Senior Living Options: Home Care vs Assisted Living

One question that often arises is the difference between home care services and assisted living services. Often families wonder if their aging loved one will be happier at home with a caregiver or if they will be safer and more engaged if they were to reside in an assisted living community. As we grow older it is natural to want to stay in the comfort of your own home, but there may come a time when you have to ask yourself; is home safe? Sometimes a decline in a loved one's ability to care for themselves can happen gradually and at other times quickly leaving families scrambling to make a quick decision for their loved ones care needs. It can be frightening and painful to see a loved one losing the ability to care for themselves and looking to others for assistance. No one looks forward to the day they realize their loved one can no longer care for themselves without assistance. There are a lot of senior living options available today, whether it be home care services or assisted living facilities, it can be hard to determine which option is best for your loved one. 

Finding a qualified solution is not always easy, as you want to ensure you have made the best choice for their care and financial needs. Even if you thoroughly understand the details of how assisted living and In-home care work, that does not mean it’s an easy decision to make. Here are some tips that should help you feel more confident in making this decision

  • Determine how much help your loved one needs, start making a list.
  • Evaluate the pros and cons of both homecare and assisted living
  • Consult with other family members and your loved ones Medical Provider
  • Reach out to a Senior Placement Agency. Senior Placement is a free service that helps families identify what level of care is needed and what are the best options to meet their needs. Placement Services help you narrow down the choices and find the most appropriate care and financial option for your loved one. Whether the choice be in-home care or an assisted living facility, they will help you through the process.

In-Home Care

With Home Care, seniors gain the emotional comfort of remaining in their own home, while still enjoying a sense of independence and com-fort allowing them to age in place. In-Home Care is non-medical caregiving assistance provided in the clients home. Services include, but are not limited to:

  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
  • Toileting
  • Transfer Assistance
  • Meal Preparation
  • Feeding
  • Medication Supervision
  • Shopping
  • Laundry
  • Transportation
  • One on One care that can be tailored to meet their unique preferences and needs

Assisted Living

Assisted Living provides a supportive community environment with an apartment like setting that houses 40 to 100 residents. Assisted Living provides support and care services to assist your loved one with all their care needs. Services include, but not limited to: 

  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
  • Transfer Assistance
  • Medication management
  • Meals provided in a dining type setting
  • Toileting
  • Doctors appointments
  • Housekeeping
  • Activities
  • Staff on premises 24/7
  • Hospice Waiver

Article provided by: Stacie Dollar, Regional Director Around The Clock Care & Premier Senior Placement Services

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