Retirement ushers in a new chapter of life, one filled with endless possibilities, exploration, and the opportunity to savor every moment. But how do you know if you’re ready for an independent living community or if you require an assisted living community? Luckily, we’ve put together this handy guide to answer just that.
Read on as we take a closer look at independent living and assisted living, how the two differ from each other, and how to decide which one is the right fit for you.
Celebrating Autonomy
Independent living community residents enjoy the privilege of maintaining their independence in private apartments, cottages, or homes. The emphasis here is on personal freedom, with a range of modern amenities that cater to an active and engaged lifestyle. Think of it as an apartment complex specifically catering to those who might like some daily tasks, such as cleaning and preparing food, done for them.
Assisted living environments are where residents receive support with daily tasks as needed, ensuring their well-being and comfort. This includes things such as medication-taking assistance, personalized care plans, nutritious meals, and a range of social activities.
Services and Support
While independent living communities provide services like housekeeping, transportation, and maintenance, the focus remains on fostering a lively social scene and encouraging residents to live life at their own pace.
Assisted living communities often offer the same services and support that independent living communities do, merely with added assistance for additional activities. If you need help with dressing, bathing, and medication management, then assisted living is best.
Health and Well-Being
When living in an independent living community such as Riverpointe, there is a strong emphasis placed on wellness, and resources are offered that promote a healthy lifestyle. However, medical care is not directly provided within the community. Assisted living is the opposite, with access to medical personnel on hand who oversee residents’ health and medication requirements.
Transitioning with Ease
The idea behind independent living communities is to act as a stepping stone to assisted living communities. Think of independent living communities like a comfy retirement spot: once you want to really relax and kick back in your retirement, you would look for a place in such a community. This makes the transition, if it needs to take place, to an assisted living community a little easier, as you’re already used to someone else helping with certain tasks, such as cleaning and preparing meals.
The Ultimate in Independence
Independent living communities are called such for a reason: they are a haven for individuals seeking an independent lifestyle where they can flourish while enjoying the convenience of a close-knit community. The essence of independent living communities lies in empowering residents to savor life to the fullest, all within a nurturing environment.
How to Choose
The easiest way to tell which one is the best fit for you and your lifestyle is to contact one for more information. This could mean a conversation over the phone, or even a visit to the community to see what they have to offer in person. Once you get a feel for both the facilities and the people that live there to see if you might enjoy having them as your new neighbors, you can decide more easily.
Do you live in Littleton, CO, and want to learn more about independent living? At Riverpointe, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to get started!