What is the difference between assisted living and independent living?

Assisted living generally means that some basic care options are provided while independent living is more like a retirement home.

It's hard to generalize, since different states may require different services to be offered to be labeled assisted living. Even in assisted living, there are very big differences between state requirements as well as simply what the facility includes in the price.

Whether you are considering independent living (which often can be bridged to assisted living when needed) or assisted living, read the contract carefully or ask for help. You want to know up front what is covered and what will cost extra.

Good luck,
Carol

I think the lines between assisted living and independent living are becoming blurred, if you have money. My mom lives in an independent living apartment (1 bedroom with bath). I recently started having girls come in twice a day to give her meds, which is typically done in assisted living. If I wanted to, I could have someone come in to shower her, dress her, make her meals, etc.

Where she lives, there are three outside agencies (with offices in the building) providing that type of service on the independent living side. The difference is, she'd still be in her own apartment by herself. They also have a nurse, who could do some kind of checks (I haven't investigated that because we don't need that level of care.) There are also 24X7 caregivers who stay with some residents in their independent living apartments, so there's that option too, at least in the facility where my mom is. So the only time she'd have to leave for more care is if she needed skilled nursing, which is in the same facility.

Yes, the lines are blurred. Independent Living is an apartment and meals. Assisted Living should have nurses on 24/7, manage meds and provide transportation and activities. A good ALF will have PT/OT on site and help you with the financial aid process.

Hi edallah0437,

Here is an article our editor-in-chief wrote that directly answers your question.

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/difference-between-independent-living-and-assisted-living-168142.htm

Hope this helps,

Ashley T.
The AgingCare Team