Independent vs. Assisted Living: Which One Is Right for You?
March 4, 2022
The decision to explore some level of support for yourself or a loved one is often a bit of an emotional one. You may feel gratitude for having moved through many rich and full seasons and stages, knowing how precious life is. Perhaps you’ve also come to recognize that having an extra hand for everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, nutrition and more would open up many more possibilities to greet the day with a positive mindset.
At Kempton of Charleston, we can confidently say that our team of skilled professionals consider it an honor and a privilege to help navigate you or your loved one through the process of embracing a more vibrant life. In today’s blog, we’re touching on the differences between independent living and assisted living communities.
What Is Independent Living?
The nonprofit HelpGuide summarizes independent living as follows: “Independent living is simply any housing arrangement designed exclusively for older adults . . . In general, the housing is friendlier to aging adults, often being more compact, with easier navigation and no maintenance or yard work to worry about.” Other common names for this type of community are active adult and senior living communities.
Independent Living Community Perks
Along with their thoughtful floorplans, independent living communities often come with an impressive range of amenities, such as dining venues, recreation centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, parks and more. An activity calendar geared around getting to know your neighbors and staying active is another plus.
Important Considerations When Researching Independent Living
As you research your options, it’s critical to note that medical care, nursing staff and assistance with daily living are NOT included in independent living communities. Although the need for daily care may feel far away, life sometimes has other plans. Therefore, we recommend being proactive and seeking a community where this kind of assistance will be available without a massive disruption to you or your loved one’s environment.
What Is Assisted Living?
WebMD defines assisted living as follows: “Assisted living is a type of housing designed for people who need various levels of medical and personal care. Living spaces can be individual rooms, apartments, or shared quarters.” Regarding the environment typically found in assisted living communities, the site reports: “The facilities generally provide a home-like setting and are physically designed to promote the resident’s independence. Services are offered to assist residents with daily living.”
Assisted Living Community Perks
The customized care provided in assisted living communities varies, but you’ll often find assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, ambulation and nutrition oversight. Housekeeping, laundry and around-the-clock nursing oversight may be included. Medication administration, transportation to medical appointments and streamlined communication from the community to healthcare providers are ideally offered.
Important Considerations When Researching Assisted Living
We recommend looking for a Certified Nxtgen Care Community, as it signifies a best care practice, and the cutting-edge technology allows the team to deliver best-in-class care, accountability and transparency. Other crucial considerations include carefully reviewing licenses, visitation policies, contracts, and credentials held by staff members. Visiting the community in-person will allow you to better understand the atmosphere, available floorplans, dining services, and activities. Having a concrete plan in place for care costs is also essential. At Kempton of Charleston, you’ll be pleased to learn our level of care cost structure takes into account the customized care needed by each resident, so you’ll never pay for what you don’t need.
Live vibrantly…and do what you love. Contact us to learn more about luxury senior living in downtown Charleston.
Kempton of Charleston is the only standalone assisted living facility on the region’s highly sought-after Peninsula. Luxury amenities include well-appointed studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment homes with kitchenettes, private bathrooms with zero-entry showers, a bustling monthly calendar of engaging activities and events, an outdoor terrace, pocket park and onsite parking.