How to Choose Between Independent Living or Assisted Living
After retirement, a world of options open up to you. As you plan for the next stage of your life, you may be reconsidering your current living options. Perhaps you have been retired for a few years, but find that you need a little extra assistance. Or maybe you have started to feel a little isolated in your large family home.
During your search for a community for older adults that fits your lifestyle, you have probably encountered the terms “independent living” and “assisted living.” But which is the best fit for your needs?
What is Independent Living?
Independent living refers to the living spaces in active senior living communities like Friendship Village of South Hills where residents have their own private living quarters, but also receive access to all the benefits and amenities a senior living community offers. Independent living is, essentially, right-sizing your living situation for this stage of your life, with benefits.
The Benefits of Independent Living in a Senior Community
There are many benefits to choosing an independent living senior community. For many older adults, independent living communities offer more free time and opportunities to connect with like-minded peers. At an independent living community, all maintenance tasks are taken care of, meals are served in lovely onsite dining venues, and many even offer housekeeping services.
Independent Living in a senior community provides many opportunities for socialization right outside your front door with community-led activities. For seniors who choose Friendship Village of South Hills, those amenities include:
- Wellness review and goal setting
- Sports pub
- Community garden and personal gardening spaces
- Performing arts center
- Billiards room
- Bocce court
- Library and computer room
- Cinema
- And much more!
Beyond the amenities, independent living communities allow you to shape every day to suit your preferences, and some communities even offer seamless transitions between levels of care as you age, making changes in your care needs easy and non-disruptive.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a good choice for those who want all of the benefits of an independent living community, but who need help with daily tasks. While staff is often available and can help with a wide variety of personal, hygiene, and medication needs, assisted living doesn’t mean giving up your independence. At Friendship Village of South Hills, we value who you are as an individual and honor that in every aspect of our care.
There is no one size fits all approach to assisted living, which is why we focus on providing personalized care that meets your needs and helps you thrive.
The Benefits of Assisted Living in a Senior Living Community
We all need a little extra help sometimes. When certain aspects of daily life become more difficult, assisted living can help take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on enjoying your life fully. Assisted living apartments at Friendship Village of South Hills are uniquely designed to support your independence. Our dedicated staff are there to step in when you need the extra hand.
Assisted living communities can offer amenities like:
- Access to a pharmacy
- Dietician and nutritional guidance
- Mental health services
- Advanced therapy as needed
These services and more can make it easier to retain your independence in a supportive setting.
Which Level of Care Should You Choose?
As a general rule of thumb, if you have found that certain daily tasks have become more difficult, consider assisted living. However, if you’re able to perform these tasks on your own, independent living may be best for you.
Discuss the difference between independent living and assisted living with your loved ones and your doctors where applicable, and determine which living style suits your individual needs best.
Explore Living Options at Friendship Village of South Hills
Whether you decide that independent living or assisted living is best for you, Friendship Village of South Hills has a range of care options, unique housing and thoughtful amenities to make this chapter of your life the best yet.
Explore our living options with a tour and see our amenities for yourself. See why so many older adults have found a renewed vigor for life with us.