The older adults begin to become less independent, requiring some assistance in their daily lives. Some are not able to cook, groom, transfer, and do other daily living tasks as comfortably as they would in the past due to aging. At this time, families usually have the responsibility of determining the right path to choose in regards to looking after their aging relatives. This is something that can be stressful, confusing, and time-consuming.
The primary options caregivers have for retirees who are still in somewhat good health and are mostly self-dependent are moving them to an assisted living facility or letting the older adults receive in-home care.
As caregivers want to ensure that their aging parents or loved ones are happy, healthy, and in the right hands at all times, they must consider several factors before choosing any senior care option to make sure that it is the most viable one.
Here are some guidelines that outline in-depth comparison of assisted living and home care options to help individuals make an informed decision.
Assisted Living vs. in-Home Care: Services to Expect
Even though both in-home care and assisted living cater to the same senior population segment, it is possible that one individual may be an excellent fit for assisted living and not do too well with in home care – and vice versa.
Services in Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living communities specialize in pooling care for many older inhabitants. There are also specific staff to resident ratio regulations in each state to ensure that all seniors receive proper and adequate care.
Occupants who pay for assisted living get to take advantage of meals, board and room, care and numerous additional amenities. Senior citizens also participate in activities outside the assisted living residences, enjoy charming outdoor areas, and can also utilize transportation services to run errands and get to appointments with medical experts.
Services with Private Home Care
Services that clients receive with in-home care option are similar to those offered in assisted living, and typically center on activities of daily living. These may include help with tasks like toileting, bathing, feeding, dressing, and mobility. It is similar to what assisted living offers, alongside instrumental activities of daily living which can include communication help, transportation, medication reminders, and housework.
Similar to assisted living centers, home care aides do not perform medical tasks such as administering drugs, diabetes shots and looking after open wounds.
Choosing Assisted Living over Home Care: Advantages
The main advantages of assisted living are the supervision and support that occupants enjoy 24/7. The facilities are put in place to offer older adults a safe place to retire, taking care of their hygiene, nutritional, and fitness needs. Most importantly, they create an ideal social environment that allows retirees to thrive as they make friends with their age mates and explore not one but numerous possibilities in regards to recreational and educational opportunities.
Retirees also do not have to stress about home maintenance chores in their retirement age when they choose Assisted Living Facilities over in-home care. Senior living communities have professionals in place to handle things like painting, repairs, mowing the lawn, and everything else that makes sure the retirement communities are running seamlessly. In contrary the seniors have absolute freedom in regards to daily activities if they choose in home care, as well as reduced stress and proximity to their pets, family, friends, neighbors, and other things they like. With in-home care a senior gets to stay with their family members in a home they love without having to move to unfamiliar territories.
