What Is The Difference Between Supported Housing & Supported Living?

Navigating the changing realities of day-to-day life for an aging parent or loved one is an ongoing journey. As their needs shift and change, you want to be certain that they’re receiving the support they need while still maintaining their independence to the greatest degree possible.

An unforeseen event, such as an illness or unexpected fall, can rapidly impact the level of care a senior requires. But is it time to move them out of their home into a residential living environment, or are there other options?

In this post, let’s take a look at some of the supportive living arrangements that exist for individuals as their needs increase with age. We’ll go over some definitions (sometimes the terminology alone can be overwhelming) and also examine the comparative benefits and drawbacks of a few different scenarios.

Independent Living

A senior who is mobile, exhibits good judgment, and can still manage the vast majority of day-to-day tasks on their own is considered to be living independently (even if they benefit from a little extra help here and there).

Some seniors live independently, remaining in their own homes, while others may choose to join an independent living community. Some independent living communities are purely social, while others may have a medical professional on-site and/or offer services such as housekeeping, meal preparation, or social activities as desired.

Supported Living

Supported living is basically independent living with some extra supports in place. In a supported living scenario, an individual remains in their own home but receives additional care as needed. Supported living care often includes services such as housekeeping and meal preparation, as these tasks become more difficult for the senior in question. Assistance grooming, administering medications, bathing, and socializing can all also be elements of supported living.

Supported Housing

Supported housing (often referred to as assisted living) describes a living arrangement where an individual moves into housing that includes a wide range of supports. This could be a large residential facility with shared common areas or a smaller shared living arrangement within a private residence. Either way, supported housing typically involves support and services around the clock. Residents usually have all their meals prepared for them and are supported in every aspect of their daily lives as needed. In supported housing situations, medical professionals are generally available 24/7.

Which One Is Right?

As you observe and assess the needs of an aging loved one, you must weigh many factors in deciding what level of care is most appropriate for them (not least among them their own wishes and opinions). While supported living can keep seniors in their own homes for longer, supported housing comes with the reassurance of round-the-clock care and support.

If you’re seeking home care services in Winnipeg, Right At Home can help. Our compassionate, skilled, and dedicated caregivers can be there for you and the senior in your life as the support journey evolves. Contact us today for more information!

Why Right at Home?

• Over 20 years of experience. Right at Home has been providing award winning customized senior care and home care for over 20 years.
• YOUR Caregivers are all part of YOUR Care Team. This means that there is no revolving door of Personal Support Workers and Nurses. With the help of your Care Planner, you choose and get to know them. This leads to an level of care for your loved one that is unsurpassed in our industry.
• Working with government support. Your Care Planner will work to help you find the government supports you are eligible for (if you would like them) and then work to find a solution for the care needs that go above what government and family can do. We will also work around the government care plan so that we are enhancing it.

We help in home, wherever home is to you.

Our Caregivers are always out in the community visiting homes, Retirement Residences, Long Term Care (LTC), hospices and hospitals.