Q: What is the difference between independent and assisted living?

As a senior citizen gets older, an easier way of life might begin to look like a good idea. For others, medical conditions may make living alone impossible. In both of these cases, one might seek out a living situation that’s more pleasant, or safe.

But that’s where the confusion can begin.

In her work as administrator and communications director at Baycrest Village’s Evergreen Court, an independent-living retirement community, Tammy Trost says many times she talks to people who don’t understand the difference between independent- and assisted-living situations.

“They come here and say, ‘I need assisted living,’” Trost said. “But, they’re walking and talking ... and they drove here. Some people: Their housework is too much for them, their yard work is too much for them; and they’re not aware there is that step before assisted living.”

On 14 acres in North Bend, Baycrest Village has housing situations for four different levels of needs: independent retirement; assisted living; nursing-home style; and skilled nursing and rehab.

Trost said one of her biggest challenges is explaining the differences to prospective clients and their families.

Independent living is much like living in an apartment, she said. The “renters” make a monthly payment that covers most utilities. They have full-sized kitchens. Some have washer and dryers, while others share laundry rooms. Their rent includes two meals a day, weekly housekeeping, a 24-hour-a-day emergency notification system and all their maintenance, up to changing a light bulb. They can have guests stay over for up to two weeks; and are given designated spots in the parking lot.

“They can come and go as they want,” Trost said. “Here at independent retirement, it’s a choice that they are here.”

On Norman Avenue in Coos Bay, Ocean Crest Retirement & Assisted Living provides for both independent- and assisted-living residents.

Ocean Crest Executive Director Karla Dieterich concurred with Trost, that independent-living residents elect to be there.

“Several of our residents live in an apartment and enjoy the fact that they have meals prepared for them, and housekeeping,” Dieterich said.

Directors at both facilities agreed that in assisted-living situations, the care is stepped up to meet higher levels of physical limitations.

“They can still get around, but they need assistance showering,” Trost said.

“We can groom, bathe, dress and escort them to meals,” Dieterich said. “Maybe they’re not ambulatory, and we help them to their wheelchair. They might have three meals a day in the dining room, or their apartment if they need it.”

Huge differences between the two levels of care are: In assisted living, the care facility has to be licensed by the state to provide assisted living, according to Dieterich; and independent living is not covered by Medicare or health insurance, Trost said.

“In assisted living, they have a medical reason for being here,” Trost said.

At Baycrest, by the time they reach the nursing home level, it means they can’t get around by themselves, and some need help eating, Trost said. At the skilled nursing and rehab center, patients are there for a temporary stay, until they’re up and around again.

At both facilities, care is individualized for each resident. Cost varies according to the services deemed necessary, or requested, that are provided by the care facility.

“All of our residents are given the same basic services and some people ask for and are given additional services,” Dieterich said, adding that at Ocean Crest, a patient care plan is developed and re-evaluated every 90 days.

She said that she always gets more calls from family members after the holidays.

“They visit and see the difference in their folks,” she said.