What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Independent Living?

February 27, 2023 / Senior Living Community
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A senior couple holding hands on their balcony looking out at the neighborhood.

Assistance with home maintenance and other daily tasks can help make retirement more enjoyable for retirees. If you or your loved one needs more support as they age, a senior living community could help. Finding the right balance of independence and safety is important for a happy, comfortable retirement.

Learn how independent living and assisted living communities support residents and the difference between the two.

What is Independent Senior Living?

Independent living offers retirees the chance to live in a social community with neighbors their own age. Seniors enjoy independence and resort-style amenities but don’t have to worry about home maintenance.

Because they don’t need to worry about home maintenance, independent living residents are free to enjoy a day in town with friends, social clubs in the community, or amenities like the heated swimming pool.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living offers community and support to seniors who are no longer able to live alone but still want to maintain an independent social lifestyle. The added support offers  residents the care they need to maintain their independence.

Assisted living can be especially beneficial for seniors who require help with the activities of daily living, or ADLs. This can include activities like housekeeping, landscaping, cooking, and managing medications.

Assisted living communities like The Villas at Stanford Ranch also offer organized social activities, like knitting classes, Rummikub nights, or book clubs.

What's the Difference Between Independent vs Assisted Living?

There are many similarities between life in an assisted living and independent senior living community. Residents of both enjoy the privacy of apartment-style floor plans. Both often offer luxurious amenities, social events, and community outings.

An easy way to remember the difference between independent and assisted living is that independent living communities usually exist to serve the social needs of their residents, whereas assisted living communities also offer support for ADLs like personal hygiene, cleaning, and other tasks.

If you are looking for a new community and place to call home for your or a loved ones’ golden years, seek out a community that offers the right level of support and care. Are you looking for a new home without the chores of maintenance and upkeep, or extra support with day-to-day tasks to remain independent? Explore independent and assisted living options at The Villas at Stanford Ranch.

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