Home Care VS. Assisted Living

Which is right for your senior?

Could your loved one be safe and independent in their home? Could they move to a community and maintain their independence? The answer to both is Yes. It really depends on your loved one on what is the best option for them. You have to take all factors into account though to really weigh what is the right option.

First, lets go over the differences and benefits of each, Assisted Living Community and Home Care.

What is Assisted Living Community?

Assisted Living Facility (ALF) or Assisted Living Community are for seniors who possibly need some assistance but it is minimal. Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) is what would be called a nursing home. For individuals who need nurse care and need more assistance to complete everyday tasks. Most seniors in Assisted Living can complete most of their everyday tasks independently. An ALF provides assistance for various tasks like showering, dressing. They also provide meals, housekeeping, laundry, etc. They provide some assistance but not all assistance. The difference between Assisted Living and Independent Living, residents in Independent Living have the ability to live on their own without assistance to complete daily tasks.

As Assisted Living Community allows residents to maintain their independence with minimal assistance as needed. Often seniors who reply on in home care are unable to complete daily tasks and find it easier to move into an Assisted Living Community than to pay someone to complete the tasks for them. Assisted Living unlike Home Care do not provide one on one care. Therefore the resident may have to wait for someone to come assist them. Also, some find ALF to be more expensive than hiring someone for in home care. However, this can differ based on the care the senior may need at home. If you are paying someone to complete daily tasks for you, the cost can add up as the amount of tasks grow.

An Assisted Living Community does provide socialization to the senior. Allowing them to participate in activities with other seniors within the community. Many communities also provide activities for the seniors religious practice, a solon to get hair done. Others may have some educators for make up, skin care, finances, etc.

What is In-Home Care?

In home care is provided by an agency locally. They can provide a wide range of services ranging from companionship to personal care assistance. This service allows the senior to remain home while also getting assistance for tasks they have difficulty completing. They will provide non medical and skilled health services.

Non Medical Care Services:

These services are also called companion care or personal care services. These are services not provided by nursing or skilled nursing services. A few are listed below:

• Companionship

• Personal care (Dressing, Brushing Teeth)

• Light housekeeping

• Meal Preparation

• Medication reminders (can not administer meds)

• Laundry

• Running Errands

• Transportation

To make the right choice for your senior it is important to look at the different types of communities and the services provided. Also, to look at the needs of your senior and which community best supports their needs.

One in a Million Senior Living can assist with location the best community for your senior.