The search for a senior living community can leave older adults and their families confused about what they really want and need. Distinguishing between assisted and independent living is crucial, as this is what will determine the lifestyle and health of your loved one once they join their community. Independent living focuses on social activities and a maintenance-free lifestyle, making it an ideal choice for active seniors, whereas assisted living has a much more involved hand in the daily activities of seniors, such as bathing or medication management. For more information, please continue reading our overview to understand how these two communities are designed to meet different needs.
What is Assisted Living?
While still offering independence for seniors, assisted living communities combine independence with support when and where it is needed. For those in need, help is offered with activities of daily living, or ADLs. Additionally, assisted living facilities provide social engagement opportunities so that older adults can still live their best quality of life while maintaining a sense of community with others.
Assisted living communities are not nursing homes, and people often confuse these two types of senior living. Residents of nursing homes usually have complex medical needs that demand daily attention from nurses and other medical professionals. Older adults in assisted living communities need assistance but to a lesser degree, which is why at Westminster Palms, we provide personal care assistance (such as grooming and dressing), toileting help, monitoring for health conditions, and opportunities to participate in wellness programs.
What is Independent Living?
Conversely, independent living communities are designed with active seniors in mind. Residents can enjoy freedom from burdens such as home ownership because its staff handles all household tasks and maintenance duties. With more free time, residents can pursue the activities that they find enjoyable.
Without the usual worries and stress of adult life, residents are free to participate in life-enrichment activities, take continuing education classes, volunteer for a favorite charitable organization, and engage in wellness programs – many of which are offered on-site at the community! Further, residents of independent living facilities are able to enjoy chances to participate in outings to local attractions like theaters and art museums, a variety of social activities ranging from art classes to gardening, and availability of on-campus wellness activities such as aerobics, chair yoga, and walking.
At Westminster Palms in historic old northeast St. Petersburg, we are more than happy to provide you with all the information you may need to help decide if your loved one would be better suited to assisted or independent living. Just a few blocks north of downtown St. Petersburg, our communities offer active senior living in the heart of the city without compromise: spacious residences, gorgeous bayfront vistas, and an active lifestyle enriched by our exclusive My W Life well-being program. Contact us today online or by calling (877) 399-0340 to better understand how living at Westminster Palms can enhance the lifestyle of your loved one!
