Assisted Living Vs. Home Care If you’re contemplating senior care, you’ve probably heard about “assisted living.” You may have looked for information on local assisted living facilities. Did you know in-home care can be an option—even if your loved one is living with a condition that causes health, cognitive, or mobility challenges. The main difference between assisted living and home care is the location of care. Assisted living provides support in a residential facility, such as an apartment, townhome, or a suite with a private bathroom attached. Home care is provided in your loved one’s residence without the need to relocate to a facility. Home care enables seniors to age in place in the comfort of their own homes with familiar surroundings and routines. What Services Are Provided By Assisted Living vs. Home Care? Assisted living facilities and home care offer similar personal care services, including help with the following• Hygiene Assistance • Bathing & Dressing Assistance • Toileting Assistance • Errands & Shopping • Meal Preparatio• Laundry & Light Housekeeping • Mobility & Transfers • Medication Reminders • Incidental Transportation to and from Appointments.
However, in-home care offers dedicated, one-on-one care at your loved one’s home. An in-home caregiver will focus entirely on your loved one’s preferences, comfort, and safety. Assisted living care is provided by facility staff members, who may support multiple residents during each shift. As a result, it may be more challenging for team members to provide the level of personalized care your loved one may need. The Cost of Assisted Living vs. Home Care Costs vary across the country for both services. However, assisted living usually comes with a higher price tag—and often requires residents to make a significant, up-front financial deposit before moving into the facility. In-home care can offer flexibility and financial savings if your loved one needs assistance at certain times of day. For example, Visiting Angels will customize your caregiver’s schedule so you’re not paying for services that aren’t needed. At an assisted-living facility, residents pay one price for 24/7 care. While these facilities often offer amenities, such as exercise equipment, social activities, and meal plans, they also increase the overall cost. When considering options, ensure your loved one will use these amenities to justify the higher price. What Else Do You Need To Know About Assisted Living vs. Home Care? Other differences between assisted living and home care include• Assisted living facilities often have a waiting list for openings, while home care services can typically start within a few days. • In-home care can be canceled with two weeks’ notice, while assisted living involves a permanent move to a new facility. • In-home personal care providers do not offer medical care, but some assisted living facilities may have medical providers on staff who can deliver health care services. • Living in a congregate setting may increase the risk of colds, flu, and other contagious illnesses compared to aging in place with in-home care.Learn More About Visiting Angels’ Personalized Home Care Services Choosing between in-home care and an assisted living facility is a complex decision, and it’s essential to explore all options. If you are considering in-home personal care services, Visiting Angels offers free in-home consultations to answer your questions and learn about your loved one’s care needs. To learn more about how professional in-home care can assist, contact your local Visiting Angels agency today at 302-329-9475
