Assisted Living vs. Other Senior Living

What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living vs. Independent Living?

For older adults with health or mobility issues requiring more support, assisted living residences offer services such as medication management and assistance with personal activities such as toileting, grooming and dressing. Services typically include meals, housekeeping, laundry and transportation. Activities that foster mental and physical stimulation and social engagement are a major focus in assisted living. Independent living is for seniors who wish to leave behind home and yard maintenance and who are seeking a community of others their age.

What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living vs. Memory Care?

While people who are otherwise independent but need help with daily activities is the focus of assisted living, memory care is a type of support for individuals diagnosed with mild or moderate stages of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Some memory care residents can live to the fullest with some help, such as the kind provided in an assisted living environment, while others may need specialized care that is best provided in a setting especially for those with cognitive skills.

Assisted living provides supportive care based on individual needs, with a customized care plan to provide an array of services including: medication management, assistance with personal care and daily living, nutritious meal service and an enriching activity program.

Memory care for those living with dementia involves more focused assistance on memory, judgment, processing and communication skills. Memory care settings will also have specially trained staff to ensure cognitive stimulation and a safe environment for residents who can easily get lost.

What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living vs. Home Care

Home care may be a good choice for seniors who need some daily assistance but still feel they have a good quality of life. Assisted living may be the better option when someone requires more than four or five hours of home care a day. The biggest difference between the two types of care is cost, so depending on where you or your loved one falls in terms of needs might be where you can make your decision.