Assisted Living vs. Independent Living: Similarities & Differences

The right senior living community can help older adults thrive, providing an environment designed to support their wellness and socialization. However, finding the right senior living community begins with understanding the options available. Fortunately, today’s older adults have multiple solutions available to them. Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all nursing home, replaced instead by senior living communities that cater to adults with different needs, preferences, and challenges. However, if you don’t understand the senior living options out there, finding the best one can feel frustrating and confusing.

For many seniors, two options stand out above the rest: independent living and assisted living. While each of these senior living solutions is focused on hospitality, convenience, and luxury amenities, there are some significant differences that set them apart from one another. Our guide will help you understand these differences, as well as help you determine which option might be best for you now and in the future.

What Is Independent Living?

Independent living offers older adults a maintenance-free lifestyle with amenities and services that make life a bit more convenient. Each independent living community is unique and different, with some offering single-family homes or townhomes and others offering only apartments.

The typical independent living resident does not need assistance with activities of daily living, such as showering, dressing, or grooming. Instead, they are quite independent and active but are looking to downsize their home and house responsibilities while living among friendly neighbors who share some of their interests.

Key Features of Independent Living Communities

Independent living communities are typically age-restricted, catering to residents who are over the age of 65 (though some active adult campuses can see residents as young as 55). Communities might be a large apartment building or a larger campus with apartments, cottages, and townhomes.

Amenities and services are often quite luxurious, with residents feeling like they reside in an upscale resort. Look for amenities including a heated pool, spa, pickleball courts, putting green, art workshop, parking, and fitness center. Services can include transportation to local shops and medical offices, restaurant-style dining, and an on-site concierge.

Who Thrives in Independent Living

Seniors who want a vibrant, social environment often thrive in an independent living setting. In addition, adults who are looking to downsize their home and eliminate tasks like lawn maintenance and housekeeping from their to-do list will enjoy the perks of an independent living community.

Because independent living communities do not offer around-the-clock caregiver support, seniors who require any type of verbal or hands-on assistance with daily tasks will not be safe or succeed in this type of community.

What Is Assisted Living?

According to the National Center for Assisted Living, an assisted living community offers a supportive environment that is designed for a senior who needs help with everyday activities but does not need skilled care services. These senior living communities typically feature studio, one, and two-bedroom apartment options. Residents have access to caregiver assistance 24 hours per day. Nurses and other key staff members are there to provide oversight and guidance, communicate with physicians and family members, and create a safe and stimulating environment that helps to support wellness goals.

Key Services Provided in Assisted Living

The key feature of assisted living that sets it apart from independent living is the presence and support of caregivers. Caregivers are there to provide customized support and assistance around-the-clock with activities of daily living (ADLs), which include bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, transferring, walking, eating, and incontinence management. Caregivers also provide support with safe medication management. 

Nurses provide oversight, writing personalized care plans and treatment goals for each individual resident, communicating with physicians and other clinicians, and ensuring caregivers are safely assisting residents.

Other important services offered in an assisted living community include transportation, dining, activities, housekeeping, and emergency response.

Who Benefits Most from Assisted Living

Seniors who need consistent, non-medical support with their ADLs can find verbal cueing or hands-on assistance in assisted living. In addition, a senior who feels nervous living at home alone can find confidence and reassurance in an assisted living community as well.

Cost Comparison – Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

Independent living communities often cost less than assisted living options, but that is not always the case. It is important to understand what is covered in monthly fees as well as services that are not.

Independent Living Cost Structure

Independent living communities typically charge a monthly fee, which covers housing and access to amenities and services. Meals in the dining room, additional housekeeping services, and admission to certain events might be offered at an additional charge, depending on the community.

In addition, some independent living communities charge a one-time entrance fee. This is most common in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) or Life Plan Community model. 

Assisted Living Cost Structure

Assisted living communities also bill a monthly fee that is often all-inclusive, covering housing, caregiver support, access to amenities, all daily meals and snacks, housekeeping, and laundry. Activities and events held at the community are also typically covered, as is transportation through the community’s program.

Additional costs might include expenses for incontinence supplies as well as for more support and assistance from caregivers. It is important for family members to have a candid conversation with community staff to ensure everyone is on the same page for what is covered in the monthly fee and what is not.

Depending on the policy, long-term care insurance and even Veteran Aid & Attendance benefits could help to offset costs.

National Cost Averages (Contextual Benchmarking)

National cost averages for both independent living and assisted living fees vary greatly based on:

• Location of the community
• Type of amenities and services offered

Independent living monthly fees are just over $3,000 per month on average. Assisted living monthly fees average at just under $6,000 monthly. The cost gap between these two types of senior living communities is rooted in staffing, with assisted living providing significantly more assistance and oversight with caregiving and clinical staff.

Levels of Care and Medical Support

When choosing between independent living and assisted living, seniors and their family members should first take into consideration the current level of assistance needed for activities of daily living and any additional support. Considering current needs, as well as predicted future needs, can help seniors make the best decision.

Independent Living

Independent living communities are not designed to provide caregiver assistance or clinical support. Residents typically are independent and able to complete activities of daily living, including managing medications, on their own.

However, some independent living communities do offer wellness amenities, including a nurse who is available to answer questions or take vitals during business hours. This nurse is not meant to provide care to residents, but instead to be a wellness resource and guide. Other amenities might include balance workshops, exercise programs, fall prevention education sessions, and visiting clinicians, like a podiatrist. Some communities also have outpatient physical therapy clinics on-site.

Independent living residents who do require some type of assistance with activities of daily living or safety oversight can pay out-of-pocket for additional support via a visiting caregiver through a home care agency.

Assisted Living

Assisted living communities provide clinician oversight as well as around-the-clock caregiver assistance. An interdisciplinary team, which includes representatives from dining, activities, social work, and nursing, work together to develop a comprehensive care plan that highlights resident health goals and the interventions to help them meet those goals.

Caregivers provide personalized assistance with activities of daily living, while nurses are there to provide oversight, organize care, communicate with physicians, and coordinate medication management. Other clinicians in the community typically include physical, occupational, and restorative therapy as well as dieticians. Most assisted living communities also work closely with palliative and hospice care as residents need it.

Memory care services are also typically available in most assisted living communities in their own designated, safe wing or unit.

Community Design and Environment

Independent Living Layout

Independent living communities can be a stand-alone residential building, similar to a condo high-rise or smaller apartment building, or can be on a larger, sprawling campus. In any case, independent living amenities and homes are spread out; residents need to be able to walk further to access the restaurants, activity rooms, and shared spaces.

Amenities and shared spaces are an important part of an independent living community’s layout, as residents gather and socialize there. Amenities are there to enhance socialization and activity, often focusing on recreation and leisure, and might include a pool, spa, pickleball or tennis courts, putting green, fitness center, and creative arts workshop.

Assisted Living Layout

Assisted living communities are not often as large or sprawling as an independent living community. Shared spaces, such as the library, activity rooms, and dining room, are often more centrally located so that residents do not need to walk as far to access them. 

Assisted living communities are also very accessible and designed to combat challenges that can come with aging. Apartments feature safe showers with a seat and grab bars, accessible doorways and halls, as well as flooring that is conducive to wheeled walkers or wheelchairs. 

Family Involvement and Support

Independent Living

Family members are always a part of senior living, though in independent living communities, the residents are the ones driving that connection. While some communities might have a family event or educational session a few times per year, it is up to the residents to invite family members to attend events or meals. 

Assisted Living

Family events, educational sessions, and even support groups are a regular part of programming in an assisted living community. Families typically receive a newsletter from the community so they know more about what is happening from week to week or month to month, and are invited to special meals or events they can share with their loved ones.

Family members are also invited and encouraged to take part in the care planning process. The clinical team wants to hear what the family members think is going well and what they are worried about as the team plans the care plan. 

Amenities, Activities & Lifestyle Differences

Independent Living

Activities and events are offered regularly at independent living communities, with calendar offerings often centering on resident interests and hobbies. Resident-led programs and clubs are quite popular in independent living communities, so if a senior is interested in something that isn’t on the calendar, they are empowered and encouraged to create a group or activity to meet that need.

Most communities have repeating activities that are favorites throughout the month, such as themed happy hours or entertainment. Other activities are planned throughout the month, and there may or may not be offerings on weekends and evenings. 

Assisted Living

Assisted living communities feature active and varied event calendars, with activities throughout the daytime and evening hours, as well as on the weekends. Activities are led by staff members or volunteers, and activity calendars are created based on what activities are well attended, as well as the interests of the current resident base.

While resident-led clubs might be fewer than in independent living, activities are still a very popular part of the day’s routine in assisted living. Residents are invited to attend events based on their interests, but anyone, including family members and visitors, is always welcome to attend.

Which Option Is Right for You? Factors to Consider

Choosing between assisted living and independent living begins with reviewing medical needs, but it also includes taking other factors into consideration.

Social Needs

Isolation and perceived loneliness have been linked to serious health consequences, including heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. Ensuring you choose a community that supports your loved one’s socialization needs is an important part of the decision-making process.

If your loved one can independently strike up a conversation and seek out activities that interest them, independent living could be the best bet. For someone who needs more hands-on support, such as invitations from the staff and escorting to the event itself, assisted living could be a better choice.

Health & Daily Living Needs

Take inventory of what your aging loved one needs support with in order to feel safe and healthy. If they are able to easily manage getting ready for the day on their own, take medications when prescribed, and make their own medical appointments, independent living is a good choice.

For a senior who needs more support with personal care tasks, medication management, or chronic pain management, assisted living is a better choice. If there is a diagnosis of dementia or other cognitive decline challenges at play, assisted living is also the best choice. 

Budget and Financial Planning

Just as with any home purchase, it is imperative to review your loved one’s financial plan and find a senior living community that fits into their current and future budget. Speak with community staff to fully understand the pricing, including any entrance fee or additional costs for higher levels of support.

Review any Veterans or long-term care insurance benefits as well to see if they apply.

Long-Term Planning

If your loved one has been diagnosed with a disease that is progressive in nature, it is wise to search for a senior living solution that can change and adjust to their growing needs. For some, this might be a CCRC or other campus-living community offering multiple levels of care.

Side-by-Side Comparison Summary

Here’s a quick comparison of assisted living and independent living. However, it is important to note that not all communities are the same. Touring communities near you and asking questions about each individual community is the key to making your best decision.

• Level of Care:
  • Independent living does not provide caregiver assistance or nursing oversight.
  • Assisted: Caregivers are available around the clock to provide personalized assistance with activities of daily living, including medication management.
• Lifestyle:
  • Independent living features a maintenance-free, active, and social lifestyle with plenty of amenities and services that make life more convenient. 
  • Assisted living provides a supportive, structured, and safe environment with a vibrant and lively lifestyle.
• Costs:
  • Independent living is typically less expensive than other senior living choices, but you might have to pay a hefty entrance fee.
  • Assisted living charges a monthly fee that can fluctuate based on the amount of care and assistance the senior requires. 
• Family Involvement:
  • Independent living communities welcome family members to get involved in the life of the community, including events and activities. 
  • Assisted living communities welcome families in the social aspect of the community as well as in the care planning process. 
• Community Layout:
  • Independent living communities are typically larger and have amenities spread out throughout the building or campus.
  • Assisted living communities feature a more compact, accessible design for residents to enjoy. 

Ready to explore what life is like in independent living and assisted living communities? Find a Legend Senior Living residence near you and schedule a tour. During your visit, we will show you around the residence, answer your questions, and give you more details so that you can make an educated and empowered choice.