When a senior loved one reaches the point where he or she needs help with daily activities, family members have many options to consider. Two popular options for seniors who don’t need daily medical assistance are home care and assisted living. While both options can give your loved one the help he or she needs, they’re very different in several key ways.
Atmosphere
One major study found that 90 percent of baby boomers want to remain in their homes as long as possible. Home care allows seniors to remain in the comfort of home among familiar surroundings and protects them from the stress of living in strange environments or sharing rooms with strangers.
Independence
Assisted living facilities often have scheduled times for recreation, dining, and socialization. While some seniors enjoy a regimented schedule, others prefer to retain their independence and maintain control over their daily routines.
When considering in-home care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
Level of Care
In-home care and assisted living both offer assistance with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, and eating. The key difference is an assisted living facility has staff available to provide 24-hour on-demand assistance with activities, whereas a home care agency provides care on a schedule chosen by the client. However, most home care agencies offer live-in care as well.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Tucson, AZ, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Cost
Nonmedical home care is usually the more affordable option, especially for seniors who don’t require around-the-clock assistance. An assisted living facility isn’t as expensive as a nursing home. But if your loved one requires anything more than the basics, the cost can increase substantially. Home care allows for as much or as little nonmedical help and supervision as your loved one needs, whether it’s a few hours a day or all day every day. Ultimately, the type of care you and your loved one choose will depend on his or her needs, preferences, and budget.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Tucson elder care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. Whether your parent needs minor help with daily tasks or extensive 24-hour care, give us a call at (520) 276-6555 today.