When seniors are no longer able to take care of themselves, it’s time to choose a long-term care option that works for their needs. Home care involves living at home and having family members or hired caregivers move in or come over to help out, while assisted living involves moving into a facility where all care needs are managed. There are many important factors you need to think about when deciding whether home care or assisted living is right for your senior loved one.
Health
You might think assisted living facilities are better for your loved one’s health because they often have medical staff and equipment on hand. However, the reality is that the care normally isn’t as consistent and focused in assisted living facilities. Having a devoted caregiver who pays close attention to a senior living at home often offers more chances to monitor health conditions and notice problematic symptoms.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care. Richmond families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Independence
Though most assisted living facilities aim to help seniors retain as much self-sufficiency as possible, they have to have some rules and regulations in place to properly provide care to their vast numbers of residents. Seniors who truly value their own self-reliance may resent things like not being able to cook their own food or having to ask permission to go outside. In these cases, home care tends to be more flexible and allows seniors to have more say in their daily lives.
Convenience
There are several different convenience concerns you need to think about when deciding between these two options. If your loved one needs around-the-clock care, an assisted living facility may seem a little more convenient. However, live-in home care tends to be the more convenient option for seniors, since they don’t have to pack up all their belongings, potentially sell their homes, and adjust to new routines and locations.
Assisted living isn’t the only option for seniors who need constant care. If your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, the Richmond live-in care professionals at Home Care Assistance are here to help. Our proprietary Balanced Care Method was designed to promote longevity by encouraging seniors to focus on healthy eating, regular exercise, mental engagement, and other important lifestyle factors.
Familiarity
When it comes to familiarity, home care is the definite winner. One of the biggest reasons many people prefer home care is because it allows seniors to stay in the environment where they’re most comfortable. This is especially important for seniors with dementia, but the familiarity of a home environment can also be helpful for seniors with vision or hearing impairments.
Costs
The price for an assisted living facility is often several thousand dollars a month, while in-home care costs can vary. For seniors who own their homes, in-home care is the more budget-friendly option. However, seniors trying to pay a mortgage for a huge house or those who have no family nearby to help out may find the inclusive care and boarding offered by an assisted living facility is helpful.
In Richmond, home care service agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. If you need professional in-home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (804) 207-4746.