When an older adult or a person with a disability needs help with daily activities and personal care, two senior care options that are available are assisted living and home care. Each of these offers unique benefits tailored to individual preferences and needs. While the types of support they provide are similar, there are also distinct differences.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of each of these levels of care, then discuss what families will want to consider as they decide between these two options.
Benefits of Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities are designed not only to provide a supportive environment, but also to help with daily activities and personal care. Unlike in a nursing home, assisted living residents don’t need complex clinical care.
Here are some key features and benefits of assisted living:
Community environment: Assisted living offers a community setting where residents enjoy a private or semiprivate apartment. The environment fosters social interaction and reduces feelings of isolation that can occur when living alone at home. But because they have their own space, residents can maintain a sense of privacy and independence.
Personal care: Residents in an assisted living community benefit from having a helping hand with what are known as the activities of daily living (ADLs). They include bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management and more. Caregivers are onsite 24/7 to provide support when needed.
Amenities and activities: Another benefit of an assisted living community is the wide range of activities and amenities. Dining services, housekeeping, transportation and life enrichment programs are a few of the most popular. These help to enhance residents’ quality of life.
Safety and security: Communities are designed with safety in mind. They usually include features like emergency call systems, grab bars in bathrooms, secure entryways and handrails in hallways. This provides peace of mind for residents and their families, especially when combined with the knowledge that caregivers are onsite around the clock.
Care coordination: Assisted living communities have team members who coordinate residents’ healthcare needs. This includes holding regular multidisciplinary care conferences to ensure any changes in condition are identified and managed. Family members are usually invited to attend.
How Home Care Supports Seniors
Home care agencies bring caregiving services to the privacy of an older adult’s residence or to whatever setting they call home. A few of the benefits of this type of senior care include:
Personalized care: Home care allows seniors to remain in a familiar environment, surrounded by personal belongings and memories. This can contribute to emotional well-being and a sense of independence. It can also be a short-term solution when a family is exploring assisted living communities for a loved one.
Flexible schedules: Another benefit of having an in-home caregiver is that they provide one-on-one assistance customized to the specific needs and preferences of the client. For example, if an aging parent requires help showering and dressing in the morning, a caregiver can visit to offer support at that time.
Family involvement: Home care agencies often work in conjunction with family members who are already providing caregiving support. While not required, that coordination allows a senior’s budget to go further.
Choosing Between Assisted Living Home Care
Deciding between assisted living and home care requires families taking a variety of factors into consideration. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind as you work your way through the decision-making process:
Level of care: Try to objectively assess your loved one’s situation. Are they safe spending part of their day alone, or would they be better, physically and emotionally, surrounded by fellow residents and 24/7 caregivers? Home care is generally sufficient for those who need just a few hours of support each day. By contrast, assisted living might be best for seniors whose home isn’t designed for aging adults or those who require intermittent and unpredictable help.
Social interaction: Assisted living provides built-in social opportunities, both formal and informal. That is beneficial for combating loneliness and maintaining mental and emotional well-being. There’s plenty of research to show that isolation is a health risk linked to medical conditions ranging from diabetes to depression. While home care allows for family and community interactions, staying socially engaged may require additional effort.
Cost: Assisted living communities vary widely in cost, depending on location, amenities and level of care provided. Home care costs can also vary based on the number of hours of care needed and the complexity of services required. It’s always a good idea to create a budget for each type of care, including projections for increasing needs and services.
Personal preferences: Finally, an important part of the decision-making process is the senior’s personal preferences. If they are reluctant to make a move, starting with in-home care might be a good solution. Once the older adult is more comfortable with the idea of accepting help, it may then be easier to transition to the convenience and security of an assisted living environment.
To learn more about assisted living and other lifestyle options, visit ASCCare.com 
