The Difference Between Independent and Assisted Living

By Don Posh

IndiGO

There seems to be some confusion regarding independent living and assisted living. The differences are like night and day. In assisted living there is a facility, which assists residents that live in an apartment like setting, and the assistance is based on individual needs.   Independent living is completely different. The main idea is to find the supports to keep an individual with a disability in their own home or to age in place. An AARP study revealed 87% of seniors want to age in place and avoid a nursing facility.

As we age there is a high percentage of chance we will acquire a disability. Many things that had been easy can become a barrier to independence. It may seem simple when you are able, but just getting in and out of a chair, into the bathtub or getting dressed can be a daunting task. This can mean that accommodations will be necessary to continue to live in our home. In independent living, we refer to accommodations as assistive technology. It sounds like something computer related, but more often than not, they are just gadgets to assist with a task. A cane assists with balance when walking, a sock puller or an extended shoehorn can assist when it is difficult to bend and put on our socks and shoes. On the other hand, there are things that more complicated like a power wheelchair. Actually, there are far too many devices to explain and that’s a good thing. The good thing is there are always people innovating and creating to overcome obstacles and assist with independent living.

Indigo specializes in independent living and assistive technology. Please contact us if you have any questions. You may also see me at the ADA celebration in Superior July 23, the ADRC Summer Concerts, and the Caregivers Conference in September.

Be well…We’re All in this Together!

For more information on independent living contact: indiGO serving Douglas, Bayfield, Iron, Price, Sawyer, Washburn, and Burnett Counties including Tribal communities of Red Cliff, Bad River, La Courte Oreilles and St Croix.

Main office: 800-924-1220 V/TTY

Our non-profit agency, indiGO, aims to empower individuals

living with disabilities and we are available to assist ALL ages and

disabilities.  We are not a vendor and do not sell any products,

but we are here as a resource.