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Differences Between Independent Living and Assisted Living

Feb 16, 2023

When looking into senior living communities, you’ll come across phrases and terms you might be unfamiliar with, like independent living, assisted living or memory care.

If you’ve heard the term “senior living,” it’s taken on a whole new meaning full of possibilities rather than the stereotypical “nursing home” of the past. Today’s senior living communities are filled with vibrant daily living that enhances independence and promotes a joyful lifestyle throughout all levels of care. Most communities offering Life Care, like Canterbury Woods Williamsville, emphasize the importance of moving to independent living before you need daily care support, while you can still enjoy the offered services and amenities.

Keep reading to learn more about the differences between independent living and assisted living and what you have to gain by moving to a Life Care Community, also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community.

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

For residents of today’s senior living communities, the vibrant, maintenance-free lifestyle in independent living is a bit like living at a resort. 

Transitioning to a senior living community used to be assumed to be a result of an incident, accident or decline in health. While that might be the case for assisted living or other higher levels of care, it’s not so for independent living. Most seniors move between ages 75 and 84, but it’s possible – and perhaps desirable – to move in even sooner than 75.

The move to senior living can be a result of wanting to be closer to family and friends, the desire for more socialization, or the appeal of a maintenance-free lifestyle.

In fact, when you join a community while still an independent and active senior, you set yourself up to enjoy all the activities, services, amenities and events available to you at a community like Canterbury Woods Williamsville.

Assisted Living and a Full Continuum of Care

In contrast to independent living, assisted living focuses on helping residents with the activities of daily living, or ADLs. These services are meant for seniors who face challenges in preparing meals, using the restroom, toileting, bathing, dressing, transferring or medication management. Often, these services mean that medically trained staff is on site at all hours of the day, so help is there whenever it is needed, which can help put loved ones at ease.

At Canterbury Woods Williamsville, this continuum of care is provided under a Life Care contract. It includes assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, each with their own specialized set of dining options, services, and residences.

Though you might not need care now, a Life Care Community provides a plan for care because care needs often change as you age. At Canterbury Woods Williamsville, once you enter at the independent living level, you’re set for life. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy everything the community has to offer while resting assured your future is secure. 

Senior Suburbanites Look No Further: You’ve Found Your New Home!

Canterbury Woods in Williamsville, NY, is a Life Care Community offering independent living and a full continuum of care. This includes assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation.

Learn more about Life Care and explore how you can get started with independent living. Use our Financial Gauge to find out which senior living option is right for you.

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