Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

Moving to a worry-free Erickson Senior Living-managed continuing care retirement community (CCRC) can be the start of an easier, more fulfilling retirement.

But before you tour one of our beautiful campuses, you’ll want to determine which living option is best for you. Should you choose independent living, which features an array of social and recreational activities that you can enjoy without additional assistance? Or would assisted living, which provides higher levels of support for a variety of needs, be more appropriate?

Erickson Senior Living has managed senior communities for over 40 years, serving thousands of seniors nationwide with top-rated care and services. Our communities offer the full spectrum of care—independent living, assisted care, memory care, and skilled nursing. So no matter what the future brings, the right level of support for your situation will always be available.

To help you decide what best fits your lifestyle now, read about the differences between independent living and assisted living so you can make an informed decision.

Key Features and Amenities of Independent Living

For older adults who wish to pursue an active lifestyle without the responsibilities and expenses of homeownership, independent senior living may be the right choice.

Independent living residents enjoy a wealth of amenities, including multiple dining venues, communal gathering spaces, game rooms, fitness centers, and on-site health care, in addition to dozens of clubs that span a range of interests.

Erickson Senior Living-managed communities take care of residence and community maintenance for you, so you’ll never have to rake leaves, shovel snow, or mow the lawn again. One call to the general services department, and they’ll take care of any repairs needed in your home. All common areas and outdoor spaces are impeccably maintained by a professional grounds crew.

Benefits of Independent Living

Our independent senior living option provides a carefree, secure, and convenient way to enjoy every aspect of your retirement.

Our stunning amenities, hubs of resident activity, are ideal for building connections and friendships. You can reach everything via climate-controlled walkways, so inclement weather is never a problem. And with hundreds of social activities to choose from, there’s always something fun and engaging to do.

You’ll also feel safe thanks to health care services located right on campus, dedicated staff who go above and beyond, and security team members who are on call 24/7 and trained in emergency response.

“It became clear to us that you don’t just get an apartment home,” says Jo Anne P., an independent living resident of Brooksby Village in Peabody, Massachusetts. “You gain a whole community filled with amenities, activities, social connections, and services. We are just a short walk away from the pool, the fitness center, and the medical center.”

Considerations When Choosing an Independent Living Community

Next to amenities and services, one of the most important factors to consider when exploring independent living communities is location. Do you want to be close to family? Are you ready to explore a new part of the country? Do you prefer warm weather year-round?

Another key factor is cost. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the amenities and services you’ll receive and what you’ll pay each month.

One of the benefits of a CCRC is access to higher levels of care, when and if they’re ever needed. This is an important consideration. Find out whether higher levels of care are available at the communities you explore. As a CCRC, Erickson Senior Living can provide appropriate care at every stage of your retirement.

Finally, you’ll want to know whether the company managing your community has the financial resources and staff to provide the quality services you expect. As an industry leader with more than four decades of experience managing senior communities, Erickson Senior Living has a well-deserved reputation for quality and value.

Linda O., a future resident of The Grandview in Bethesda, Maryland, notes, “When we started looking at senior living places, we were really impressed with Erickson--the experience it has and the communities throughout the nation that it operates. They really know what they’re doing and have senior living down to a science.”

When you come for a tour, be sure to share all of your questions with our staff. Speak to current independent living residents, too. You’ll find that people who work and live in the community can provide an invaluable insider’s point of view.

Financial Aspects of Independent Living

Our independent living residences come in a variety of floor plans and sizes, from one to three bedrooms. Your entrance deposit will depend on the model you choose. A percentage of the entrance deposit is also refundable should you leave the community or decide to pass it on to your heirs.

There also is a Monthly Service Package that covers most of your living expenses, including your chosen meal plan, use of amenities, transportation, utilities, property taxes, maintenance, Wi-Fi, cable, phone, and others. Our “one-bill, one-check” approach ensures predictable, easy-to-manage expenses.

“Not only did Ashby Ponds make sense financially, it provided many additional benefits over living in a condo,” says Mark H. of Ashby Ponds in Ashburn, Virginia. “When I added up my long list of expenses and compared the price to the monthly service package, it was a great deal.”

Understanding Assisted Living

Erickson Senior Living offers three assisted living options.

Assisted living is for people who can live in their own residence but require extra assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.

Memory care is for those with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s who need additional support with daily tasks as well as specialized enrichment activities. Many Erickson Senior Living-managed communities offer dedicated memory care neighborhoods with specially trained staff who build meaningful relationships with residents.

Skilled nursing provides high-level medical care from doctors, nurses, and skilled/certified professionals. Skilled nursing also can be used temporarily for rehabilitation post-surgery or injury. Nearly all communities managed by Erickson Senior Living have dedicated skilled nursing neighborhoods.

Key Features and Amenities of Assisted Living

Our assisted living options provide a worry-free lifestyle, social engagement, and use of every amenity on campus. Other features include personalized care from compassionate staff, convenient access to regular medical services, housekeeping, and programs tailored to each resident’s needs and abilities.

Benefits of Assisted Living

For many seniors and their loved ones, assisted living provides real peace of mind. Residents are secure and professionally cared for, and their families gain freedom from daily caregiving responsibilities. In fact, assisted living residents can specify the daily tasks they’d like help with, which can greatly enhance their well-being.

Assisted living residents also have ample opportunities for social and personal enrichment through thoughtfully planned activities.

Residents of memory care and skilled nursing receive the medical services and support they need to optimize their quality of life. Memory care staff members lead enrichment activities in a nurturing environment; skilled nursing is staffed by physicians, nurses, and licensed/certified professionals who specialize in medical issues related to aging.

Comparing Independent Living and Assisted Living

In summary, here’s a quick comparison between independent living and assisted living.

Independent living is for seniors who want a vibrant, active lifestyle and are looking to participate in a variety of hobbies, games, activities, and social engagements. Costs associated with this living option will depend on the size and style of residence you choose. Maintenance, access to amenities, and most expenses are covered by one predictable monthly fee.

Assisted living encompasses three types of living options: assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Residents receive personalized support as well as the opportunity to participate in engaging activities. Because of the increased level of care, you can expect to pay more than you would for independent living.

Making an Informed Choice

As you contemplate your choice between independent and assisted living, keep these main points in mind:

Independent living is ideal for relatively active seniors who can complete daily tasks on their own. You’ll live in a maintenance-free residence and have access to amenities, activities, dining venues, fitness programs, resident-run clubs, and much more. If your needs change over time, Erickson Senior Living’s assisted living options are available to you right on campus.

Assisted living offers a full continuum of care. You can choose from assisted living, which helps with tasks of daily living; memory care, which provides specialized care and enrichment for those with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s; and skilled nursing care, for those who need more intensive medical care on a daily basis.

Choosing between independent and assisted living is an important decision. At Erickson Senior Living, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. If you’d like to learn more about our lifestyle and care options, request a brochure today. Or, find a community near you to speak with a knowledgeable team member about what’s best for you or a loved one.