From One Senior's Perspective: Understanding how Independent and Assisted Living differ in Hollywood Park, TX
I have always been the type of person who would plan as much of my day as possible. The same philosophy held true of my planning out weeks, months, and even years. If I didn’t have a plan, I knew it was going to be tough going. So when I turned 70, even though I knew I was in good health and strong, I started looking into all of my living options for the future, including assisted living.
The more that I looked, though, the more I became confused by the difference between assisted living and independent living. There were a number of facilities throughout the area that would be called ‘assisted living’ communities and there were a few well hidden gems that were advertised as independent living. I would visit one place and get an idea about what it entailed, then I would visit the next and my ideas about the first were, essentially, thrown out the window.
It got to the point where I had to get help. I was more and more confused the harder I tried to make a key distinction between the two.
After wringing my hangs and feeling like I was beating my head against the wall, I finally found someone who was able to establish the distinction between the two. What I learned was that some of the facilities that were marketing themselves as assisted living really weren’t, and vice versa.
Independent living in a nutshell.
Basically, independent living is a situation where seniors have their own homes or apartments. They don’t need to worry about maintenance issues, tending to the landscaping, or other issues that most homeowners have to contend with.
There are no real nurses on staff to tend to basic care needs as the residents in these communities are high functioning and can manage their own care, for the most part. Some independent living communities will supply meals and some other amenities and there is usually a main building or central lobby to meet at and take part in community activities.
Assisted living
Assisted living usually tends to the personal care needs of residents, which could include help bathing, toileting, get out of bed, and even being reminded that it’s time to take their medication.
I decided to choose one independent living community as a potential place I’d enjoy, if the time came, and one assisted living facility. I don’t anticipate having to move, but it’s better to know what’s available now before I am desperate.
For more information about Pipestone Place Assisted Living in San Antonio, TX or to take a tour, call today (210) 718-0211.
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