Choosing Between Assisted Living and In-Home Care

When it comes time to choose between assisted living facilities and in-home care, it can be difficult to decide which is the best option for you or a loved one. Both options have their own set of pros and cons, and it can be tough to determine which is the right choice. In this blog post, we will take a look at both assisted living and in-home care, and help you decide which is the best option for you or your loved one.

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What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a type of senior living community that provides assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. Assisted living communities also offer a variety of social and recreational activities, as well as meals and transportation.

Assisted living is a great option for seniors who need some help with day-to-day tasks but don’t require full-time nursing care. Assisted living facilities typically have caregivers on-site 24 hours a day to provide assistance when needed. This level of care can be expensive, however, and not all assisted living facilities accept Medicaid or Medicare payments.

Benefits of Assisted Living Over In-Home Care

Maintenance-free living

In terms of maintenance-free living, the benefits of assisted living are clear. Living in an assisted living facility means that you don’t have to worry about any of the everyday tasks that come with homeownership, like mowing the lawn, fixing a leaky faucet, or changing a light bulb. This can be a huge relief for seniors who are no longer able to do these things themselves.

For in-home care, these tasks usually fall to the children or spouse of the senior. This can be a lot of work, and it can also be difficult to find someone who is available to help on short notice.

Social life

In terms of social life, assisted living has a lot to offer. Most assisted living facilities have common areas where residents can socialize like game rooms, libraries, and outdoor spaces. There are also usually scheduled activities and outings that residents can participate in.

Physical activity

Assisted living facilities typically have on-site fitness centers where residents can stay active. This means that residents don’t have to leave the facility to get their daily exercise.

Mental stimulation

Assisted living facilities offer a variety of activities and games that help keep residents mentally stimulated. This is important because it can help prevent cognitive decline. Examples of activities and games that are offered include:

Trivia games
Card games
Arts and crafts
Cooking classes

Safety & security

In terms of safety and security, assisted living facilities typically have staff on-site 24/7. This means that residents can feel safe and secure knowing that someone is always there to help them if needed.

Easier access to medical care

Assisted living facilities are typically located close to hospitals and other medical facilities. This makes it easier for residents who need medical care to get the treatment they need. Plus, there are usually nurses on staff at assisted living facilities, which makes it easier for residents to get the care they need.

Peace of mind for families

Families of seniors who are living in assisted living facilities can rest easy knowing that their loved ones are in a safe and secure environment. They don’t have to worry about their loved ones falling or getting injured, and they can feel confident that they will get the care they need if they become ill. This is because assisted living facilities are staffed with nurses and other medical professionals who can provide residents with the care they need.

What is In-home Care?

In-home care is a type of care that is provided in the home of the senior. This can be an option for seniors who are not able to live independently but do not need the level of care that is provided in an assisted living facility. In-home care can be provided by a family member, friend, or professional caregiver.

In-home care can be a good option for seniors who want to stay in their own homes. It can also be a good option for families who are not able to provide the level of care that is needed. In-home care can be less expensive than assisted living, but it is important to make sure that the caregiver is properly trained and has the time to provide the care that is needed.

Benefits of In-Home Care Over Assisted Living

Live in a familiar environment

One of the biggest benefits of in-home care is that your loved one can stay in their own home. Moving to a facility can be a big adjustment for seniors, and it can be hard to get used to living in a new place. In-home care allows them to stay in their own homes and maintain some level of independence.

Independence

In terms of independence, in-home care can be a big win. With assisted living, seniors may feel like they are losing their independence and becoming more dependent on others. In-home care allows them to do things at their own pace and retain as much control over their lives as possible.

1-on-1 attention

In-home care also guarantees that seniors will receive one-on-one attention. This can be a big deal for those who are used to having a lot of privacy. With assisted living, they may have to share a room or bathroom with other residents, which can be difficult for some people.

Personalized care

Personalized care is another big benefit of in-home care. Caregivers will work with seniors to create a personalized care plan that meets their specific needs. This can include anything from help with basic activities of daily living to providing assistance with medication management.

Pet ownership

In-home care means that seniors can keep their beloved pets with them, which is a huge plus for many people. Pets provide companionship and can help reduce stress levels. There are some assisted living facilities that do not allow pets, so this is another thing to keep in mind when choosing between the two options.

Companionship

In terms of companionship, in-home care usually wins out. With in-home care, seniors have constant companionship from their caregivers. This can be especially important for those who live alone or who are not very social.

Lower cost

In-home care is usually less expensive than assisted living, although this is not always the case. It really depends on the level of care that is required and the location of the assisted living facility.

Additional Considerations Between Assisted Living & In-Home Care

There are additional considerations to take into account when choosing between assisted living and in-home care. Let us explore them in more detail below.

	Assisted Living	In-Home Care
Cost	The cost of assisted living can vary widely. It depends on the location, type of facility, and the level of care required. In general, though, assisted living is more expensive than in-home care. On average, the cost of assisted living ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. However, in some cases, it can be much higher – up to $100,000 or more per year.	The cost of in-home care depends on the services that are provided. Generally speaking, though, in-home care is less expensive than assisted living. On average, the cost of in-home care ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 per year. In some cases, it can be much lower – as little as $5,000 per year.
Assistance with ADLs	In assisted living, residents typically receive assistance with ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.	In-home care can provide assistance with ADLs, but it is not always guaranteed. It depends on the services that are provided and the caregiver’s level of experience.
Medication Management	Medication management is typically provided in assisted living. This is to ensure that residents take their medications as prescribed and to avoid any potential medication interactions.	Home care does not offer this unless the home care company has a nurse on staff. Usually, home health agencies provide medication management and it is covered by insurance at no extra charge to the patient.
Meals & Snacks	Meals and snacks are typically provided in assisted living. This is done to ensure that residents are eating healthy and balanced meals.	For In-Home Care, the patient can ask the caregiver to prepare meals. That is one of the services, however, the patient would need to have all the ingredients at home. For an additional fee, caregivers can also take care of their grocery shopping if needed.
Transportation	Assisted living facilities typically provide transportation for residents to and from appointments. This helps to ensure that residents are able to get around town as needed.	In-home care providers offer transportation services.
Activities	There are usually a variety of activities available in assisted living facilities, such as arts and crafts, social events, and fitness classes. These activities are typically scheduled and planned by the staff.	In-home care providers vary in terms of the activities they offer. Some may provide arts and crafts, social events, or fitness classes. Others may simply provide assistance with daily tasks so that the individual can continue to live their life as usual.
Housekeeping	Housekeeping is typically included in the cost of assisted living. This means that the resident’s rooms and common areas are cleaned regularly.	Housekeeping is usually provided with in-home care, though it may be an add-on service. If it is not included, the individual will be responsible for keeping their own home clean or hiring someone to do so.

Deciding Between Assisted Living & In-Home Care

When choosing between assisted living and in-home care, it is important to consider the needs of the senior and the family. Assisted living may be a better option for seniors who need more assistance with activities of daily living and who want to live in a community with other seniors.

In-home care may be a better option for seniors who only need a little help with activities of daily living and want to stay in their own homes. It is also a good choice for families who live far away from their elderly loved ones or families who have other responsibilities that prevent them from providing care themselves.

If you have questions about assisted living or in-home care, you can call us and we would be happy to help you decide which option is best for you or your loved one.