between the two:

1. Private residence and independent lifestyle

Assisted living or independent living? Your parents will maintain their independence and still make all of their decisions in both types of communities – and enjoy living in their own private home.

2. Assistance with daily tasks

Assisted living or independent living? Only assisted living offers these services. For example, if your parents need help with bathing, dressing or medication management, assisted living is the right choice.

3. Activities and social events

Assisted living or independent living? Both community types offer a monthly schedule of programs and social events for the residents to participate in.

4. Opportunities to make friends

Assisted living or independent living? There are many opportunities to meet and make new friends, which is a great benefit of both communities. At social events, programs or even crossing paths in the common areas, it’s never been easier to begin a friendship.

5. Options for healthy dining

Assisted living or independent living? As part of the services offered, assisted living provides healthy and delicious meals for their residents. But those who live in independent living may also have access to on-site dining.

6. Transportation options

Assisted living or independent living? Both community types typically offer scheduled transportation to medical appointments, shopping, entertainment or other outings.

7. Maintenance-free living

Assisted living or independent living? Your parents can enjoy the freedom of a maintenance-free life whether they choose assisted or independent living. Most residents enjoy letting go of these responsibilities.

8. An easier life

Assisted living or independent living? Daily life is much easier whether your parents live in assisted or independent living, including having everything on-site and no longer having to worry about paying monthly household bills.

9. Sense of safety and security

Assisted living or independent living? Both types of communities offer security measures that can range from personnel to alarm systems for the community and personal residences.

10. Reassurance of support

Assisted living or independent living? Assisted living offers your parents the reassurance of knowing that someone is there 24/7 should they ever need help. Although independent living doesn’t offer this service, your parents may feel more secure knowing there are others nearby.

Ingleside’s Senior Living communities 

If your family is considering whether independent or assisted living might be the best solution for your parents, we hope you will visit one of our Ingleside communities. We believe you’ll find we support all of our residents to live their best lives and encourage them to take advantage of all the benefits we offer, including: 

• Maintenance-free lifestyle 
• Chef-prepared meals in our elegant dining rooms or casual cafés
• Fully equipped fitness centers
• Heated indoor swimming pools
• Art Studios 
• Libraries
• Beautiful walking trails  

For information on Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge senior living community located in Lake Ridge, Virginia, please call (703) 420-7105 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.

For information on Ingleside at King Farm senior living community located in Rockville, Maryland, please call (240) 414-8557 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.

For information on Ingleside at Rock Creek senior living community located in Washington, DC, please call (202) 846-2651with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.