Is At-Home Care or Assisted Living Better?

When you or a loved one have a need for medical or physical assistance, you might be debating on whether assisted living or in-home caregiving services might be the better option.

While both options provide a range of different assistive services, they vary based on location, specific offerings, who they’re best for, and cost. Not to mention, the level of independence clients receive varies from one option to the next. So, in reality, there’s not a one-fits-all option.

Read on to see a comparison of in-home caregiving and assisted living services to determine which might be most applicable in your or your loved one’s case.

Location

At-home caregivers tend to patients while they’re living in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. The caregiver comes to the patient’s home to provide care as needed and leaves. They return as often or as little as the patient needs.

Assisted living requires the patient to move into a specific community where they will receive regular care around the clock, usually from different caregivers.

Services Provided

In-home care services can range drastically depending on the patient’s needs. Services may involve helping the patient get dressed, bathing them, cooking them meals, and ensuring they take their medication on time.

Assisted living services offer similar services such as personal care, providing meals, and medication management. However, since assisted living communities require residents to live on-site, they also often involve residents in various social activities and events.

Level of Independence

Considering seniors still live in their own homes when receiving in-home caregiving services, they typically have more independence than those living in assisted living communities.

Assisted living provides more structure and routine for those residing within its community. While residents usually have slightly less independence in this setting, they do benefit from more on-site assistance than at-home care. Nonetheless, compared to nursing homes, assisted living offers much more independence.

Ideal Patient

Seniors who want to age in place and have a greater sense of independence will prefer in-home caregiving service. This service is also suitable for those without severe limitations who don’t necessarily need around-the-clock care. Patients may even just need short-term care.

Those with more extensive needs will be better candidates for assistive living communities. They may need regular monitoring and frequent care, and their needs for support are usually permanent and/or progressive. These folks may also thrive in a structured environment with regular social activities taking place.

Cost

The cost of in-home care versus assisted living depends on the level of care one may require. 24/7 care is usually more cost effective for seniors living in an assisted living community. However, if less frequent and less extensive care is required, then in-home care may be less expensive.

Cost aside, there are many considerations to think about when deciding between in-home care and assisted living, including location where the care is provided, services offered, level of independence given to patients, and the most suitable patient.

Are you interested in the possibility of getting an in-home caregiving service for yourself or a family member? ComForCare