The Differences Between Assisted Living and Home Care

Every child wants to make sure that their parents have the most comfortable lives possible, and it can be challenging to know what to do when your loved one needs daily care. Two of the most common solutions are in-home care and assisted living. Each choice has its own pros and cons, which is why you must understand the key differences between assisted living communities and in-home care.

Assisted Living 101

Assisted living facilities are a popular choice because they allow a transitional space between a home where your loved one may live alone to a more compassionate, attentive environment where their care needs and socialization needs are met. Many assisted living communities are very active and offer a variety of activities as well as outside activities, outings, and trips. Assisted living communities offer a simple month-to-month rental agreement that can be terminated with a 30-day written notice. It can be a perfect short-term care solution for a senior recovering from surgery or rehab and needing round-the-clock care before returning home while continuing rehab therapy and participating in all activities and amenities offered. Although short stays are available, most seniors require a more permanent care plan and quickly transition to their new home and comfortable surroundings, participating in activities and making new friends. Many assisted living communities also offer Alzheimer’s/dementia care if and when needed.

What does an assisted living facility offer?

• Three Nutritious Meals and snacks
• Medication management
• Dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Socialization
• Dementia Care
• Medical Care

Home Care 101

In-home care is also a versatile option for seniors and those recovering from surgery or a procedure. It can support your loved one with anything from transportation to doctor’s appointments, companionship, light housing, meal preparation, and essential activities of daily living. Home care is highly customizable. Most require a minimum of four (4) hours and range from $26-$35/hour. Companion Care only can average $18-$25+. Nursing / skilled services and open wound care are not always available with in-home care services and can be more costly per hour per visit. All licensed home care companies vary from state to state, so it is recommended that families interview a few companies to find the best match for their senior’s care needs and budget. It is also a good time to do a cost comparison between in-home care and assisted living to find when one or the other is not cost effective. Many families make the mistake of spending down the senior’s assets on in-home care and then not having assets when and if the senior requires assisted living or more advanced care. Senior Care Lifestyles can help families do basic long-term care planning and guide them through all the options to select the perfect care plan for their senior loved one.

Prepare for the Future with Senior Care Lifestyles

Senior Care Lifestyles specializes in connecting seniors with the right in-home care, assisted living, or senior living community to meet their needs. We have helped hundreds of clients and treat each senior as a valued member of our own family deserving our personalized attention, compassion and respect.

For help, or questions please call us at 410-977-3718 or send a message through our website www.seniorcarelifestyles.com.