Assisted Living vs. Independent Living: Which Is Right for Your Loved One?

Learn the Key Differences Before Moving Your Loved Ones with Medical Needs

When loved ones reach their senior years, families often agonize over whether and when to explore assisted living options. Of course, every person is different, and it’s not always easy to tell from the outside whether your loved one is still capable of living independently. But if you’re observing your loved one and are torn between assisted living and independent living, know this: the greater your loved one’s medical needs, the more likely it is that assisted living is right for them.

We understand that this decision isn’t easy. But we can certainly help you make it. In this blog post, we’ll explore the difference between independent and assisted living and provide guidelines to help you know which is right for your loved one. We hope that with our help, you’ll be able to find the right place for your loved one very soon.

While both settings may offer similar amenities—such as dining, housekeeping, transportation, and group activities—the presence and level of care is the key differentiator.

When to Choose Independent Living

In general, independent living will be the better choice only if you can confidently say all the following about your loved one:

• Your loved one is self-sufficient: They can manage personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting) even if they want to downsize or avoid home maintenance.
• They crave social engagement: Your loved one wants to enjoy more activities, dining, and community than they have at home.
• They want convenience: Your loved one would enjoy amenities like prepared meals, housekeeping, and transportation without the responsibility. 

However, keep in mind that independent living is not without its downside. The negatives of independent living often involve high costs, potential social isolation despite community settings, and a lack of medical support for increasing health needs. Plus, residents may chafe under community rules, pet policies, or restrictions on personalizing their space. The transition itself and the adjustment to a communal lifestyle can also be challenging. 

Additionally, independent living is generally not considered healthcare; it's primarily housing with amenities for active seniors who manage their own care. Traditional health insurance like Medicare and Medicaid typically doesn't cover independent living costs because they aren't medically necessary. Independent living focuses on convenience, social engagement, and maintenance-free living. Residents needing help with daily activities (like bathing and dressing) must arrange for outside home health aides to come to them, as these facilities lack on-site medical staff. 

When to Choose Assisted Living

While independent living can be a great option for seniors who are healthy and active, seniors with complex medical needs simply aren’t guaranteed the help they need in an independent setting. That’s why we tell families that the time to consider assisted living is the second their loved one’s medical or safety needs become too much to manage on their own. There’s no contest: assisted living is typically the right choice for loved ones with complex medical needs. 

If your loved one is experiencing any of the following, consider moving them into an assisted living facility:

• They need help with ADLs: When your loved one struggles with bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, or moving, it’s time to talk about assisted living.
• There are safety concerns: You notice falls and increased confusion, or they're forgetting medications or meals. Your loved one will be safe and cared for in assisted living in a way that simply wouldn’t happen in an independent setting.
• They need ongoing support: Assisted living facilities offer 24/7 staff, medication management, and personalized care plans. If your loved one could benefit from these things, it’s time to move to assisted living.

Heathwood Assisted Living: A Safe Place for Your Loved One

At Heathwood Assisted Living, your loved one can leave medication management, housekeeping, and personal care to us. Residents of our assisted living facilities enjoy three chef-prepared meals each day, individualized care plans, and weekly laundry services. Heathwood Assisted Living also emphasizes keeping our residents safe. We’ve installed bathroom railings, nightlights, emergency pull-out cords, smoke detectors, and a sprinkler system throughout our two facilities. Furthermore, our enhanced assisted living program allows your loved one to stay at the same facility even if their needs increase.

Heathwood Assisted Living has two Western New York locations in Penfield and Williamsville. If you’re considering assisted living for your loved one, we invite you to contact us to schedule a tour of the facilities. We look forward to meeting you!