How to Determine Which Senior Living Option is Right for Your Loved One

Finding the right senior living option is all about understanding your loved one’s needs and determining the types of services that best fit those needs. Two of the most popular options are independent living and assisted living. While similar, there are key differences between these two senior living options. With that being said, it’s important to weigh out every concern before making a final decision with your loved one regarding their new residence. In this article, our team will discuss each of these options to help you make an informed and appropriate choice with your senior parent. 

Is Independent Living Right for Your Loved One? 

Independent living is usually contrasted with Assisted Living and differences can be great or small depending on the community. Senior Independent Living in some cases can simply mean living independently in an apartment complex with other seniors and few services. In other cases, such as JCHC Independent living, the lifestyle is independent but many additional services are available if you need them.  To understand better, ask mom or dad these questions and find out if this is the senior living option that best suits them:

• Are you finding maintaining your home is becoming too much work?
  
• Is your home too big for you and are you looking to downsize?
• Are you looking for a community in which you can be active and make friends?
• Are you worried your current home has become unsuitable for you (e.g. It has a lot of stairs or tripping hazards)?
• Do you want more time to pursue your interests and hobbies?
• Are you over 62 and still mobile and without major health issues?

If your loved one has answered ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, then they are likely to be a good match for an independent living community. These communities are designed for mostly healthy seniors who are looking to maintain their independence, remove the stress of owning and maintaining a house and have the freedom to enjoy their hobbies and social lives. Residents at JCHC’s Lester Independent Living communities for example, enjoy spacious apartment homes, plenty of onsite amenities and the fulfilling companionship of fellow residents. There are still organized events and social programs, and health care and cleaning services available if you want them but it’s completely up to the resident. At Lester Independent Living you come and go as you please, yet you have much more activity, security and help available than you would in an apartment or over 55 community. You can think of it as independent living with benefits! At Lester Senior Living, an independent living lifestyle is combined with on-site access to assisted living services and memory support if needed. Residents feel safe and their family can rest assured that all needs are being met under one roof. 

Is Assisted Living Right for Your Loved One? 

Assisted living is also focused on maintaining mom or dad’s independence and quality of life, but is generally more suited to seniors who require more medical support on a day-to-day basis. Ask your loved one these questions and find out if this senior living option better suits them:

• Is maintaining your home becoming stressful and expensive?
• Has your home become unsuitable to your needs (e.g. It has a lot of stairs) or is it too big?
• Do you have limited mobility and require help to move from point A to point B?
• Do you sometimes have difficulty remembering commonplace things and recalling short-term memories? 
• Do you require assistance with bathing, dressing, meal preparation or medication administration?
• Do you want more time to pursue your interests and social activities?

If your loved one has answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then they are more likely suited for an assisted living community. With a higher level of care available on-site 24/7, this is an ideal community for seniors who need support with daily tasks of living to maintain a high quality of life and independence. Assisted living services are offered to residents at our location in Morris County, Lester Senior Living. Residents benefit from senior care services that include housekeeping, medication assistance, health monitoring, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), personal care, and more.  

Senior Living Communities Promoting Independence in New Jersey

At JCHC’s senior communities, our collective aim is to ensure that each of our residents maintain their dignity, quality of life and independence, no matter what. Both our independent living and assisted living communities encourage residents to get involved with social activities on-site, while receiving the level of care they require. We tailor our services to make sure each resident gets the help they need to live independently and happily as they age. 

For more information, please call us today or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org

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