Independent Living vs. Assisted Living: What’s The Difference?

Caregiver assisting a resident at Sorrento Retirement Residence in Bolton

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living: What’s The Difference?

Browsing through options for retirement living, you’ve likely seen the terms “assisted living” and “independent living.” Both retirement options provide community, meals, and a low-maintenance living space. However, assisted living provides support for daily routines like bathing, dressing, and medication administration, while independent living does not.

Independent Living

Independent living is best suited to seniors looking for relief from home maintenance and new social interactions and community. Independent living communities will offer amenities and events, including fitness classes, entertainment, recreational facilities like pools and games, and regular group outings. Independent living communities will often also provide chef-prepared daily meals, so residents don’t need to cook for themselves.

Assisted Living

Assisted living comes with many of the same social benefits of independent living, with an added layer of support. Assisted living communities often have a call bell system, housekeeping services, and 24/7 care staff. It differs from long-term care, which is government-regulated and provides a higher level of ongoing nursing and personal care for residents with greater healthcare needs.

Here’s a list of some of the services that an assisted living community may offer:

  • Support with dressing and meal assistance
  • Medication reminders and administration
  • Daily housekeeping services (suite tidying, linen service, and personal laundry)
  • Schedule management and reminders
  • A pendant call bell system
  • 24-hour on-site wellness staff
  • Personalized escorts for meals, appointments, or other activities
  • Access to concierge services and transportation for appointments

Which Is Right For Me?

Deciding between independent living and assisted living means determining what level of care you need and what daily tasks you want to offload. Some retirement homes also offer independent living and assisted living services in the same community. This means that you can start with independent living but opt for assisted living if you decide that you need more services.

What Is The Price Difference?

Since assisted living offers more care and staff support, it will usually cost more than independent living. At Sorrento, the assisted living prices depend on the level of care you need and the size of your suite, which ranges from studio apartments to two-bedroom suites with terraces.

For more information about assisted and independent living at Sorrento Retirement Residences in Bolton, contact us today or review the price list on our website*.

*Rates are subject to change. Please contact Sorrento Retirement Residences for the most current pricing and availability.

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