In this article, we explore these three long-term care options to help you determine which setting is right for you or a loved one. We also provide insight into how families can help their loved ones make this important decision.
Independent living, assisted living and memory care are practical options for older adults seeking comfortable retirement living. By understanding the level of care each option provides, you can make an educated decision on which setting is most appropriate.
Independent living caters to active seniors who want a lifestyle free from the hassles of home and yard maintenance. Independent living communities under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella feature a range of amenities and services, including restaurant-style dining programs, recreational activities, fitness classes and community-organized outings. While these communities don’t provide medical or custodial care, they help older adults enjoy the quality of life they want by fostering an environment where residents have the time and freedom to pursue their hobbies and interests.
Assisted living provides housing and nonmedical care for older adults who are largely independent but need help with some day-to-day activities. Assisted living communities in the Bethesda Senior Living Communities network feature homelike environments with around-the-clock support and help with personal care activities, such as bathing, dressing and personal grooming. Residents have individualized care plans, meaning each person only receives the services they need to thrive. This supports their privacy and independence.
Assisted living residences support an engaged lifestyle through a wide range of activities and amenities. Many communities feature swimming pools, fitness centers, movie theaters and libraries, while restaurant-style dining accommodates a range of dietary needs and preferences.
Memory care communities meet the needs of older adults with mild to moderate dementia. Similar to assisted living, memory care provides daily assistance with personal care activities, communal dining, recreational activities and 24-hour support. However, services are tailored to the needs of those with memory loss.
Common dementia symptoms, such as wandering, agitation, social isolation and decreased food intake, make it impractical and unsafe for many older adults with memory loss to live alone. Memory care communities address these unique challenges through features such as fully enclosed courtyards, specialized training for caregivers and memory-enhancing games and activities.
While all three of the most popular senior living solutions promote a safe, comfortable lifestyle for retirees, they offer key differences in the levels of independence they provide and the scope of services they offer.
Independent living supports a high level of independence, making it ideal for older adults who manage their daily activities and medical care but want a maintenance-free lifestyle. Some common services this type of community provides include restaurant-style dining, transportation for errands and appointments, fitness classes and housekeeping services.
Assisted living provides a moderate level of independence. It has a scope of services similar to independent living, along with tailored personal care services. Caregivers in these communities provide basic health monitoring and medication management, but residents who need more extensive medical support must arrange services with third-party providers.
Memory care allows for limited autonomy in daily activities, featuring a more structured environment with predictable daily routines, verbal cues and 24-hour supervision. Staff members receive training to handle a variety of behavioral and medical needs related to dementia, and they work closely with health care providers to manage residents’ medical needs.
Long-term care costs depend on the scope of services a resident needs, a community’s amenities and the local cost of living. In general, memory care ranks as the most expensive option, followed by assisted living and then independent living.
Based on the 2023 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the nationwide median rate for assisted living comes to around $5,350 per month. By contrast, independent living costs considerably less, with recent data from the National Council on Aging indicating a monthly range of $1,709-$4,595. Memory care rates run 20%-30% higher than assisted living costs due to enhanced care and security, putting typical nationwide fees between $6,420 and $6,955.
The type of long-term care community someone lives in determines the options they have for paying their monthly care fees. Popular options include Medicaid waiver programs for assisted living or memory care costs, along with long-term care insurance, monthly retirement income and savings.
To make sure you choose the right long-term care option for yourself or a loved one, it’s helpful to consider factors such as health, mobility and anticipated future care needs. Additionally, there are several ways families can support loved ones moving to assisted living or another long-term care community, including discussing options, visiting communities and researching care options.
