Your family is faced with an important decision. Your aging parent can no longer take care of themselves safely, and you know it’s time to have an important conversation about the need for care.
When Is It Time to Consider Care for An Aging Loved One?
You may notice small instances initially - your aging parent has difficulty recalling a memory, getting up the stairs, or keeping their home tidy. As time passes, you begin to feel concerned about their safety or ability to live independently. Every individual has a unique set of health needs as they age. Reasons it may be time to consider care include increasing concerns about health and safety, a health professional’s recommendation, and increased pressure to take on the role of a family caregiver for your loved one. There is one question burning on the forefront of your mind: is in-home care or assisted living the best option for my loved one?
What is In-Home Care?
Non-medical, in-home care is a range of services provided in a person's home to assist with daily activities and healthcare needs. In-home care services include companionship, personal care, meal preparation, transportation, help with household duties, and respite care to alleviate family caregivers. In-home care can be for both long-term and short-term care needs.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living facilities and communities assist seniors with daily living activities. They typically consist of over a few dozen residents and are geared to help those who don’t require the full range of medical services provided by a nursing home. Assisted living offers more flexibility and comfort than the average nursing home, but it is not suitable if your aging loved one requires skilled nursing or 24-hour care.
Comparing Home Care and Assisted Living
When considering care options for an aging loved one, many families face the decision between home care and assisted living. Both have their advantages, but the best choice depends on various factors such as unique health needs, preferences, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages of home care versus assisted living.
Comfort
The most significant difference between in-home care and assisted living is that home care offers the opportunity for the person in need of care to remain comfortably in their own home and community, surrounded by familiar surroundings, memories, and routines. This can ease the transition during this significant life change and can be a source of comfort and emotional well-being for those with dementia or cognitive decline. For individuals who have pets, home care allows them to stay with their animals, which can provide emotional support and companionship.
Alternatively, assisted living care requires your loved one to uproot their life and move into a facility where they may have to share a space with another individual. Every assisted living center varies depending on its location.
Personalization of Care
Every individual’s care needs are unique. Both in-home caregivers and assisted living caregivers can tailor to the specific needs of your aging loved one. Home care allows for one-on-one attention, with caregivers focusing entirely on the individual. Families can choose the level of care, from a few hours a week to full-time assistance, allowing for flexibility depending on the individual’s changing needs.
Independence and Privacy
Retaining a sense of independence is important for seniors’ mental well-being and self-expression. Home care enables aging adults to preserve their daily routines and familiar living environments, fostering both comfort and autonomy. It allows them to safely engage in personal hobbies, interests, and social activities, while also supporting physical health through safe mobility exercises that reduce the risk of injury.
Most importantly, home care lessens the need for constant reliance on family members, promoting greater self-sufficiency and preserving privacy in their own space.
Cost
For some, home care can be more affordable, especially if your aging loved one doesn't require full-time medical assistance. Depending on the scope of services needed, home care may be a more economical option than assisted living facilities' all-inclusive nature.
Social Interaction
Assisted living communities often provide a built-in social network with other residents. This can reduce feelings of isolation and provide opportunities for social engagement, activities, and events that are structured and facilitated by the facility.
However, home care gives aging individuals the ability to stay plugged into their social networks, and close to their family and friends. In-home caregivers are expertly trained to provide compassionate companionship services, really taking the time to get to know your loved one.
Safety
Assisted living facilities are equipped with safety features such as emergency call systems, non-slip floors, and fall prevention measures, which can be especially important for individuals with mobility or cognitive issues.
On the other hand, when your loved one ages in their own home, they have the advantage of being familiar with their environment. This can help reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, an In-home caregiving professional will perform a home safety assessment and make recommendations to remove tripping hazards, install railings and handles, and create safety plans in case of emergencies.
Choosing Senior Care in Bryan/College Station, Texas
Ultimately, the decision between home care and assisted living will depend on your aging loved one’s needs and preferences. Some families even choose a combination, such as home care during the day with occasional visits to an assisted living facility for social activities.
At HomeSpark, we understand that this is not a decision that is made lightly. We are dedicated to providing trustworthy non-medical, in-home care services for our community. Contact our team to request a consultation.