What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Independent Living?

According to a report from Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis, almost 20% of adults aged over 55 in 2022 had difficulty with one or more activities of daily living (ADL). Despite that, Less than 60% of this group got the help they needed.
Age can bring many challenges with it, and for seniors, living a comfortable life can become more difficult. However, through services like assisted living and independent living, they can enjoy their days without having to worry about struggling with simple tasks.
Now you may be wondering "What is the difference between assisted living and independent living?". Keep reading and we'll explain how these two solutions vary.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a type of care for seniors that's all about providing assistance where it's needed. Typically, this comes in the form of helping people with day-to-day tasks.
People usually opt for assisted living when they have a hard time with tasks like:
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Eating
- Cleaning
It usually involves apartment-style living where people can live independently in a comfortable environment. Most assisted living communities also offer housekeeping and laundry services so residents don't need to worry about such chores.
Depending on the community, there can be various other benefits. Organized events, entertainment, and dining options are common in many of the best assisted living communities.
What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Independent Living?
Independent living communities are designed to be comfortable environments for seniors, but they don't provide the same level of care. Residents here usually don't have trouble with ADLs, meaning they can handle just about everything themselves and maintain their independence. With that in mind, you might be wondering why someone would move into one of these.
Independent living communities are full of additional amenities and conveniences that make them ideal for seniors. This can overlap with assisted living communities, but the residents here are self-sufficient and don't require hands-on care.
For those who don't need extra assistance, independent living is typically preferable. Many people want to remain independent and these communities offer everything they need.
The Remington Senior Living in Hanford
The Remington offers exceptional independent living in Hanford. Our community is dedicated to providing a comfortable, welcoming environment for seniors who want to enjoy a pleasant living environment with like-minded peers.
We're situated in a great location close to shops, restaurants, parks, and more. With that said, there's also plenty to do within our community. Our all-inclusive amenities mean that there's always something to enjoy.
We have a media room and a library where you can relax and enjoy movies or books. There are also several private walking trails for when you want to get outside.
Apartments
One thing to consider with Hanford senior living is your living options. It's important to make sure you have a suitable space to call your own.
There are plenty of retirement community choices out there, and many of them are quite limited in terms of apartment choices. At The Remington, we have a wide selection to accommodate all different lifestyles. They vary in terms of:
- Size
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of bathrooms
Some of our apartments even have private patio spaces for our residents to enjoy. Our community is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along with you. It's always worth being thorough with your senior housing comparison so you can find something that's perfect for you.
Activities
Remaining active is incredibly important for seniors. It's easy to slow down as we age, so most senior care options make an effort to offer various activities that help get residents moving and interacting with one another.
At The Remington, we have health and wellness programs that help promote physical and mental well-being. We also host regular events to make life more enjoyable, such as themed parties and games. For those who like to focus on self-improvement, we also offer educational programs.
All of this helps keep our residents healthy and encourages social interactions. These are also vital as they can have a major impact on your health.
Dining
This may not be the first thing you consider when thinking about senior living in Hanford, but it's something you should definitely take into account. Maintaining a healthy diet in your later years is vital. It will affect your mental and physical health, so you want to make sure you keep things balanced.
We provide a variety of delicious, nutritious meals prepared by professional chefs. We use fresh, high-quality ingredients and can offer attentive tableside service to ensure you have the best experience. We can also accommodate most dietary requirements, so if there's anything specific you can't eat, just let us know.
Assisted Living vs Independent Living: Making the Right Choice
For many, the decision between independent living and assisted living isn't simple. The main thing to consider is whether you need help with ADLs.
If you have any issues that are affecting your mobility or making daily tasks more challenging, then assisted living could be the more suitable option. This is one of the main differences between senior living types, so it's likely to be the key factor in your decision.
If you still feel comfortable handling ADLs on your own, then you could technically choose either option, but most people would opt for independent living. It's focused more on serving social needs and allows you to keep living independently in an enjoyable environment.
Senior Living and Independent Living in Hanford, CA
Now you may no longer be asking "What is the difference between assisted living and independent living?", but there are still things to figure out. One of the most important things you need to determine is what senior living community is right for you.
The Remington is a highly regarded independent living community located in Hanford, CA. We offer a range of amenities and a wide selection of floor plans to ensure our community fits just about everyone. Our wellness programs and dining options make it a great choice for those who want to live a happy, healthy life.
Contact us today if you have any questions or want to schedule a tour.