I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes five years ago, and I've had to make considerable changes to my lifestyle to maintain my health since I was diagnosed. I started this blog to share my experience of coming to terms with having type 2 diabetes and what I've learned on my personal journey. I share details of the lifestyle changes I've made, including giving up smoking and eating more wholefoods, and my personal experience of using alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. I also post about new treatments that are becoming available for type 2 diabetes. I hope you find my blog useful and informative.
As an adult, it is difficult when you realise that your parents need help in their daily life. Moving from the family home to a retirement community is a tough decision for anyone to make, so you want to make sure that your parent finds the right community for them. As someone who is doing research on local retirement communities on behalf of a parent, you might have quickly noticed that there are two types of living choices available. There is independent living, and there is assisted living. So, what does each one offer so you can choose the right facility for your parent? These are the main differences between the two.
Independent Living
An independent-living retirement community is suitable to a person who does not have limited physical or mental capacity. If your parent is leaving their family home because it is too big or because they want to be surrounded by like-aged people, then an independent-living facility is a good choice. An independent-living facility offers your parent their own space, normally a one-bedroom or studio unit, and it is up to them to cook, clean and tend to themselves. Some independent-living facilities offer a dining room area where meals can be purchased and eaten with other residents. Some facilities also offer communal laundry facilities, so the need to fit these extra appliances into a smaller space is not an issue. The main caveat of independent living is that the person must be able to care for themselves.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is designed to take care of an adult who needs a little help in their life. The type of help offered includes:
One of the main benefits of an assisted-living facility is that the amount of assistance provided is tailored to fit the needs of the person. If your parent has diminished mobility due to a medical condition, for example, then an assisted-living facility allows them to still live independently, but with help in the areas of their life that are challenging.
Now you know the difference between the two types of retirement communities, choose which lifestyle best applies to the current needs of your parent, and make appointments to visually inspect local retirement communities in the area. The staff there will be more than happy to answer any further questions you have.
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