Independent living is ideal for individuals who can still perform most activities of daily living on their own, but to the extent they need assistance are able to access it from family members, friends, or third party home care and home healthcare providers. Independent living may involve living alone, sharing a residence, or residing in a community where the residents maintain their own homes but interact and provide companionship and support to each other. The type of home or independent living community is a choice driven by how and where you want to live; it is a “wants-driven” choice.
In contrast, semi-independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities are for individuals who have difficulty with instrumental and/or basic activities of daily living (ADLs) at home, and are unable to access needed support from family members, friends, or third party home care and home healthcare providers. The type of facility in which you live is driven by the extent to which you require assistance, and the nature of that assistance; it is a “needs-driven” choice.