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INDEPENDENT LIVING
Independent living is described here, as the difference between dependant (nursing home), and independent (private dwelling or retirement village) living.
As the name states, 'independent living' means living independently, without the need for assistance in eating, washing, or dressing yourself, and self-rising mobility (explained below).
Independent does not necessarily mean living alone, nor being single, although it can involve those possibilities as circumstances eventuate.
SELF RISING MOBILITY TEST
One of the most important differentiators between living 'dependently' versus 'independently', is whether or not the individual has the ability to rise unasssisted (self-rise) from their bed, chair, or up off the floor. Quite simply, if they require assistance from anyone, then they are no longer independently capable of their own survival. To call-for or require assistance in rising, means they are no longer independent, and should NOT be living independently.
Having a living partner (spouse) or neighbour or nearby relative to provide that assistance in rising, is being 'dependent' no matter what, and unfair to the supportive person (who if a living partner is likely to be of similar age and frailty as the dependent person), and placing the supporter at greater risk of their own personal injury whilst lifting another person who is unable to lift themself.
SELF CARE TESTS
The second most important differentiator between living 'dependently' versus 'independently', is whether or not the individual has the ability to feed themself. If they need to be spoon fed, then they are NOT independently capable of their own survival — they're completely dependent — and are way past consideration for living in a retirement village. They require the assistance provided by a nursing home or a live-in partner still capable of preparing and serving meals.
The third most important differentiator between living 'dependently' versus 'independently', is whether or not the individual has the ability to bathe (wash, clean, and dry) themself, use the toilet (wipe their own bottom), and dress themself, properly. If they need assistance for any of these activities, then they are NOT independently capable of self-care — they're quite dependent — and beyond consideration for living in a retirement village. They require the assistance provided by a nursing home or a live-in partner still capable of caring for them.
External assistance may be provided for dressing, toiletries and health care, which would need to be provided daily, if not multiple times per day, which again means the dependent individual is NOT independently capable of self-care — they're quite dependent — and beyond consideration for living in a retirement village. They require the assistance provided by a nursing home or a live-in partner still capable of caring for them.
FURTHER INFORMATION
When best to enter a Retirement Village?, see 'WHEN TO LIVE IN A RETIREMENT VILLAGE'.
When best to enter a Nursing Home?, see 'WHEN TO LIVE IN A NURSING HOME'.
Should I enter a Retirement Village, or go directly to a Nursing Home?, see 'WHEN TO GO DIRECTLY TO A NURSING HOME'.
Keywords:
- assisted living
- independent ability
- independent living
- nursing home
- retirement living
- retirement village