Have you been considering making a change in your living arrangements to simplify life? Maybe you are tired of home maintenance and upkeep, shopping and cooking meals. Or are you finding it harder to attend the activities and social events that you always enjoyed?
If you’re curious about all that senior living has to offer, you’ll want to learn more about each type and which one is designed to support your lifestyle.
If you aren’t sure about the advantages of independent living vs assisted living, the information below can be helpful. Once you have a better idea of the services each community can provide, you can decide which one is a better match to your desired preferences.
Independent living vs assisted living
There are many benefits at each type of community and they both can make your life infinitely easier. But reviewing the following features can provide the insight that might help you make the best choice.
Benefits of independent living
1. Your own private residence: Communities offer private apartments or cottages that are designed to help residents age-in-place.
2. You’ll maintain an independent lifestyle: You will make all of your own decisions about how you choose to spend your time.
3. Includes a fitness center or exercise classes: It’s easy to stay or get into good physical shape with a fitness center in the community.
4. Access to amenities: You may find several amenities that appeal to your interests, including a swimming pool, art studio or garden.
5. Offers a wide range of monthly activities: Boredom is not an option with such a variety of choices.
6. Options of where to eat: You’ll have a full-sized kitchen at home but for the times you don’t feel like cooking, you don’t have to leave the community.
7. Ease in meeting and making new friends: Meet your neighbors naturally at social events, activities or in the many common areas.
8. Scheduled transportation: Leave the driving to someone else if you’re going to a medical appointment, shopping or entertainment event.
9. No fear of isolation: Walk out your front door and you’ll find many opportunities to socialize with others.
Benefits of assisted living
1. Your own private residence: It will be your home to personalize to reflect your style.
2. Assistance available with the tasks of daily living: You’ll find help with bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management and other services if needed.
3. You’ll maintain an independent lifestyle: Receiving a little help can actually help you maintain your independence longer.
4. Access to a fitness center or exercise classes: Staying healthy couldn’t be easier or more convenient.
5. Enjoy all the amenities: You may be surprised at everything offered right outside your door.
6. Access to a wide range of monthly activities: Plan ahead after reviewing the monthly activities calendar.
7. Healthy dining programs: You’ll no longer have to worry about shopping or preparing meals again.
8. Opportunities to meet and make new friends: You’ll find yourself naturally meeting new people at the community’s many social events or common areas.
9. Scheduled transportation: No longer driving? You don’t need to worry about missing out on any of the fun activities or shopping.
10. Offers families peace of mind: You and your family can relax, knowing you are not alone if help is ever needed.
Still not sure? Here are a few questions to ask
Independent living doesn’t provide personal care assistance. Their appeal is generally to those who would like an easier maintenance-free yet active life. Assisted living is great for those who no longer can live their best life alone but who still don’t need extensive care.
If you’re unsure of which might be the best fit, independent living vs assisted living, visit those in your area firsthand and talk to the staff. Your doctor will also be able to make a recommendation.
Answering these questions may help finalize your decision:
1. Can I live alone without help with such tasks such as bathing, dressing or preparing meals?
If the answer is yes: independent living could be the perfect fit.
If the answer is no: you may want to consider assisted living.
2. Have I been relying more and more on others to run errands or help me out at home?
If the answer is yes: you might appreciate the services of assisted living.
3. Has the role of my spouse or adult child now evolved into caregiver?
If the answer is yes: you and your family may benefit from assisted living.
4. Am I mainly looking for a convenient lifestyle where I can leave the maintenance and housekeeping to someone else while I pursue fun activities?
If your answer is yes: independent living could be for you.
5. Am I lonely or feeling more isolated?
Depending on your answers above, either independent living or assisted living offers great opportunities for friendship and an active lifestyle.
Ingleside at Rock Creek Independent Living
It’s not always an easy decision to choose between independent living and assisted living. The benefits are many and there are several similarities. The main difference is that assisted living offers help with daily tasks if needed. But both provide support to live an engaged and empowered life.
If you decide that independent living would be right for you, we think you’ll be glad to discover how beneficial Ingleside at Rock Creek Independent Living can be.
Along with being supported in your efforts to age well and live life to the fullest, you’ll appreciate the ease in keeping active, eating healthy, staying in good physical condition and creating strong social relationships.
You’ll also have the choice of a spacious one or two bedroom floor plan with a full sized kitchen, large windows that flood your living space with natural light, safety features and underground parking.
If you’re searching for the type of lifestyle you’ve always imagined, we hope you’ll consider the many benefits of Ingleside at Rock Creek Independent Living.
Please visit our website for more information. Call (202) 846-2651 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personalized tour today.