This is a challenging question! First let's make sure you understand the difference.
Both Independent and Assisted Living will offer meals. In assisted Living all three meals will be provided. In some Independent Living Communities 3 meals are also provided but it depends on the community. Some will only provide one or two with options for purchasing more. Kind of like a meal plan you had in college. :-)
Both will offer transportation to doctors, grocery stores and on outings. There will usually be more outings in an independent community simply because the people living there are more mobile. This is not to say that everyone in independent Living walks unassisted! You will see lots of walkers here. stop by at lunch and look next to the dining room.
Both communities will have activities planned on site, everything from bingo to Happy Hour ( and yes liquor may be served at some communities). Card and domino games, manicure days, ice cream socials, exercise classes and so much more.
Assisted Living will also have a nurse on staff and caregivers 24/7. This is where the difference lies. In Assisted Living your parent will have access to
Both Independent and Assisted Living will offer meals. In assisted Living all three meals will be provided. In some Independent Living Communities 3 meals are also provided but it depends on the community. Some will only provide one or two with options for purchasing more. Kind of like a meal plan you had in college. :-)
Both will offer transportation to doctors, grocery stores and on outings. There will usually be more outings in an independent community simply because the people living there are more mobile. This is not to say that everyone in independent Living walks unassisted! You will see lots of walkers here. stop by at lunch and look next to the dining room.
Both communities will have activities planned on site, everything from bingo to Happy Hour ( and yes liquor may be served at some communities). Card and domino games, manicure days, ice cream socials, exercise classes and so much more.
Assisted Living will also have a nurse on staff and caregivers 24/7. This is where the difference lies. In Assisted Living your parent will have access to
help with bathing, dressing, grooming as well as escorts to dining and activities. Their medications will be managed by the staff. If you parent needs assistance getting to the bathroom at 11 PM someone will be there. 24/7
Most Independent Living communities have a home care company on site that can also help with medication reminders or management. They can also send a caregiver to help with bathing, dressing and grooming but this service is only offered in daytime. Usually 7 Am to 7 PM. Your parent will be on their own after that.
So the question is, how much assistance does your parent really need? If they have been living fine at home by themselves but could benefit from meals and transportation Independent is probably going to be a better fit. If they need a little help, maybe medication reminders and help with dressing they could probably still do just fine in an independent living community.
If your parent is a fall risk and you have already been called in the middle of the night you should really consider Assisted Living. Hopefully this cleared up some of the confusion. :-)
You don't have to make these decisions alone.Let me help! Email Kathryn or call 281-827-7090
Most Independent Living communities have a home care company on site that can also help with medication reminders or management. They can also send a caregiver to help with bathing, dressing and grooming but this service is only offered in daytime. Usually 7 Am to 7 PM. Your parent will be on their own after that.
So the question is, how much assistance does your parent really need? If they have been living fine at home by themselves but could benefit from meals and transportation Independent is probably going to be a better fit. If they need a little help, maybe medication reminders and help with dressing they could probably still do just fine in an independent living community.
If your parent is a fall risk and you have already been called in the middle of the night you should really consider Assisted Living. Hopefully this cleared up some of the confusion. :-)
You don't have to make these decisions alone.Let me help! Email Kathryn or call 281-827-7090
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