More than 800,000 seniors live in assisted living in the United States (ACHA). There often comes a time when you have to discuss living options for elderly adults. Of course, staying in their home is often the preferred choice. However, that's not possible for many older adults.
As people age, their care needs change. In many cases, they may not be able to properly care for themselves. That brings the question of whether assisted living or independent living in Brooklyn is a better option.
Before making the final decision, it's important to understand the differences between the two types of living arrangements, as well as their benefits and drawbacks. Here is a guide for assisted vs independent living.
In assisted living communities, each patient often has a personalized care plan. This means that caregivers can help a resident get dressed, bathe, or be transferred to the bathroom.
Assisted living offers 24-hour care, which means a resident can get help with these services at any time of day. However, medical assistance may or may not be included.
According to New York State Department of Health, a Brooklyn assisted living home can provide long-term, non-medical residential services. In New York State, residents must not require continued medical or nursing services.
Independent living tends to be for adults who are in relatively good health and are able to take care of themselves. They may enter independent living because they no longer want to own a home or want to live around other people.
Those in independent living communities don't require help with daily activities or healthcare services. This means staff won't necessarily be there to help with bathing, eating, or getting dressed daily.
Independent living communities lack personalized care. So, this may not be the option for those who need more hands-on medical attention or help with daily tasks.
Assisted living residences can be expensive, particularly if the resident requires more care. The average cost can be around $4,500 a month or $54,00 annually, which can be a lot for many people or families to pay.
Independent communities can be costly. However, there average is slightly lower than assisted living residents at $3,065 a month.
Residents often experience a lack of privacy. This may be because they have to share a room or because they're living in close quarters with other people.
Both types of living communities also keep safety and security in mind. There are secured entryways, so only residents and their guests can enter. Security systems monitor the premises. There is also on-site staff, usually around the clock.
One of the major benefits of an independent living community is, of course, independence. Older adults are able to remain independent in their daily tasks. However, there will be staff to provide services like laundry and meal preparation.
However, residents in an assisted living community may experience less freedom to come and go as they please. This is because of the health challenges the residents may face.
Brooklyn senior housing often offers on-site activities and social events, such as movie nights, poker, book clubs, and art classes. There are also some scheduled outings to museums, concerts, religious services, or local festivals.
However, because of the types of residents, most assisted living communities host their activities on-site. They also accommodate different cognitive and physical challenges.
One of the major independent living benefits is that it provides residents with a vibrant social life. They'll be able to take part in on-site activities as well as off-site outings. Those living in independent living communities may also be able to leave on their own.
Maintenance is often taken care of for the residents. This means housekeeping and laundry is done by the staff. Residents receive three meals a day and snacks. These places also often have increased security and safety features.
Independent living communities usually offer light housekeeping and apartment maintenance. The community provides three meals a day, social activities, planned outings, and transportation to appointments or stores.
Maintenance is no longer a factor for both types of apartments because staff will be there to care for the landscaping, snow removal, and appliance repair. This is ideal for older adults who no longer want to deal with home maintenance.
Independent living communities also tend to have on-site amenities, like laundry areas and fitness centers. Independent living can feel like living in your own home, just around other people.
The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights offers elevated retirement living in Brooklyn. With independent living, older adults can live in a thriving and vibrant community.
Conversely, assisted living communities don't tend to offer these kinds of luxury amenities. However, they may have shared spaces for social gatherings.
While assisted living and independent living can be similar, there are main differences.
However, both types of elderly care options or residential communities may offer a private or shared apartment for residents. Housekeeping services are also common between the two.
Both types of residences will offer three meals a day, and communities will have planned social activities. It's more important for families and potential residents to pay attention to the differences to make the right decision for them.
Older adults have to evaluate their living situation as they age. When staying in their home alone is no longer an option, independent living or assisted living communities might be the best option.
While there are some similarities between the two, assisted living vs independent living in Brooklyn have major differences with its own benefits and drawbacks. It's important to choose the right one for their care needs.
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