Dr. Eboni Green
December 9, 2021
More than half of US citizens aged 65 and older will experience some form of disability before they turn 85. Many factors determine the level of disability that someone will face, but one of the most influential factors is the living situation. Independent living is an option for those who may be a little more mobile and would like to live independently or with a roommate.
One of the differences between independent living and assisted living is the amount of assistance a person needs. An assisted living facility is typically meant for those who need help with daily activities, such as cooking and cleaning. In contrast, Independent Living for Seniors enables individuals to do more things independently. Many activities can be done separately, including laundry or going to the grocery store.
Another difference is how to pay for each type of care. Assisted living facilities are often covered by Medicaid and Medicare, whereas independent living usually requires some form of personal insurance such as long-term care insurance or life insurance.
The differences between independent and assisted living may not be essential to consider when making this decision. It’s just one consideration among many others that need to be weighed when deciding which way to go.
One of the significant benefits of independent living is that it offers many people the opportunity to live a more independent lifestyle. Independent living gives you greater control over what you do and where you go. You are not forced to stay put in an assisted living facility until your family members can take care of you.
This independence allows individuals to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, decreasing disease risk and complications from hospitalizations or medical procedures.
That is why 70 percent of assisted living residents are hospitalized annually. Some studies suggest that seniors who live on their own are 2-3 times less likely to contract a health-related illness or die prematurely than those who reside in an assisted living facility.
Many elders who live in assisted living facilities cannot leave their homes. This can be an issue for both the elder and their caregivers. If those elders want to go out to a nearby restaurant or shop, they may need someone else to take them.
With independent living, many elders choose to live on their own or with roommates, so they have the option of leaving their homes if they want. They don’t have to rely on someone else to help them get around or go out of their home. With this option, elders can make more decisions about living and managing their lives independently.
In assisted living, individuals rely heavily on one person’s care. This reduces their socialization and makes it challenging to develop partnerships. Independent living allows for more socialization. Residents can create bonds with those who share their interests and activities. Volunteering or simply experiencing a new place are fantastic social possibilities for volunteers.
Independent living is superior to assisted living because people have more control over their life. They can choose where they live, what they eat, and how they spend their time. These options allow them to choose a lifestyle that suits them.
