Most senior adults want to remain independent as long as possible. Staying in their own home is a big part of feeling that they are still in control of their life – but family members may begin to notice signs that assistance may be needed. Having a conversation with a parent or elderly loved one regarding their next steps can be emotional and complex, but at some point, it usually becomes necessary. When they reach these crossroads, many options are available to families – including becoming caregivers, hiring a caregiver, or exploring assisted living residences.
All options may present benefits and challenges, so honest conversations are essential to determining the best way to proceed. This article will discuss the potential pros and cons of assisted living versus in-home care to help with a smooth and happy transition to this new phase of life.
Assisted living communities are residences for seniors who wish to live in a communal situation. Some may want to live among peers and potential friends to stay engaged, while others may need the supervision of round-the-clock staff members to be safe and secure.
In-Home care involves hiring a professional caregiver to come to the individual’s home and assist with daily activities to the necessary extent. Family members or friends may play this role for a period of time if the needs are not too demanding. Practical and realistic parameters must be established to ensure the senior is adequately cared for and has the supervision and support they need to function daily.
Impacts of In-Home Care and Assisted Living
Financial Impacts:
It is commonly assumed that continuing to live at home, even with needed care, is a more affordable option than choosing an assisted living residence. However, the financial considerations for either option vary significantly depending on the level of care required and the ongoing cost of maintaining their home.
Generally, an older adult who is mainly independent and capable of daily tasks does not require a full-time caregiver; therefore, an in-home caregiver may be the more affordable choice. However, it should be noted that assisted living residences include many additional amenities in their fee, not just general supervision – the resident will enjoy nutritious daily meals, be able to meet new friends and prevent isolation, and remain active by participating in a wide variety of activities and events. The senior will no longer require home maintenance, grocery shopping, or driving a vehicle. Because adult residences of this type do not offer a 1-1 staff-resident ratio, in-home care will become more expensive as the senior’s needs increase – whether medical, physical, or emotional.
Social Impacts:
One of the inherent dangers of growing older when living alone is that loneliness and isolation can cause the onset of depression – which is also linked to physical and mental well-being. Therefore, the opportunity for a relationship is vital, whether in-home care or assisted living.
The right in-home care professional will establish a close one-on-one relationship with the senior. For a senior loved one who desires a close connection, a caregiver may fulfill that need. However, this relational experience will be mostly confined to the senior’s home or perhaps include walks or errand runs. Seniors who have reached the point of requiring assistance with mobility are unlikely to navigate outdoors or in unfamiliar environments easily.
By contrast, an assisted living facility represents a community of older adults living together full-time, affording the opportunity to form intimate friendships and relationships. Although individual staff members do not usually cultivate as close of a relationship as in-home caregivers, the opportunities for social engagement are significantly higher. Assisted living is also designed to provide a safe environment for seniors to live and move about independently while still having the security of an attentive staff. The opportunity for seniors to interact with friends, share meals with others, learn new hobbies, and even walk to an age-appropriate fitness class has been shown to elevate mood and sustain mental health dramatically.
Every Family is Unique
At My Care Finders, we understand that every senior is unique, and there is no single solution for all individuals. We are honored to partner with
