Seniors For Living

Assisted living and independent living share some attributes, but for the most part, these are distinctive senior housing categories.

Assisted living is a senior care setting that includes the following services: studio/apartment-style living (in a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or studio layout); three meals a day served in the facility’s dining room (with room service options if a resident’s health status prevents communal dining); laundry & housekeeping; planned social activities & outings; assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, and other activities of daily living (ADLs); assistance with shopping, finding/utilizing resources (i.e. keeping doctor’s appointments, looking up phone numbers, medication reminders) and other  instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs); transportation to doctor’s appointments, beauty appointments, and grocery/convenience stores; trained staff who are on-call/available to help 24 hours a day; and more.

Seniors who choose Independent living can choose from a variety of floor plans for their apartment, but they are generally quite spacious and equipped with a number of modern amenities. Independent living arrangements also include a designated parking space – either in an outside parking lot or indoor garage – as most residents still have their own car and can drive themselves to social outings, doctor’s appointments, and the like.  Meal plans are usually offered, although most apartments have fully-equipped kitchens. Planned activities are available for those who desire to participate.

- Michelle Seitzer