What's the Difference between Assisted Living and Independent Living?
If you are entering your golden years and looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle, senior living may be the right choice! Now, you might be wondering, "Which senior living option is the best fit for me?" If that's the case, don't worry! We're here to help you navigate through the decision-making process.
When it comes to enhancing the quality of life and easing day-to-day worries, there are two options to consider: assisted living and independent living communities. Independent living communities help create a social and engaging atmosphere for those who can provide for their own needs so they can pursue their passions with little to no worries. Assisted living communities help support residents who are in need of extra assistance with daily activities to help them live as independently as possible while keeping them connected with others in the same season of life.
Take a closer look to understand unique features of each level of care, and which may be the right fit for you or your loved one.
What Makes Assisted Living Unique?
Assisted living communities are a wonderful option for seniors who need a little extra help with activities like managing medications, bathing, dining and dressing. Residents have the freedom to personalize their private apartments according to their unique tastes and preferences. It's their own cozy haven where they can truly feel at home.
Our communities are bustling with exciting activities and amenities, all just a stone's throw away from the residents' doors. Whether it's joining a yoga class, engaging in a lively game night, or simply taking a stroll in the beautifully landscaped grounds, there's something to spark joy and keep residents connected and entertained.
Discover what life is like at an assisted living community →
What Makes Independent Living Unique?
Independent living communities are a great choice for seniors looking to downsize their home and spend more time socializing — all while maintaining their independence. Each of our independent living communities provides residents with a home-like environment, fun-filled activities, quality dining and an engaging social calendar. 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 will cost 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 are all services that play a role in 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 home-like environment and a variety of amenities, there are a few key differences to note.
Independent Living:
- Self-reliance
- Limited transportation services
Assisted Living:
- Personalized care
- 24-hour staff
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADL’s)
- Occasional scheduled transportation
Proactive Care Coordination
No matter which level of care you choose, Brookdale does its best to provide quality services to you or your loved one. One way we seek to provide intentional care 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, that proactively helps residents manage their health on a daily basis.
With Brookdale HealthPlus you’ll 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 →
If you need to change the level of care that you are receiving after you move to a community, there is no need to worry. Brookdale has over 660 communities across the United States, so 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), Brookdale is here to help you receive the care you need as your journey continues.
Most residents that live in our communities do not need to bring their car with them. Each community has staff-driven, designated vehicles that take scheduled trips around the community. If you want to get groceries or maybe get to a doctors appointment — we can get you there. If you prefer to drive your own vehicle, you can do that too. Many of our independent and assisted living communities have plenty of parking.
Yes! 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. This way, if you prefer not to eat in the community dining room, you can cook up a meal in the privacy of your own place. Check with your local community for more information.
We believe it's important for you to remain involved in your loved one's life even if they become a resident. Your presence and support can make a significant difference in their well-being. However, we understand that life can get busy and there may be days when you're pressed for time. Our dedicated staff is here to support our residents and help them get connected with others. And you can have peace of mind knowing that staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to be alerted to an emergency.