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

Senior living is not a “one size fits all” solution because every person has their own set of needs and preferences. Senior living communities meet these needs by offering varying levels of support to help individuals lead safer, healthier lives.

Those not familiar with senior living communities and senior care may not understand or recognize the differences that separate levels of care and lifestyle options. As an active senior living community in Wyoming, Michigan, Rivertown Ridge is sharing these key differences to help you find the right level of senior living for you or someone you love.

What is Independent Senior Living?

Independent senior living offers the best of both worlds: privacy and independence within a community setting. Targeted toward active older adults, independent living residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle (no more mowing the lawn!) with access to community amenities, services and activities.

This senior living lifestyle option offers older adults the opportunity to live independently in a supportive environment with conveniences not found in traditional apartment complexes, such as housekeeping services and dining options.

In addition, residents don’t have to leave the community to participate in wellness programs, art classes, or connect with friends and neighbors over a cup of coffee. As an additional benefit, independent living residents know support is always available should they ever need it, providing them with peace of mind.

Independent Living in Wyoming, Michigan

Independent senior living at Rivertown Ridge offers beautiful living spaces and exciting activities for residents to enjoy. We provide endless opportunities for individuals to explore personal goals, hobbies and interests, making it easy to enjoy life on their terms.

Quality of life is one of the most important details we focus on when creating programs for residents in our active senior living community. We offer a variety of fun and interesting events and activities that contribute to our residents’ social and emotional enrichment.

Some of our independent living features include:

• Transportation accommodations
• Spacious apartment floor plans
• All utilities included
• Flexible meal plans with dining services in our contemporary bistro, pub or formal dining room
• Community fitness center, pool and hot tub
• Walking and hiking trails

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living services are designed for older adults who wish to maintain their independence but need or would benefit from additional care and support. In addition to all the benefits and amenities that the independent living lifestyle provides, assisted senior living helps individuals with the activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, dressing, etc.).

These supportive services allow residents to safely maintain their independence, so that they can lead more active lives.

Assisted Living in Wyoming, Michigan

At Rivertown Ridge, we tailor assisted living care to meet the unique needs of each resident, supporting feelings of independence without taking away privacy. The care and support we provide are available as needed, 24 hours a day, to keep residents comfortable and safe.

In addition, our community services help residents enhance their mental and physical well-being. For example, we maintain an on-site health clinic plus offer personal fitness training, so residents can stay motivated to meet their wellness goals!

We also arrange a variety of social activities and amenities focused on the seven dimensions of wellness to contribute to each individual’s overall well-being. Some of these include:

• Craft and activity rooms
• Outdoor courtyard and patio
• On-site movie theater
• Neighborhood community center
• Exercise room and fitness classes
• Gardening areas

So, What’s the Difference?

The most significant difference between independent living and assisted senior living is the level of care provided. While amenities and community features may be the same, assisted living offers an extra layer of care and support to promote safety and wellness.

When it comes to senior living options, it’s about choosing one that will enhance the person’s quality of life – whether that is you or someone you love. Of course, you also want to choose a community with the amenities, features and conveniences to make life more enjoyable.

Our active senior living options at Rivertown Ridge provide connection, convenience and community. If you would like to learn more about our community in Wyoming, Michigan, and all that we have to offer, we invite you to contact a member of our team today!