When researching senior living options, there are two options to choose from: assisted living and senior independent living. But, how do you choose between the two? To address this question and help you in your decision, here are some key differences you need to know.

Defining Assisted Living and Independent Living

Let’s take a look at a quick definition between the two living options:

Assisted Living Communities support individuals that need assistance with their daily activities, while making sure that they have as much independence as possible. On the other hand, Independent Living Communities allow residents to live independently without much support. Instead, they primarily focus on the social needs of each individual.

Assisted Living vs.Independent Living

COST

When it comes to costs, assisted living has a rental-based model. Monthly fees pay for  housekeeping, nursing observation, three meals a day, maintenance, security, programming, and 24/7 staffing. Also, included in the services is the one to two hours of daily personal care which is the assistance of residents in bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, and medical administration. 

Independent living expenses are relatively less than assisted living. For one, residents pay entrance fees for their chosen care retirement communities when they move in. In addition, the payment is generally refundable, around 75% to 90% of the amount when they leave. There’s also the additional monthly fees for the usual housekeeping, maintenance, security, a few meals, and programming.

COMMUNITY DESIGN

The facilities for assisted living have a self-contained design, meaning it has a smaller footprint. The needs of the residents are provided right in the building. Memory programs are also incorporated in the design such as improved lighting, visual cues, color coding, etc. These are measures made so residents can easily navigate paths and secure both outdoor and indoor space.

Independent living communities are bigger and more spread out. There are central gathering areas, and distance between buildings and other facilities are relatively far that will encourage walks or a few minute drives.

AMENITIES AND OTHER SERVICES

The list of amenities and services in each community is generally listed in your monthly fees. These are the private apartments, 24-hour staff, housekeeping, and security. Other services include transportation, dining options, events and social opportunities. There are also common areas such as cafes, gaming rooms, small libraries, and others for social activities.

In terms of programming, both communities have their own set of activities. For residents in assisted living communities, they usually have more hours of programming per day, especially memory programs.

MEDICAL SUPPORT

Assisted living staff provide all residents support and assistance in daily activities. Staff members are well-trained and many of them are registered nurses. To ensure convenience and safety, these people are always available 24/7. Many communities also offer on-site health care services so residents don’t need to leave in order to consult their doctors.

It’s clear in the previous sections that senior independent living is for people that don't require much assistance or medical care. So, most communities may not offer much medical support to residents, but are, of course, given access to immediate support in case of emergencies.

The Role Of Tunstall In Senior Living Options

At Tunstall, we provide monitoring solutions to hundreds of retirement villages in both Australia and New Zealand. For instance, our Connected Care solutions that are easily customisable to each resident, offering assistive technologies such as personal alarms, 24/7 Customer Care Centres, and more. For further information about retirement living, contact our team today.