Assisted Living Facilities Vs. Independent Living Centers
Independent living is one way to transition into living in a retirement community. While independent living works for some individuals, you will need to consider whether it's better to live in an independent living center or an assisted living facility. If you are suffering from a chronic health condition, you might be better off living in an assisted living community.
Life in an Assisted Living Facility
Living in an assisted living facility is like living in an apartment. Some assisted living facilities offer completely private rooms or semi-private rooms. However, if you need assistance with anything, staff members are close by to help.
If you're wondering what type of assistance a particular facility provides, it's important to ask the staff working there. However, you can generally expect an assisted living facility to help you meet your doctor's appointments and remember your medications.
If you need any help with daily living, an assisted living facility can help you with this as well. However, the goal is for you to also enjoy as much independence as possible.
Advanced Medical Care Found at Assisted Living Facilities
An assisted living facility might have full-time certified nursing assistants who are trained to meet the needs of older adults. There are also some assisted living facilities that have sophisticated memory care facilities and are able to help you if you are suffering from a memory disorder.
Safety and Security
Another concern is security. With an independent living center, there is sometimes less security in an effort to give residents more freedom. You might prefer more surveillance and secured doors so that you don't have to worry as much about intruders.
While you will receive high-quality care at an assisted living facility, it is not the same as a nursing home and your independence and privacy are maintained to a much greater extent.
An Assisted Living Facility Can Give You More Freedom
In some ways, assisted living gives you more freedom. For example, while housekeeping services are provided in most independent living centers, this is at an additional cost. At an assisted living facility, housekeeping is usually offered for free. This means that you can spend more time doing activities you enjoy.
There are always many options available. To narrow them down, ask yourself about what your current needs are and it will then be much easier to find an assisted living facility that is right for you.
Contact an assisted living facility for more information.