Finding the Right Level of Support for Your Lifestyle: Independent Versus Assisted Living

Depending on their lifestyle and health care needs, older adults approaching retirement age may find that the ideal living option for one person isn’t necessarily the best fit for another.

Considering the unique wants and needs of prospective residents, Masonic Village offers a variety of living options and plans for retirement and long-term care.

At Masonic Village, active independent/retirement living and personal care offer different levels of support but share a common goal: helping residents live with freedom, dignity and purpose. (Many people use the terms assisted living and personal care interchangeably, but in Pennsylvania, they are distinct licensure categories, each designed to provide supportive services and assistance with daily living in a residential setting.)

As a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), Masonic Village enables residents to transition between levels of care as their needs change.

“We work closely with each individual and their family to determine the level of care that best meets their needs,” said Mary Beth Meehan, director of marketing at Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill. “One of the benefits of living in a CCRC is the opportunity to ‘age in place.’ For example, home care may be an option for a resident who needs additional support but would prefer to remain in their apartment, perhaps because they have a beloved pet. We consider what is best for a resident’s health, safety and peace of mind.”

So, what are the differences between independent/retirement living and personal care? Here’s what you need to know to help you make the decision that’s right for you.

Residents in active retirement living are generally able to manage their daily routines without regular assistance. They choose how to spend their days, whether that means continuing to focus on a career, traveling, participating in fitness programs, attending activities, volunteering, enjoying meals with friends, pursuing hobbies or simply relaxing in their own homes.

Masonic Village takes care of home maintenance, housekeeping, cooking, snow shoveling, trash and other chores, allowing residents to focus on the things they enjoy. On-campus security also provides peace of mind when residents travel.

Personal care is designed for residents who need a greater level of support while still wanting to maintain an active lifestyle and as much independence as possible.

Residents choose how they spend their days, while receiving assistance with daily tasks when they become more challenging, such as bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, medication management and mobility. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, helping residents feel comfortable and supported while continuing to enjoy their daily routines and favorite activities.

Both levels of living are about ensuring residents find fulfillment and purpose. The primary difference is the amount of assistance needed, not whether someone can remain active, engaged or independent in their own way.

Skilled nursing care is a third option for residents when around-the-clock care becomes necessary. Also known as long-term care, these services provide moderate to full assistance with daily living, with attending physician oversight.

Retirement living residents receive preferred access to personal care and nursing services on a fee-for-service basis, depending on their specific needs.

Regardless of the level of care, living at Masonic Village allows you to remain connected to familiar surroundings, welcoming staff, friends and the Masonic community, providing peace of mind through all stages of life.