More and more Iowans are enjoying longer and more active retirements. If you're one of the more than 1.1 million people in Iowa aged 50+, you may be starting to think about retirement living choices. While some prefer to stay in their own homes, there is a broad range of senior living options that can provide benefits you can't get when you live alone.
In this article, we will look at independent living vs assisted living. These two types of retirement communities are among the most popular choices out there, but what are the pros and cons of each? Let's explore them together so you can make the right choice for your needs.
Independent living communities are one of the most popular retirement living choices because they free you from the responsibilities of caring for your own home. For example, do you find that household chores like mowing the lawn are getting to be more of a challenge? Conditions like arthritis and neurological disorders can turn everyday tasks into insurmountable challenges.
In an independent living community, you still have your own home. You have complete independence, can come and go as you please, and invite over whomever you want. You just don't have to do the hard work.
Independent living communities take care of:
You can get on with enjoying the range of activities on offer while someone else does these mundane tasks.
Independent living communities vary in the types of activities they offer. Most offer a calendar of activities that involve socializing, games, excursions, entertainment, and more. You could find you've got the busiest social life you've ever had in retirement!
Far too many seniors out there are isolated and not enjoying their retirement to the full. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) even reports that social isolation brings with it increased risks of dementia, heart disease, and stroke. Yet, when you move into an independent living community, there is no need to be alone.
At the same time, you still have your own private home. It's an oasis for you to personalize and head to whenever you want. Your privacy will always be respected, yet at the same time, you have a community right on your doorstep to socialize with whenever you want.
Being part of an independent living community can also help you remain active. Physical activity is a great way to stay safe, as it keeps us strong, helps us maintain balance, and can make us less prone to falls and other injuries.
If you're looking to maintain your independence yet are managing chronic health conditions, assisted living could be the solution for you.
Like independent living, you still have your own home and privacy. Yet you can receive support 24 hours a day from trained staff. They can help with various aspects of daily living, such as:
Not all residents in assisted living need all of this support. Each individual receives a personalized care plan that meets their needs. Over time, this will be adjusted as their needs change.
It's important to note that assisted living communities may not have medically trained staff on site. However, they are located close to medical services. If you need medical attention from a doctor or nurse, they can arrange this very quickly.
Having trained staff on-site at all hours of the day and night can bring you peace of mind. If you need any assistance, a friendly face will be there within moments.
Assisted living frees you from all the stresses of running your own home. There's no need to worry about cooking, cleaning, or maintenance. You can let the management take care of all that while you get on with living your best life!
Additionally, rather than being alone and having associated worries, you know that there is always someone there who is ready to help you. Assisted living communities are safe and secure, with 24-hour security monitoring.
You can also relax knowing that if your needs increase, help is at hand. As well as assisted living, some communities offer memory care services. If you need this kind of specialist assistance in the future, it's right on your doorstep.
This elderly care comparison has shown that both independent living and assisted living can help you get the most out of your retirement. However, your choice will depend on your current and future health considerations.
If you are generally fit and healthy and don't have any chronic health conditions, independent living may be the right choice for you. You can maintain complete independence in a home that is designed with seniors in mind. You have the added advantage of having a community of other retirees close by to enjoy socializing with.
Yet, what if you are currently managing a chronic health condition? Or maybe you foresee changes in your personal care needs in the not-too-distant future. In that case, assisted living is probably the best option.
Either way, it is good to talk to the management of local retirement living choices. They can explain exactly what they can offer you, helping you to make the right choice for your long-term needs.
As we've seen, when weighing up independent living vs assisted living, it's important to think long-term. If you have been diagnosed with one or more chronic conditions and anticipate needing extra help as the years roll by, assisted living benefits may outweigh those of independent living communities.
At Addington Place of Shiloh, we are proud to provide independent living, assisted living, and memory care services for our residents. Our goal is for you to enjoy a comfortable retirement and retain your independence. That's why we provide a personalized service based on your specific needs.
Why not come and see for yourself what life is like in our community? Schedule a tour to learn more today!