The choice between assisted living and independent living should be determined by the needs of your loved one.  Many communities offer both assisted and independent living options and residents are able to adjust their lifestyle based on their changing needs. Even if your loved one is not in need of assistance at this point in their life, changing care needs may dictate a need for services in the near future.

For an older adult, the choice between assisted living and independent living usually depends on how well an individual can manage daily activities without extra assistance. Examples of daily activities include, but are not limited to: preparing meals, personal hygiene, managing medications, completing household chores, driving/coordinating transportation, and maintaining personal finances.  Someone who has difficulty with any of these daily “independent” activities may want to consider the maintenance-free lifestyle of an assisted living community.

Assisted Living
Assisted living is a great option for individuals who have difficulty with daily activities at home. Residents at assisted living communities are free to live an independent lifestyle, but also receive regular support for a range of daily activities ranging from cleaning to meal preparation.

Independent Living
In contrast to assisted living, independent living is ideal for individuals who can still live independently but enjoy having access to assistance when needed. The independent living lifestyle offers residents a safe living environment, but with minimal assistance.

For an older adult, the choice between assisted living and independent living usually depends on how well an individual can manage daily activities without extra assistance. In contrast to assisted living, independent living is ideal for individuals who can still live independently but enjoy having access to assistance when needed.  The independent living lifestyle offers residents a safe living environment, but with minimal assistance. At the end of the day, the choice between assisted living and independent living should be determined by the needs of your loved one.