The Differences Between Assisted Living and Independent Living

Independent and assisted living are both opportunities for older adults to live their lives as independently as possible, but there are some subtle differences between the two. Which living style is the most appropriate depends upon a number of factors.

What is Independent Living?

A focus of independent living including minimizing a senior’s daily responsibilities while providing many opportunities to enjoy living. That means services like home maintenance, housekeeping, and other items that make day-to-day living more comfortable are provided.

Independent living is offered in a variety of housing arrangements that range from apartment-style communities to co-ops. Most often, residents live in their own private space with access to common areas, amenities and activities.

Living facilities include appliances and conveniences found in most homes.

Amenity offerings* that may be provided, such as those at Bethesda independent living communities, include:

• Restaurant-style dining
• Studios, 1 and 2 bedrooms
• Fully-equipped kitchens
• Social activities
• Courtyards, gardens, and walking paths
• Garage parking
• Library
• Theatre/multi-purpose room
• Private dining room
• Business center
• Close proximity to restaurants and shops

Resident services

• Utilities
• 24-hour staff
• 24-hour emergency maintenance
• Wellness program
• Weekly housekeeping
• Transportation services
• Planned activities
• DirectTV

Independent living does not provide medical care or nursing support. It does offer peace of mind and relaxation from the chores of maintaining a home.

When to Consider Independent Living

Some factors to think about when making the decision to enter independent living include if the older adult is bored or lonely at home, or when home maintenance has become too much. Also, older adults who are in good health may anticipate when additional assistance will be needed, not wanting to wait until the necessity for this extended support is required.

What is Assisted Living?

In assisted living, the emphasis is still on maintaining as much independence as possible while seeing to the resident’s safety and comfort.

Residents receive assistance with the daily tasks of life—dressing, bathing, grooming, making and keeping doctor’s appointments, etc. Seniors who have difficulty taking their medications correctly receive guidance and assistance from the community’s staff.

Similar to independent living communities, assisted living is also usually apartment-style. Individual units may or may not be equipped with full kitchens. Some assisted living communities like those at Bethesda come with memory support services.

Other offerings*, like those at Bethesda assisted living, may include:

• Nursing, care staff and security 24/7
• Three (3) nutritious meals
• Physical and social activities
• Medication management
• Fitness room
• Spa
• Walkway paths
• Library
• Cable TV
• Transportation
• Social activities
• Worship services
• Access to rehabilitation and therapy services

When is it Time to Consider Assisted Living?

Seniors who struggle with proper eating, poor memory, have difficulty communicating, taking medications correctly, and have had an increasing number of accidents in their homes are prime candidates for assisted living.

Worsening chronic medical conditions, increased physical or cognitive challenges, issues managing finances, isolation, poor hygiene, and home safety concerns are also indications that assisted living may be needed.

Staff consistently monitor and check on residents to make sure they are thriving in their apartments, which also assures family members that their loved one is being cared for.

If you would like to learn more about our available communities and services, contact a care manager today.

* Please note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bethesda is maintaining recommended standards of social distancing, masks and other precautions which eliminates a number of activities and access to amenities that would normally be available.