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Assisted Living vs Independent Living: What’s the Difference?

by | Jan 20, 2026

A caregiver helps a senior stand with a walker.

There are so many types of senior living communities out there, including 55+, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. You’re not alone if you find yourself wondering about the differences between assisted living vs independent living. Many seniors wonder: what’s the difference between independent living vs assisted living? Let’s explore how these communities are different, and what they have in common. This guide will also help you find the best type of senior living community for you or your loved one.

 

What is an independent living community?

Independent living seniors use resistance bands to exercise.

Independent seniors enjoy exercise classes to maintain strength and mobility.

Independent living communities are a great choice for fully independent seniors. Stellar Independent Living communities offer resort-style senior living, including chef-prepared meals, high-end amenities, and comprehensive services. Most communities have restaurant-style dining rooms, in-house gyms with exercise classes, a barbershop and salon, outdoor recreation areas, lots of social events and activities, private transportation, outings, and more. Many seniors say Stellar independent living communities are like living on a cruise ship–without the seasickness.  

 

Independent living communities are all about social life and connection. They are great places to make friends and enjoy fun activities.

What is an assisted living community?

An assisted living caregiver stands with a senior in a wheelchair.

Seniors who need mobility assistance deserve fun, respectful care through assisted living.

Assisted living communities provide seniors help with activities of daily living (ADLs). This might include medication management, help dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, getting around, and/or getting to the bathroom. Stellar Assisted Living communities also provide an active, friendship-oriented lifestyle. They include the same luxurious, resort-style services and amenities as independent living communities, just with a little more help. 

 

Independent Living vs Assisted Living: A full comparison.

 

The main difference between assisted living vs independent living communities is the level of care offered. Independent living communities don’t provide personal care or daily support with ADLs. However, they otherwise have the same benefits. 

 

Many Stellar Living communities offer both independent living and assisted living, in the same building or even in the same apartment. This way, you can age in place and transition seamlessly from independent to assisted living as your needs change. Typically, at a community where both levels of care are offered, everyone eats in the same dining room, has access to the same amenities, and is able to attend the same activities.

 

Whether it occurs in a separate community or in the same apartment, assisted living is also more expensive than independent living. This is due to the need for additional skilled staff members to provide care. So, price is another key difference between assisted living vs independent living. 

 

Is assisted living vs independent living the right choice for me or my loved one?

When choosing a senior living community for yourself or a loved one, consider the level of care offered. There is a difference between assisted living vs independent living, especially when it comes to care. Independent living is a good choice if you or your loved one:

  • Is active and fully independent
  • Would like to make friends
  • Enjoys connecting with others, or would like to start making more connections
  • No longer wants to have to do all the cooking, cleaning, and home/yard maintenance
  • Wants easy access to resort-style activities and amenities.
An assisted living caregiver provides physical therapy to a senior woman in a wheelchair.

Many assisted living communities offer in-house physical and occupational therapy.

Assisted living is a good choice if you or your loved one:

  • Needs daily help with at least one activity, like getting dressed, getting in and out of bed, showering, eating, etc. 
  • Needs help managing medications
  • Doesn’t feel safe living at home alone
  • Wants to make new friends and enjoy social activities
  • Wants in-home access to resort-style amenities
  • Is no longer willing or able to handle household chores, cooking, and home and lawn maintenance
  • No longer feels safe driving.

 

If you’re not sure which type of senior living would fit you best, or you feel somewhere in between, consider a community that offers both independent and assisted living. The difference between assisted living vs independent living is less defined in these types of communities. And, you can get the best of both worlds!

 

How do I find a community in my area?

Stellar Living Communities property, view of the yard and the building.

Just one of many luxurious Stellar Living communities.

There is a difference between independent living vs assisted living, but you have great options regardless of which you choose. Find a Stellar independent or assisted living community near you here. Some Stellar communities offer both independent and assisted living within the same community. Some of these communities also offer memory care, for a spectrum of care that means you may never have to move again! Call to schedule a tour today.

 

Current Stellar Living communities with Independent Living and Assisted Living include: