Everyday I talk to many couples and single people who are living independently in their own homes. Through my phone conversations and home visits, I have discovered a misunderstanding regarding what is and is not assisted living. Many people tell me they feel it’s time they think about moving into an assisted living community. When I ask them why, they say it is because they no longer want to plan & prepare meals, are tired of all the housekeeping chores, need someone to transport them because they no longer drive and basically want an easier lifestyle. Therefore, since they need this kind of assistance, many individuals are misinterpreting this as needing Assisted Living. This is not necessarily true.
Assisted Living communities (AL) have a nursing staff on site to assist with dressing, bathing, toileting, medicinal management and other health needs one may have. Care levels may vary from one community to the next based on what their licensing structure allows. They also provide meals, transportation, housekeeping, activities and an easier and safer lifestyle. Moving into an AL community also requires a medical doctor’s order permitting them to move in. In short, assisted living is more of a medical care community and people who live in AL communities require a higher level of care then residents living in Independent Retirement Communities.
Whereas Assisted Living Communities are more of a medical care community, Independent Retirement Communities (RET) are exactly the opposite. RET communities have no nursing or medical staff on- site and no doctor’s orders are required to move into an RET community. In essence, RET communities are Senior Apartment Complexes. RET communities do provide a wealth of amenities including meals, transportation, housekeeping, social events/activities, safer environment, easier lifestyle and more.
Cambridge Place is such an RET community. Our resident’s rent includes everything but the telephone. We do not have “Oh by the way” charges at the end of the month. The rent is what it is and is all inclusive. The goal of Cambridge Place is to preserve an individual’s ability to live independently as long as possible by providing a safer and easier lifestyle.
If you have ever wondered what Assisted Living and Retirement Communities are all about, I urge you to visit several communities to see the differences. We want you to make an informed decision when you decide it is time for an easier lifestyle. Remember…home is no longer home if it is no longer safe.
