Assisted Living vs. Independent Senior Living: Examining Key Differences

We all want to make the most of our golden years. This can look different from person to person, but there are a few important commonalities including finding the right living arrangements.

One of these living options may be a senior living community, but how can you determine the best type of senior living for yourself or a loved one? Today, we’re breaking down two types of senior living communities — independent living and assisted living — to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Independent Senior Living?

Independent living is ideal for seniors who don’t require assistance with daily activities. This type of community helps residents simplify their lives by eliminating household chores, home maintenance, and other tasks so they can focus on making their retirement dreams a reality.

Residents in independent living communities can access a range of enriching activities and amenities that enhance the senior living experience. Independent living comes with numerous benefits, from delicious, chef-prepared meals to fitness classes, recreational activities, and more. Let’s take a deeper look at independent senior living.

Residence Type

Residents generally live in apartments or cottages, offering privacy and autonomy. Several floor plans are often available, so new residents can choose the layout and number of bedrooms that best suit their lifestyle.

Services Offered

Independent senior living is designed for seniors who are self-sufficient. Although residents handle their day-to-day needs on their own, they still have the option to seek outside assistance when necessary.

Amenities

Seniors in independent living communities can focus more on recreational activities and taking advantage of the available amenities (e.g., fitness centers, beauty salons, clubs, libraries, and pools) without the need for daily caregiving support. At Bethesda, our communities are located near restaurants, shops, and other businesses. This makes it easy to attend appointments or venture on group outings with new friends.

Cost

The cost of independent living depends on location, amenities, and apartment size. The best independent living communities work with new residents to balance their ideal lifestyle with their budgets. At Bethesda, we believe independent living opens doors to new opportunities, and we help residents find apartments that fit the vibrant lifestyles they deserve.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is ideal for seniors who need help with some everyday activities but don’t require long-term, round-the-clock care. This type of community balances support and independence, so residents can access the assistance they need for certain activities while maintaining their independence as much as possible. Assisted living is a good option for seniors who desire a low-maintenance lifestyle with access to socially enriching activities and necessary care.

Residence Type

Individuals in assisted living often live in a private or semi-private apartment within the community. The spaces are designed with accessibility and safety in mind, including features such as grab bars in a tub or shower. The layout will be more structured compared to independent senior living.

Services Offered

Residents receive assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, managing medications, tending to basic housekeeping, and more. The assistance each resident receives is unique because it’s tailored to their individual needs.

Assisted living communities offer easy access to medical services if needed, and they have team members available to help if medical assistance is required.

Amenities

Assisted living communities provide a wide range of enriching activities. Residents enjoy various social activities, transportation to nearby shops or appointments, and more. These enriching activities don’t just bring joy to a resident’s life—they also create a sense of community and belonging.

Cost

The monthly fees depend on several factors, including the size of the apartment, type of services needed, cost of living in the area, and the type of residence.

Are You Ready to Start Your New Journey?

Bethesda’s communities aren’t just places to live. They offer vibrant lifestyles you get to design with the comfort of home, a wide variety of amenities, and social activities to keep you engaged. Not sure if you’re ready for senior living? Take our quick assessment to find out!