As family members and trusted friends see their older loved ones starting to struggle with day-to-day tasks, they often seek out their options to ensure that the senior is well cared for and comfortable.
This decision is often between senior living vs assisted living. But what’s the difference and which is the right choice?
While there are some similarities between assisted living and senior living, there are also some vast differences. Why not find out more about them so you can make the best decision for your loved one?
Keep reading to learn more!
Senior Living
Senior living facilities include independent living communities, continuing care retirement communities, and age-restricted communities.
These facilities provide a range of services and amenities, such as social and recreational activities, transportation, and housekeeping. They may also provide some level of health care and assistance with activities of daily living, but this varies depending on the facility.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is one type of senior living arrangement. In an assisted living facility, residents have access to assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
They also typically have access to on-site care from nurses and other medical professionals. In contrast, senior living facilities typically do not provide the same level of care and assistance.
The Differences in Cost
There is a big difference in the cost of senior living vs assisted living. Senior living can be quite expensive, especially if you are looking for a retirement community that offers a lot of amenities.
Assisted living is much less expensive, but it does not offer the same level of care as senior living. Both options have their pros and cons, so it is important to choose the one that is right for you.
If you are looking for a retirement community that is affordable, then senior living is a good option. If you need more care and assistance, then assisted living is a better option.
The Differences in Services Offered
Generally, senior living communities offer a higher level of care than assisted living facilities.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the services offered in each type of facility:
Senior Living Services
Senior living facilities offer a variety of services designed to meet the needs of seniors. These services typically include 24-hour skilled nursing care, memory care, and assistance with activities of daily living.
In addition, senior living facilities offer wide social and recreational activities, as well as access to amenities such as transportation and housekeeping services.
Assisted Living Services
Assisted living facilities offer a more limited range of services than senior living facilities.
These communities also offer social and recreational activities, as well as opportunities for social interaction with other residents. They also provide assistance with activities of daily living and 24-hour supervision.
The Differences in Location
There are many differences between senior living and assisted living, but one of the most important is the location.
Senior living is typically much more rural, while assisted living is usually in more urban locations. This can be a significant difference for those who want to be close to family and friends, or who need access to more medical care and amenities.
Assisted living is also typically more expensive, due to the higher cost of living in urban areas. However, both senior living and assisted living can provide a safe and comfortable environment for seniors to age in place.
The Differences in Size of the Community
There are a number of differences between senior living and assisted living communities in regard to size.
Senior living communities are typically much larger than assisted living communities and may have hundreds of units.
They also tend to have a wider array of amenities, such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and dining options. This can be a great option for seniors who are looking for a more active lifestyle.
Assisted living communities, on the other hand, tend to be smaller with fewer units and usually only offer basic amenities. This is because assisted living is geared more towards providing assistance with activities of daily living.
The Differences in Quality of Life
The quality of life for seniors living in assisted living facilities is generally lower than for those living in senior living communities. The main difference is the level of care and assistance each type of facility provides.
Both types of facilities provide some level of assistance with activities of daily living. However, assisted living facilities typically provide more comprehensive and higher levels of care.
This can include help with bathing, dressing, and using the restroom, as well as help with managing medications and other treatments.
Assisted living facilities often offer more social activities than senior living communities, which can help to improve the quality of life for residents.
In contrast, senior living communities are designed for independent seniors who are looking for a community of their peers.
Learn the Difference Between Senior Living vs Assisted Living Today
There are many differences between senior living vs assisted living. Seniors in assisted living receive daily help with activities of daily living, while those in senior living generally don’t.
Other differences include the type of housing, services, and amenities offered. If you’re not sure which type of facility is right for your loved one, contact an eldercare advisor for help.
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