Recent research from the Department of Health and Human Services showed that 56% of Americans turning 65 will develop a condition that requires long-term care.
That statistic may encourage you to search for a community for your aging loved one. First, find out the differences between the various types.
Their names are often used interchangeably, but they’re quite different. Finding the right one ensures your loved one gets the proper care.
Read on to learn the main differences between senior living vs. assisted living in Slidell and how to choose the best option.
What Is Senior Living in Slidell?
Senior living is a broad term. It covers many housing options that don’t focus on daily care, which is the main thing that sets them apart.
Senior living services focus on providing activities to join and amenities to enjoy. They also have a lively and thriving social scene. Everyone can interact with each other freely at events or at any other time.
What Is Assisted Living in Slidell?
Assisted living communities also offer amenities such as specialized meals and social activities. It creates an atmosphere of community.
What sets assisted living communities apart is their ability to provide extra care for seniors. This may include mobility help or medication management.
The staff does this while helping the resident maintain as much independence as possible. They’ll only provide care when needed.
Senior Living vs. Assisted Living
Senior living and assisted living in Slidell have a lot in common. Both focus on helping seniors live healthy, happy lives.
They differ in what they can provide residents. They don’t have the same staff and can’t provide the same level of independence. They also have different price points.
Independence
The major difference between senior living vs. assisted living is the level of independence residents enjoy. Almost everything about a senior living community is about helping them enjoy life the way they want.
An assisted living community also works to maintain as much independence as possible, but they know when to step in.
The staff monitors the residents to help whenever needed. That may mean assistance with ADLs or activities of daily living such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
Staff
Assisted living communities have specialized staff. They’re trained in helping residents with daily tasks.
Senior living staff members may include activity directors or fitness instructors. The focus is on providing events and activities to give residents a high quality of life.
Cost
The costs of all senior care options vary widely depending on factors such as:
- Location
- Services
- Amenities
Regardless, assisted living tends to be more expensive. It has more specialized staff that deliver higher levels of personalized care.
Independent Living vs. Assisted Living
There’s also another senior housing option known as independent living.
It provides slightly more access to personal care if needed. At the same time, it provides more independence, as the name suggests. It’s also focused on keeping seniors active.
Comparing independent living vs assisted living involves looking at what services they can provide and how much it all costs.
Level of Care
Independent living offers limited support and only when needed. It’s focused on providing an active lifestyle and offering social activities.
Seniors will still live a maintenance-free lifestyle. They have help with tasks such as:
- Housekeeping
- Lawn maintenance
- Laundry
Assisted living provides persistent daily care. They’re always on call for basic advice or assistance with daily tasks.
Housing Options and Design
Independent living communities offer various housing options. The layout resembles a college campus.
Homes have easy pathways to the main areas or shared spaces. This makes it easier for everyone to get to community events.
Assisted living communities are smaller and offer few housing options. Their apartments and shared spaces tend to all be in one building.
There are walking paths and mobility features to allow residents to move around. Keeping everything close makes it safer and more convenient.
It’s especially helpful for seniors at a high fall risk. It also protects the 6.7 million older adults who wander due to conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Family Involvement
Family involvement is encouraged in all communities. They may have to be more involved in an independent living community. There isn’t trained staff on hand to tend to their loved ones.
An assisted living community can provide caregivers with more peace of mind. They’ll always know that their loved ones are having all their special needs met.
This reduces stress for the caregivers. They can visit because they want to, not because they need to.
Cost
Independent living communities are about personal preference. They tend to be more affordable but aren’t typically covered by insurance.
Assisted living is more expensive because it provides extensive services. It may be proven necessary enough to be covered by insurance.
Choosing the Right Option
Sorting through your elderly housing choices should start by considering the level of activity and independence you or a loved one currently enjoy.
Consider senior living if there’s no problem with completing daily tasks. It can provide them with an active lifestyle full of amenities and activities.
Independent living may be the right choice for seniors with minor physical ailments who want to live an active, independent lifestyle. It’s also helpful if they’ve lived alone for years and want to have a community.
Assisted living is a worthwhile option for those who need assistance with daily tasks. They can still enjoy a social community and maintain as much independence as possible.
Find a Community Today
The major differences between senior living and assisted living in Slidell include their cost and the level of care and independence they provide.
Independent living is another option to consider. It provides slightly more care than senior living but not as much as assisted living. Seniors get an active, maintenance-free lifestyle.
SummerHouse Park Provence attracts seniors from all walks of life. We offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities.
Living in them allows seniors and their families to enjoy an active, worry-free lifestyle. Contact us to see about a room today.
