When starting a search for senior living, one of the first aspects to consider is which level of living is right for you or your loved one. At Edgewood Summit, we offer independent living in Charleston, WV, as well as a full continuum of senior care, and we’re happy to share our expertise. Many seniors and their loved ones have difficulty deciding between independent living and assisted living. Both these residential options cater to older adults looking for interesting, fulfilling lifestyles, but the level of care the resident requires will indicate which choice will serve them best. Of course, if you’re looking for independent living in Charleston, WV, or assisted living, we’d be happy to speak with you and provide more individualized insight.
Independent Living
Independent living offers a maintenance-free lifestyle for active older adults who want to enjoy rich social opportunities, fun activities, delicious dining and senior-friendly fitness choices. Without the hassle of home maintenance, they’re free to make the most of every day. If you’re over age 65 and still active, consider these lifestyle features to help determine if independent living might be right for you.
Travel Worry-Free
Many independent seniors want to travel the globe in their retirement. With an independent living apartment in a senior living community, you don’t have to worry about hiring anyone to mow your lawn, check on your house or pick up your papers. You’ll have delicious meals ready in the dining room when you get back — no grocery shopping required.
Save on Future Health Care
At a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) like Edgewood Summit, independent living residents receive unique privileges if they require senior care in the future. At our community, independent living residents enjoy a lifetime discount on on-site health care services on campus.
Enjoy the Amenities
Your retirement is a time to pursue your interests and passions. Whether you’d like to take up painting, try yoga, or start a poker club, everything you need is right on campus. Maybe you simply don’t want to travel so far to have your hair cut, borrow a book from a library or see a doctor. At a community, you can do all that with just a walk down the hall. Your opportunities grow when you have the right resources at your fingertips.
Spend Time with Friends and Neighbors
Almost one-fourth or adults over age 65 are socially isolated. The loneliness associated with social isolation can trigger or worsen serious medical conditions, such as dementia, heart disease and stroke. When you live in independent living, however, you can join clubs and committees that interest you, meet new people on a group outing, and share your dinner table with friends.
Assisted Living
Assisted living offers support for seniors who want to live as independently as possible but require help with one or more activities of daily living. Expert caregivers work with each resident to create an individualized care plan to best serve the resident’s needs and preferences.
Older adults in assisted living enjoy interesting activities, community-organized outings, meaningful social opportunities and delicious dining options. With great assisted living care, help with activities of daily living should empower residents to continue living a full life.
At Edgewood Summit, we provide help with an assortment of activities of daily living. Our team can provide medication management to help ensure prescriptions are taken as outlined by a physician. Caregivers can help residents with meals if any eating functions are difficult. If residents need assistance with dressing or personal grooming, we can work with their schedule to provide help. And of course, our team will provide laundry service, housekeeping and transportation.
How to Choose: Independent Living vs. Assisted Living
Choosing the right level of living for seniors is key to having the optimal senior living experience. If you’re still active but ready to live maintenance-free and experience an opportunity-rich lifestyle, independent living is the right choice for you. If you’re still healthy and active but you’re looking for the peace of mind that comes with having a plan for future health care, independent living at a continuing care retirement community can provide that confidence with one move.
Seniors who require help with activities of daily living but still want fulfilling days surrounded by interesting people would be best served in assisted living. At certain CCRCs, such as Edgewood Summit, residents can enter the community directly into assisted living and still have the comfort provided by a continuum of care. If the resident’s health needs change, they can easily transition to memory care, skilled nursing or senior rehabilitation.
Assisted Living and Independent Living in Charleston, WV
If you’re looking for assisted living or independent living in Charleston, WV, Edgewood Summit provides a vibrant lifestyle and expert senior care in a lush mountaintop setting. To talk to a team member about which level of living would best suit your needs, reach out to us. We’d be happy to help.