What's the Difference between Assisted Living and Independent Living?
Independent living and assisted living communities both have homelike spaces, an active calendar of social events, amenities and staff on site 24/7. The main difference lies in your care: assisted living is designed for those who need a little help with daily activities like bathing, dressing or dining—independent living is designed for those who can handle those tasks on their own.
Take a closer look to understand which may be the right fit for you.
What Makes Assisted Living Unique?
Assisted living communities are an option for seniors who need some support with activities like:
- Managing medications
- Bathing
- Dining
- Dressing
Residents have the freedom to personalize their private apartments, participate in group activities, explore the grounds of their community and more—supported by the care they need.
Discover what life is like at an assisted living community →
What Makes Independent Living Unique?
Independent living communities are a great choice for seniors who do not need assistance with their daily routines. Like assisted living, our independent living communities have:
- Homelike spaces
- Fun-filled activities
- Quality dining
- Engaging social calendars
It’s a great place for those who want to stay engaged and healthy without the hassle of things like household chores.
Discover what life is like at an independent living community →
Connect with a Senior Living Specialist! Call 844-322-8629
Cost of Independent Living vs. Assisted Living
When it comes to the cost of care, it’s important to consider several factors that can influence pricing. In general, assisted living costs more than independent living due to the additional assistance provided throughout the day. A few factors that determine the cost of living may include:
Brookdale communities provide various floor plans to choose from that range in price—studios, one- or two-bedroom apartments and private or shared rooms may be available.
Care services offered at Brookdale are add-ons to the assisted living communities monthly rate. Medication management, dressing and bathing assistance and other activities of daily living can affect the overall cost.
Prices vary depending on the community location. For example, senior living in the Northeast is typically more expensive than Midwest and Southeast regions.
Assistance and Support Available
At Brookdale, we are proud to provide quality senior living to meet a wide variety of needs. While both assisted living and independent living communities welcome you by providing a cozy environment and a variety of amenities, there are a few key differences to note.
Independent Living:
- Team members on site 24/7
- Self-reliance
- Limited transportation services
Assisted Living:
- Personalized care
- Trained staff on site 24/7
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Occasional scheduled transportation
Proactive Care Coordination
No matter which level of care you choose, Brookdale aims to provide quality services. One way we seek to enhance life for our residents is through our Brookdale HealthPlus program, provided at select assisted living communities.
Brookdale HealthPlus provides community-based programming that is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our residents through assigning a registered nurse (RN) as a care partner to providers. This team proactively helps residents manage their health on a daily basis.
With Brookdale HealthPlus you can find:
Proactive assistance with and management of preventive healthcare services, like annual wellness visits, immunizations, and health screenings.
Support for chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure (CHF).
Help managing urgent care needs, with RN oversight of triage and urgent care protocols.
Find out more by visiting our Brookdale HealthPlus service page →
Brookdale has over 660 communities across the United States—there are plenty of opportunities to find a community that provides the level of care you need. Whether you choose to explore different communities or opt for a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that has up to four care levels on one campus, Brookdale is here to help you receive the care you need.
You do not need a car in senior living, however many communities allow you to keep a car on campus. Typically, a community has staff-driven, designated vehicles that take scheduled outings. If you want to get groceries or get to a doctors appointment, we can get you there. If you prefer to drive your own vehicle, you can do that too.
Your family will be able to visit you in your new home. They will also be able to enjoy several amenities and activities with you throughout the day. It’s always a good idea to check with your local community as they can provide valuable insights and suggestions to make your family’s visits even more enjoyable.
Many of our apartments have a kitchen complete with the necessary cooking appliances. You are welcome to cook, bake and host in your apartment. Check with your local community for more information.
Your presence and support can make a significant difference in their well-being. You are welcome to visit, volunteer and participate in activities taking place in your loved one's community. In the meantime, our dedicated staff is here to support our residents and help them get connected with others.