Choosing the Right Senior Living: Comparing Independent Living and Assisted Living Options
When it comes to the big choices in life, a variety of options can seem intimidating. For many older adults, that can certainly be the case when it comes time to make the big decisions about retirement and housing options. As retirees begin to evaluate their living situation, living independently is one of the main concerns.
Aging in place offers a strong sense of familiarity and comfort, so it often feels like the most ideal option. However, living on your own can be isolating and overwhelming with household chores and regular home maintenance. If you are suffering from a medical condition, household responsibilities can become even more difficult for you to handle on your own.
Senior living communities provide the best of both worlds – freedom, independence and peace of mind with all the comforts of home. Senior living communities can be life-changing, offering access to a more active lifestyle, meaningful friendships and a profound and lasting sense of purpose. They are a reliable remedy to many common aging challenges, with the power to reduce loneliness, boost self-esteem and provide emotional support. They also offer a sense of security without compromising privacy.
If you’re looking at a variety of senior living options, there can be a lot of confusing terminology to learn and information to gather. The best place to start your journey is by understanding the two most popular senior living options – independent living and assisted living.
But what’s the difference between independent living and assisted living? While independent living caters to active seniors who don’t need daily support, assisted living offers amenities and programs like those found in independent living but with additional support for activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and medication management.
So which option is right for you? Here’s what you need to know as you make the decision.
What Is Independent Living?
It’s a common misconception that senior living communities are for older people who need continuous care, but for most, that is simply not the case. If you want to enjoy a lifestyle where you can pursue your passions without the burden of household chores, then independent living is perfect for you.
These communities trade the worries of homeownership – like utilities, home maintenance and landscaping – for peace of mind and a fulfilling retirement. Most independent senior living communities are designed to feel and function like a home, while giving you opportunities to participate in activities like social activities, educational seminars, fitness classes, volunteer opportunities and excursions.
Most independent senior living communities also offer amenities such as a fitness center, swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts and more. Other services may include on-site spas, beauty and barber salons and housekeeping and laundry services. Most communities today, including all Hawthorn communities, are even pet-friendly.
Freed from daily chores like cooking, residents enjoy restaurant-style dining and a culinary team who creates personalized, flavorful meals three times a day. Snacks and beverages are available all day as well.
Independent Living at Hawthorn
At Hawthorn Senior Living, older adults can enjoy an engaging lifestyle alongside personalized amenities and services that encourage multidimensional wellness. Independent living at Hawthorn is where active seniors searching for an all-inclusive, stress-free lifestyle can thrive. It also provides benefits that lead to a fulfilling retirement with opportunities to enjoy hobbies, pursue new passions, embrace a healthy lifestyle, and live life the way you want.
What makes independent living at Hawthorn stand out from other communities is that select properties offer our live-in manager program. Through this unique, caring approach to senior living, our managers are able to enhance the retirement experience of our residents throughout their stay.
If you are looking for a senior living option where you don’t need daily support and want access to gourmet dining, activities, classes and more, then explore independent senior living.
Independent living is suitable for older adults who:
- Don’t want the burden of home maintenance and household chores
- Are looking for opportunities to meet new people and expand their social circle
- Want easy access to daily activities
- Are seeking a fulfilling retirement that provides peace of mind and avenues to pursue whatever they love most
Is independent living a good option for you?
What Is Assisted Living?
As an older adult’s needs increase beyond what is available in independent living, assisted living serves as the next level in care and services. Assisted living is designed to support residents and their individual needs. The services provided in assisted living vary from person to person, as plans are customized based on the needs of each resident. Assisted living residents enjoy the same amenities as those in independent living, but with additional assistance in activities of daily living, such as medication management, dressing and bathing.
In addition, residents are typically provided with:
- Three meals per day plus snacks
- Housekeeping and linen services
- Fitness and wellness programs
- Social and recreational activities
- Transportation services for scheduled outings and medical appointments
Although assisted living communities don’t provide intensive, long-term care for older adults with serious mental or physical conditions, team members are on-call 24/7 at most communities.
Assisted Living at Hawthorn
Hawthorn assisted living communities feature an active lifestyle with a full complement of amenities and services so you or your loved one feels safe and secure. We strive to enhance independence within a community of gracious care and support.
Our goal is to provide each resident with the unique personal care they need while helping to maintain their independent lifestyle. Our compassionate health care team supports our residents 24/7 to provide around-the-clock services as needed. Team members at our assisted living communities include full time RNs and LPNs, medication assistants and resident assistants.
We also offer additional personal services, and because we focus on individual needs and preferences, you only pay for the services you need. Optional services include medication management (including diabetic care); assistance with bathing, dressing and mobility; health monitoring; and more.
Assisted living is suitable for older adults who:
- Want all the amenities and services of independent living but require additional care support
- Require assistance with activities of daily living like grooming and bathing
- Are looking to pursue passions and increase socialization and connections through daily scheduled activities, events, classes and outings
Is assisted living a good option for you?
Start Seeking Answers
No matter what kind of care you or your loved one may need, we’re here to support you and your family. If you’re interested in what we offer or are seeking answers to your biggest questions, we can help.
Hawthorn Senior Living is proud to offer independent and assisted living designed to provide gracious support and an active, engaging lifestyle for all. Still wondering which senior living option is right for you? Find a community near you and contact us today.