Assisted Living or Home Care? Maintaining a Balanced, Abundant Life
Over 20 years ago, my husband and I decided that we’d prefer to “age in place” in the comfort of our own home. Our personal choice helped us to make a decision to purchase long-term care insurance as one source of financially planning for it.
It’s definitely not the only option in planning for senior years (it can be somewhat expensive).
Depending upon your (or your loved one’s) specific situation (financial, family dynamics, personal preferences, etc.), it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons when planning for either in-home care or assisted living.
In-Home Care
As a former owner of a non-medical in-home care company, I naturally lean more towards having assisted care within the comfort of my home.
I also know that getting in-home care through reputable agencies that are required to vet their staff is crucial to the safety of the client, as well as the client getting care on a professional level.
Here’s what AgingCare.com has to say about in-home care and what to consider:
Home care provides supportive services that don’t require medical skill, such as assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or household chores. Other non-medical home services include:
- Laundry and light housework
- Meal planning and preparation
- Safe transportation to appointments or errands
Home health care, also called “skilled care,” provides medical support. Performed by health care professionals, such as a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN), these services typically include rehabilitation or specific treatment following hospitalization or a sudden health decline. Home health care services are usually prescribed by a doctor.
Benefits of in-home care
Stress, guilt, and pressure can all take a toll on caregivers over time as an aging parent’s care needs increase. In-home care can provide much-needed respite and support for families.
In-home care provides one-on-one attention in the comfort of home, while offering other benefits for seniors and family caregivers such as:
- The final say in the caregiver selection
- Flexible arrangements to accommodate different budgets, schedules, and care needs
- Additional oversight for evolving health or personal care needs
- Regular companionship and social connection…
Cons of in-home care
While in-home care can help out with a lot of your loved one’s care needs, it may not be a perfect solution for everyone. Since care is being provided in a senior’s home, these factors will likely affect everyone involved:
- Families often have to make home renovations and safety modifications, such as walk-in tubs or grab bars.
- Families who hire an independent caregiver may have to step in to perform caregiving duties if the home care aide is unavailable.
- Services typically cost more as a senior’s care needs increase.
- Buying all personal care items and household supplies, in addition to the costs for in-home care aides, can become increasingly expensive.
Additionally, a senior who receives care at home may miss out on the socialization, activities, and community feel of an assisted living facility. Loneliness and isolation increase the risk of other medical concerns down the road, such as depression.”
Assisted Living
In-home care may not be suitable for everyone. Depending upon the level of care and other factors needed by you or your loved one, assisted living outside of the home may be preferable.
Here’s what AgingCare.com has to say about assisted living and what to consider:
Moving a loved one into assisted living shouldn’t be seen as a failure or defeat on your part. In reality, you’re making good on your promise to ensure your loved one lives in a safe and supportive environment.
Assisted living services
Many assisted living communities offer the best of both worlds for seniors who want to continue living in a homelike environment and maintain their independence but can’t keep up with household chores.
Assisted living communities offer a maintenance-free lifestyle in a residential setting, where staff help residents with activities that have become more difficult with aging, such as:
- Housekeeping
- Personal care and hygiene
- Eating healthy meals
- Managing medications
- Getting to and from appointments and errands
Benefits of assisted living
Your loved one may consider moving to assisted living as a blow to their independence. However, assisted living communities actually encourage residents to enjoy as much independence as possible, while providing the support they need.
Most assisted living communities offer private and semi-private apartments with features such as:
- Full-sized kitchens or kitchenettes
- Dining and living room areas
- Private bathrooms, often equipped with safety features like accessible showers and grab bars
Assisted living communities make it easy to enjoy an active lifestyle with plenty of opportunities to enjoy socializing with others. Most assisted living communities offer an array of amenities, including:
- Chef-prepared meals in a communal dining room, though residents may opt to cook their own meals
- Housekeeping services and personal laundry
- Beauty and barber services
- Outdoor spaces with community gardens, courtyard areas, and walking paths
- Engaging activities, social events, wellness programs, and outings
Additionally, the move into an assisted living community offers some perks for family caregivers that aren’t available with in-home care, such as:
- Not having to make home modifications
- Avoiding the constant worry about keeping up with their caregiving duties
- Eliminating the need to schedule care or arrange for backup care
Assisted living cons
Assisted living isn’t appropriate for everyone. Moving is the main drawback, but some seniors in assisted living may also:
- Have difficulty adjusting to the new environment
- Feel overwhelmed by constant social interactions
- Experience less privacy or personal space, depending on the facility or accommodations
Their August 2022 article also compares the general cost of care differences between the two, and other matters to consider for the loved one and the family caregiver.
So, please do your homework!
Research in-home agencies and/or assisted living facilities that you’re considering and look for reviews.
In addition, contact your local Area Agency on Aging/Eldercare Locator for additional information.
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Thank you. I created it through WordPress.