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As they age, most seniors will face the question of where they should live. This can feel like an overwhelming decision, home health care vs assisted living?
Fortunately, there are viable options that can give elderly family members the personal care they deserve.
This blog will examine two common paths for assisting older adults: in-home care and assisted living facilities.
Read on to see what each of these means and how the decision may vary based on circumstances affecting your loved one.
What is Home Health Care?
In-home health care provides one-on-one care to a senior living in their own home. The services provided will vary based on the senior’s needs.
In-home caregivers are an option for individuals who want to stay in their own homes but require more assistance than family members can give.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living homes are facilities for those individuals who may require little daily care. These facilities may help accomplish some tasks but only offer part-time care.
Nursing homes offer a more robust support network to residents. This may include non-medical care services or additional services from trained medical professionals.
Assisted Living vs Home Care – Which is Best for My Loved One?
Many family members and aging loved ones ask whether in-home care or assisted living is right for them.
The truth is that every situation is different regarding living arrangements – in-home assisted living or skilled nursing.
Whether your family decides to use assisted living is a personal decision.
Consider some of the benefits of assisted living and in-home care.
Benefits of Assisted Living
Socialization
An assisted living facility provides a community setting where seniors can socialize and interact with other residents. This can help reduce social isolation, loneliness, and depression.
Many assisted living communities offer activities and events to keep residents engaged and active, such as wellness programs, fitness classes, game nights, and cultural events.
Often the activities arranged are group-oriented. Connecting with others and combating isolation is easier with so many people around. But residents still have a private room, so they have their own space too.
24-hour support
Assisted living facilities to have both non-medical care and trained medical staff available 24/7 to assist with daily activities, medication management, and other needs.
Senior living facilities could provide specialized care and constant supervision that seniors may need to stay safe, putting them in a better position.
Many families enjoy peace of mind knowing that their loved one’s support does not have limited care hours.
Safe Environment
The designers of assisted living facilities have safety in mind when creating the facilities for their residents. They often have grab bars, non-slip floors, and other safety features to prevent falls and other accidents.
Assisted living institutions may provide support services like:
Housekeeping and laundry services
Self-care – eating, dressing, bathing
Religious activities
Access to Medical Care
Most assisted living facilities to have on-site medical professionals or are located near medical facilities. This may make it easier to obtain physical therapy or other health services.
Health problems are more easily identified when comprehensive senior care is available than what a part-time in-home caregiver may be able to provide.
Benefits of In-Home Care
Many elderly people often prefer to live in their own homes. It can be a good option for some and provides real mental and emotional benefits.
Independence
In-home care allows seniors to remain in their own homes and remain independent for as long as possible.
This may make the elderly feel like they retain more dignity and empowerment.
Health services provided in-home allow your loved one more freedom and convenience because there is no need to move or follow pet restrictions.
Personalized Care
In-home care allows for one-on-one attention by a home care professional and personalized care plans tailored to the specific needs of the individual.
Some people may need assistance with transportation, grocery shopping, meal preparation, or laundry services. Others may benefit from physical or occupational therapy at home or simple companionship.
In-home care can be tailored to fit the schedule and needs of the individual, providing greater flexibility than a residential care facility.
Familiar Surroundings
Staying at home allows seniors to remain in familiar surroundings and maintain a sense of comfort and security.
This is a factor usually weighed heavily by adult children and seniors. Home care can lower stress and anxiety, a major health benefit.
Patients dealing with memory care and Alzheimer’s care often take fewer trips to the doctor because of the lower stress levels from being in a familiar place.
Cost-Effective
In-home care can be less expensive than residential care, especially if the individual only needs assistance with a few tasks. It is often viewed as the more affordable option.
However, the cost is a variable factor that will change depending on the type and amount of care your loved one needs.
Round-the-clock care by a home health aide costs significantly more than becoming a member of an assisted living community.
Questions to Ask
In deciding whether an aging person would benefit from home care or an assisted living facility, several questions should be asked and answered honestly:
Does it make sense for the aging person to continue in their home? Can they keep up with home maintenance, mortgage payments, and personal care?
Does the senior qualify for financial assistance or have private insurance that may make one option more attainable?
Is the elderly one experiencing a cognitive decline that requires more specialized care?
After a frank discussion about all the factors, families are better positioned to make informed decisions.
Home Health Care vs Assisted Living
Many seniors can benefit from in-home care. They can manage most of their care and get support services without changing their routine.
Other aging ones may require more help and will benefit from non-medical care as part of an assisted living community. There are more comprehensive options available for those that need extensive medical care.
No matter what decision you make, know that there are options to fit your circumstances. You can find a comfortable daily living situation with your needed customized care.
4 Seasons Care
Home care is crucial to ensuring that our loved ones receive the support they need as they age. If you’re looking for a reliable and compassionate home care company, 4 Seasons Care encourages you to contact us today. Let us help you and your loved ones achieve peace of mind and comfort at home.
To explore our compassionate home care services for yourself or a loved one, get in touch with your nearest 4 Seasons Care or dial 678-855-8901. Our caring team is here to support you every step of the way.