February 9, 2022
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Most people assume that a senior living community is a place where you go only when you’re too sick to care for yourself at home any longer. However, that’s not true at all. In fact, many people are surprised to learn that senior living is actually an umbrella term for different lifestyle options that can benefit anyone 55+. Two of the most common are independent living and assisted living. Here’s how they differ and the benefits they can offer you or a loved one.
Independent Living
In independent living or active retirement, as we like to call it in our communities, you’ll find a maintenance-free, all-inclusive lifestyle with opportunities to be more active, social, and engaged in the things that bring you joy.
Our independent living communities feature amenities that include:
- Spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans
- 24-hour staffing
- 24-hour fitness center, daily exercise classes and on-site certified personal trainer
- Housekeeping
- Personal laundry
- 24-hour Stay Sharp Center with computers
- Two meals – Flexible, open dining that’s wholesome, healthy and made from scratch with gluten-free, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly menu options
- Happy hours and live entertainment
- Clubs, seminars and intergenerational activities
- Transportation services
- Hair Salon
- Bistro
- Movie Theatre
It’s important to note that independent living is designed for seniors who can live independently without daily assistance, as support with personal care and onsite medical care are not typically offered. However, many senior living communities offer the ability to transition to whatever support you may need. Or, many communities offer multiple senior living options on the same campus making it an easy transition should your health needs evolve.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is similar to independent living in terms of the maintenance-free lifestyle, the amenities, and the opportunities you’ll have to be active, social, and engaged. The primary difference, however, is that these communities offer support with daily activities such as bathing, grooming, and dressing as well as having nurses and trained caregivers onsite 24/7. This option is designed to empower your confidence to enjoy all life has to offer while at the same time giving you peace of mind that we’re here with as little or as much support as you need.
Our assisted living communities feature amenities that include:
- Spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans
- 24-hour staffing
- 24-hour fitness center, daily exercise classes and on-site certified personal trainer
- Housekeeping
- Personal laundry
- 24-hour Stay Sharp Center with computers
- Three meals – Flexible, open dining that’s wholesome, healthy and made from scratch with gluten-free, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly menu options
- Happy hours and live entertainment
- Clubs, seminars and intergenerational activities
- Transportation services
- Hair Salon
- Bistro
- Movie Theatre
In our communities, we monitor the changing needs of residents and can add to their care plan as needs evolve so they can remain in assisted living as long as possible. However, assisted living is typically not equipped for conditions that require round-the-clock assistance or for specialized care such as with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia although that type of care may be available on the same campus.
The Benefit of Whole Life LivingTM Here
In our communities, whether independent living or assisted living, we believe that a healthier life is a happier life. How we put this into action through our signature Whole Life LivingTM program is the greatest benefit to living here. This approach to health and wellness for adults aged 55+ is centered around four facets of wellness – Eat Better (Culinary), Move Better (Vitality), Think Better (Staying Sharp), and Live Better (Living with Purpose) – all grounded in a socially connected environment down to the design at each community. Over the past five years, our increased lengths of stay tell us we’re on the right path.
For more information on independent living and assisted living at GenCare Lifestyle, schedule a tour today!
Written exclusively for gencarelifestyle.com
By Holly C.
