As your loved ones get older, they will have to consider their next steps in life. However, as the world of senior care has gotten more complex over the years, we understand that it can feel overwhelming for both you and your loved ones to decide on the most suitable living option. No worries, as we’re here to help. Suppose your loved ones are interested in heading for the route of a senior living community. In that case, there are many specialized communities to take note of, mainly independent living and assisted living. In this article, we’ll be addressing the differences between these two senior living options and which is best suited for your loved ones.
Independence and Privacy
As its name suggests, independent living communities are all about allowing residents to maintain their independence and live out their lives without much assistance. Of course, this is only possible for loved ones who can take care of themselves and do not have severe medical conditions. Since residents are self-reliant, an independent living community essentially provides an opportunity for older adults to retire in peace and without the responsibility of being homeowners. Here at The Welstone At Mission Crossing, your loved ones can even expect their household chores, errands, and other daily tasks to be handled by our team of professional staff.
On the other hand, assisted living communities are specially designed to accommodate loved ones who aren’t able to live alone and require assistance for day-to-day responsibilities. They may be living with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease or facing cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s or dementia. As a result of their health, residents in an independent living community have access to caregivers and medical personnel 24/7. Their apartments also have added security like secured entrances and medical alert systems in order to ensure their safety at all times.
Medical Care
In an independent living community, residents take a more holistic approach to being more physically and mentally healthy, by addressing the six aspects of health: physical, medical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and social. At The Welstone At Mission Crossing, residents have access to our state-of-the-art FitCamp® fitness center, where they can take part in a wide range of fitness and wellness programs, from yoga to aerobics classes. There will also be a medical team on-site to attend to any medical emergencies.
Since residents in assisted living communities require a higher level of medical care, they are supervised by healthcare professionals most times of the day and are aided in medication management and monitoring, personal care, and other services.
Activities
One of the biggest draws of independent living communities is the wide range of activities and events offered. Here at The Welstone At Mission Crossing, residents get to keep themselves busy with our daily events schedule, which is updated and planned by our full-time Activities Director. From movie nights in the evening to frequently scheduled outings to town, your loved ones will have many opportunities to socialize and form friendships with the other residents.
Residents in assisted living communities also can take part in activities and events, though these are specially designed to be much safer.
