As your loved ones age, the question of how to live comfortably and safely surfaces as a regular topic of conversation. It may be time to move to the next chapter of your senior’s life in a senior living community. 

Senior living options can feel overwhelming to navigate, especially if you do not have a clear picture of the difference between independent and assisted living. Start by taking a look at the different types of communities available and the services they provide.

Independent Living

Many older adults choose to move into an independent living community for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they are looking for the social connections that are available in a senior community. On the other hand, maybe the upkeep related to their home has become too overwhelming. 

Designed to be “independent,” the living spaces are private, similar to a small apartment. Their space includes a small living area and kitchen, giving them the option to cook if they wish or enjoy a community dining experience if they prefer. 
Independent living offers an active and independent lifestyle that also relinquishes chores that are no longer a fit for them. It is an optimal living situation for seniors who need little to no assistance with daily living. Rather than worrying about doing things like laundry, housekeeping, and yard work, residents can participate in a variety of community activities and enjoy their golden years.

Assisted Living

If your loved one needs more help with day-to-day activities, you might find that assisted living is a better fit. Assisted living comes with a wide range of services like assistance with hygiene, medication management, or other activities of daily living. In addition, residents are generally encouraged to be as independent as possible. Many assisted living communities are designed so that as the resident’s needs increase, their services can also increase. An additional benefit of assisted living is that there are often specialized medical care options, usually staffed by one or more full-time staff members who have training related to the care of older adults. 

Both independent and assisted living allow your senior to live in a happy, safe, and supportive place. Residents have access to a community of support and activities to fill their days in ways that feel purposeful and enjoyable to them.

Greenbrier Village is uniquely designed to provide the most appropriate level of housing and services through each of its five levels of care. We invite you to explore our website to learn about each living option as well as services and amenities that you or your loved one can enjoy. Call us at 580-233-8993 today!

Sources:https://greenbriervillage.org/https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/independent-living-vs-assisted-livinghttps://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/independent-living-vs-assisted-living