Independent living and assisted living are synonymous for
each other. They both have a variety of options for older adults. Here are the
key differences between these two types of communities.
1.
Living space - The
independent living category encompasses a range of housing arrangements, from
apartment-style communities to housing co-ops. Residents live in separate
dwelling spaces and have a common area where they can gather with other members
of the community. Independent living can also go by these names: an active
adult community, senior apartments, a retirement community, a fifty-five plus
community, a retirement home, or a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC).
The typical assisted living arrangement is apartment-style. Individual
units may or (may not) be equipped with full kitchens. Assisted living
communities with specifically-designated memory care units often have increased
security (e.g. locked doors and extra surveillance equipment) and may not allow
cognitively impaired residents to have kitchens in their apartments (due to
safety concerns).
“There is a fountain of youth: it is
your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of
people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have
defeated age.” (Sophia Loren)
2.
Amenities and
care services - Independent living communities aim to make their residents'
day-to-day lives a bit easier. This enables them to live on their own for as
long as possible. Landscaping and housekeeping services, meal preparation,
security surveillance, and a variety of activities occur in independent living.
Most independent living communities do not have full-time staff dedicated to
providing medical or nursing care.
Assisted living is geared more towards helping aging adults who need
some assistance with activities such as bathing, doing laundry, and keeping
track of their prescription medications. Staff members—including some kind of
medical professional (typically a certified nurse practitioner)—are on-call 24
hours a day in most assisted living residences. Certain facilities also contain
special memory care units designed for individuals with mild or moderate
dementia. Assisted living communities don't provide intensive hands-on care for
older adults with serious mental or physical ailments.
Both
independent living and assisted living communities have recreation schedules
that are unique to each facility. Common activities include: game nights, field
trips, support and discussion groups, holiday celebrations, exercise classes,
and continuing education courses. They also provide transportation services to
shuttle residents to and from doctor's appointments, the grocery store, and
other errands.
“I believe that you're here on Earth for
a short time, and while you're here, you shouldn't forget it.” (Bea Arthur)
3.
Ways to pay (and other financial
considerations) - Rent represents the primary cost for independent living
residents, according to Wallace. Aging adults who live in CCRCs or communities
that offer specialized recreational opportunities (e.g. private golf courses)
may incur additional expenses in the form of membership fees.
In assisted living, seniors who need specialized care that isn't
included in their rent contract will incur additional costs if they have to
hire a professional caregiver.
Besides
differences in the level of health-related help offered to residents, the
biggest difference between independent living and assisted living is the access
to financial resources that seniors (and their families) can turn to in order
to help cover the cost of living in these communities.
Since
independent living communities don't provide residents with medical care
services, government-run healthcare financial aid programs (e.g. Medicare and
Medicaid) won't cover the cost. Instead, seniors must use Social Security,
pension income, retirement savings, and other personal funds to pay for an
independent living residence.
Assisted living
costs can be covered by using savings and personal funds, certain long-term
care insurance policies, Aid and Attendance benefits from the Veteran's
Administration, life settlements, reverse mortgage funds and annuities.
Medicare's
coverage of assisted living care is very limited. It usually pays for a
short-term stay to help an individual recover from a temporary illness (or
surgery). Medicaid also offers some financial assistance, but the rules vary
from state-to-state.[i]
“I'm a teenager trapped in an old body.” (Betty White)
“After a lifetime of working, raising families, and
contributing to the success of this nation in countless other ways, senior citizens
deserve to retire with dignity.” (Charlie Gonzalez)
[i] Adapted
from “3 Key Differences between Independent Living and Assisted Living” by Anne-Marie Botek
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