Independent Living vs. Assisted Living: Which Retirement Village Option is Right for You?
Just like before, when you started your life wanting to have a family, choosing where to live in your retirement years is a huge decision you can’t get out of. Looking back, you’ve worked hard your whole life; you’ve sacrificed so much, and now it’s time to reap those fruits of labour by relaxing and enjoying this new chapter. Good thing there are new options at the retirement village in Melbourne you can choose, but how would you know that it’s the best one for you?
It boils down to independent living or assisted living, but what are the differences between these two? Let’s help you find out.
What is Independent Living?
If you’re that type of person who plans to keep their active lifestyle around and finds fulfilment in the daily tasks without assistance, then these communities give you an enjoyable environment full of social activities and hobbies so you can enjoy the rest of your life where you’re still the one controlling it!
With independent living:
- You still get your privacy and independence.
- There are lots of amenities and social opportunities, so you won’t get bored.
- You need not to worry about add-ons like personal assistance services.
What is Assisted Living?
On the other hand, assisted living is greatly beneficial to people who are in need of assistance in daily activities like bathing, taking their medicines, or maybe even mobility. And although help is the primary urgency in this type of living, they also promote independence as much as possible and provide a balance of autonomy and support.
With assisted living:
- You still get the option of either private or semi-private accommodations for personalised care services.
- You immediately get assisted with personal care, help with medication, and regular health monitoring, even going to medical appointments.
- They give you schedules for group meals and various social activities.
Which is the Best Option for You?
Now that we’ve tackled both types, here are some points to consider before finally deciding which to choose:
Current health status. Check if you are still able to manage daily tasks on your own and if you are not currently in medical assistance.
Budget considerations. Assisted living entails a much higher budget because of the additional services, but don’t let that be the reason to opt for independent living, especially if you really need assistance.
Desired lifestyle and long-term needs. Transitioning from one place to another is already tough, and so is switching from one living type to another option, so it’s good to anticipate that there will always be change, but do not forget to root yourself in a culture you are familiar with to keep yourself from feeling lost.
The good news is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and the right choice will depend on which supports your wants and needs best. At the end of the day, the right choice for you will be the one that offers you the perfect balance of independence, support, and peace of mind.