20 May The Battle Of Assisted Living Vs. Home Care: Which Is The Best Choice For Your Family?

As we age, there usually comes a time when we need additional support with daily activities. Simple tasks like bathing, dressing and climbing stairs can become physically challenging while more complex responsibilities like cooking healthy meals, maintaining a home, and managing medication schedules and dosages can be overwhelming. Luckily, two popular options are available to help seniors maintain their independence while receiving personal care as needed. What are the advantages of Assisted Living vs. home care? Understanding the distinctions between the two can influence your decision on which is the best choice for your family’s situation.

Home Health Care

Home health care involves a caregiver coming into a senior’s home once or multiple times each day. Services provided range from assistance with personal grooming and meal prep to household chores and running errands. Often, family members start out as the in-home support system but over time, the caregiving responsibilities may become more than they can handle. Many local and national home care companies are available when this occurs. In these instances, professional caregivers are hired to work in the senior’s home for a few hours a day or are paid to provide around-the-clock care.

What are some of the drawbacks and benefits of home health care vs. Assisted Living?

Drawbacks:

• Dependability. When you rely on a home health provider for care, their reliability can be an issue. Occasions occur when the caregiver is unable to make it to someone’s house on the scheduled date and time. In extreme cases, individuals have been left without assistance for several days.
• Loneliness. When they don’t have to leave home—or are unable to—seniors can easily feel isolated. And when their social interactions are limited, seniors are more likely to become depressed.
• Safety. For those with complex health issues, in-home caregivers might not be able to provide the necessary level of supervision and medical expertise.
• Budget. Home health care can be costly, particularly for those who need care 24/7/365. Plus, the senior is still responsible for home and personal expenses such as a mortgage, taxes, groceries, toiletries, and more.

Benefits:

• Familiarity. Home care allows seniors to stay in surroundings that they are accustomed to, where they feel comfortable, and have built fond family memories.
• Flexibility. With in-home care, services can be scheduled and adjusted based on a person’s needs. For example, someone may only need help a couple times a week while another individual may require all-day care.
• Autonomy. Bringing services to seniors allows them to live on their own more safely for a longer period of time.

Assisted Living

In addition to offering seniors person-centered care, Assisted Living—like at The Carolina Inn in Fayetteville, North Carolina—provides housing, housekeeping, nutritious meals, and a variety of amenities such as recreational activities, exercise programs, coordinated outings, and more. Because of the all-inclusive scope of services, Assisted Living is ideal for those who need more support than home care can give.

So, what are some of the benefits and drawbacks of Assisted Living vs. home care?

Benefits:

• Socialization. One of the most appreciated aspects of Assisted Living is that residents have access to others in the same stage of life as they are. Plus, they are encouraged to participate in social pursuits rather than spend time alone in their rooms. Staying engaged has been proven to improve the mental and physical well-being of seniors. At The Carolina Inn, residents can choose from a wide selection of Life Enrichment Programs that build camaraderie.
• Health Services. Assisted Living communities usually have on-site health services including nursing care. In fact, The Carolina Inn has licensed nurses on each floor who administer medications and monitor each resident’s health. They also are available around the clock in case of an emergency. Diabetic, podiatry and lab services also are available as is transportation to physician’s appointments.
• Security. Perhaps the greatest advantage of Assisted Living vs. home care is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that residents are in a protected environment where caregivers are just steps away 24/7.

Drawbacks:

• Cost. Pricing for Assisted Living varies based on the level of care and the community’s location and services. While monthly costs may seem high at first, when you analyze all that’s included, most seniors realize the value Assisted Living provides.
• Loss Of Independence. Many older adults fear that moving into an Assisted Living community means giving up their freedom. However, residents generally don’t need to adhere to strict rules and schedules. At The Carolina Inn, they receive as much or as little support as needed and are free to make their own decisions.
• Adjustment Period. Moving represents a significant change…and moving to an Assisted Living community is no different. There’s always a period of adjustment to a new environment. But thanks to pleasant staff and friendly neighbors in a similar phase of life, new residents at The Carolina Inn feel welcome immediately.

Now that you understand the benefits and drawbacks of Assisted Living vs. home care, you can make an educated decision on which is best for your family’s specific needs and circumstances. If you determine that Assisted Living is the right option, we invite you to schedule a visit to The Carolina Inn to experience the community’s resort-style ambiance and boutique hotel charm firsthand. The property is located in the heart of the Village Green neighborhood in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Tour a one- or two-bedroom Assisted Living apartment today. To schedule, call (910) 218-9801 or click here.