Most older adults would prefer to stay living in their own homes. Having the ability to do what you want and plan your own schedule is preferred. Plus, your home is yours. It’s comfortable and familiar. When coping with illness or recovering from surgery it can be difficult and being at home can take some of the stress and anxiety away. Dementia and Alzheimer’s patient’s trips for medical care have been known to be reduced by over 50 percent when receiving in-home care vs living at an assisted living facility.

Assisted Living vs In-Home Care for Seniors

It’s Your Choice

Assisted living facilities might take some getting used to but offer a good solution to those who are open to change. Some of the benefits would be meeting new people, finding new routines, creating a feeling of community, minimizing the stress around paying bills, and upkeep of the home, and fewer worries around isolation.

Being away from family and friends can be difficult in either situation. It takes time to adjust to these changes. Whichever option you choose, it will be a change for you and your family.

For Your Convenience

A benefit of in-home health care is convenience. No need to sell your home or move away. Changing your routine would be minimized. You get to sleep in your own bed and sit in your favorite chair. Living in a home that you are familiar with and feel comfortable in can be a game-changer. You can have your pets around you daily and come and go as you would like.

Having the anxiety and fiscal work of selling and moving your home can be stressful. You must pack up your possessions, sell your home, and coordinate the move. Then, you must find a new routine and start over. This can create stress and worry. If there are not adequate care options in your town, you or your loved one may have to relocate and move further from family.

An assisted living facility is an alternative where friends, meals, and activities, are readily available.

The Social Affect

Living alone can create a social isolation effect if you do not have friends and family that interact with you on a regular basis. In-home caretakers offer companionship, with a variety of activities like puzzles, playing cards, talking about current events, or discussing the weather. These are all things that can occur when you have a regular caregiver to interact with. Some types of care services and caregivers will even help with transportation.

Some other possibilities are going to the movies, catching up with friends, or attending church together. You may have neighbors that visit on a regular basis and keep you involved with the area. Plus, you can still enjoy family get-togethers at home, where you get to interact with your loved ones.

Assisted living facilities also offer a variety of different activities you can elect to do. Care facilities offer things like group outings, Bingo, birthday celebrations, and holiday parties are a few to mention.

These are the things to consider when deciding between home or assisted living facilities. In an assisted living facility, you live near your peers. You eat meals with friends in the dining room, participate in organized social events, or go on group trips. It’s easy to connect with others and fulfill your social needs with so many seniors living nearby.

It’s All About Your Safety

Safety is the key when it comes to staying at home or living in an assisted living facility. Assisted living communities were created to keep seniors safe. They provide accessible elderly-friendly housing, security, and 24-hour personal care services.

You can create a safe environment at your home by installing a medical alert system. It puts help within reach if you or your loved one lives alone. Other modifications such as removing trip hazards, widening doorways, installing a stairlift, or easy access showers can be helpful. The use of current technology and GPS tracking devices allow you to feel safe and comfortable in your own home,

Is it Right for You?

You need to consider whether in-home care services or an assisted living facility is the right option for you and your loved one. They both have similar goals–helping seniors age while staying as independent as possible. The most important thing is that you choose what keeps everyone happy, healthy, and safe without breaking the bank.

Cost of In-Home Care Services vs Assisted Living Costs

The cost will most likely be the main factor in whether you seek in-home care services or move into an assisted living facility. Don’t let the average costs scare you away. The amount depends on your location and the level of assistance.

For full-time care, a 2020 nationwide study indicated that assisted living facilities can run on average at $4,300. This compares to In-Home care of $4,200. This covers a private room and core services.

The cost of in-home care services ranges from $0 to $40 per hour. How much you pay depends on insurance, veteran’s benefits, level of care (services), and location. You can adjust the number of hours you need to your budget.

When family members act as caregivers, in-home care is the cheapest option.

Additional Reading: Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Promedcare | In-Home Care Services in Fremont, Columbus, Norfolk, & Blair, NE

Being a family-owned business, the owners of Promedcare are engaged in the day-to-day operations and get to know both clients and caregivers on a first-name basis.  Having both owners and staff present vs. working remotely with our clients creates a feel of FAMILY and allows Promedcare to create an environment of care that reduces turnover and increases dedication to the brand.  We provide 24/7 service with the ability to interact with Senior Management and the owners as needed.

Promedcare has evolved into a caring business that focuses on individuals’ specific needs and preferences. This type of care fosters independence, happiness, and a sense of familiarity by acknowledging older individuals’ desire to age in the comfort of their own homes.

For some, it’s to provide extensive ongoing care for an aging senior. For others, we offer a much-needed break or, respite care – such as a night out with a spouse, vacation, or simply a few hours of quiet time at home – for family members who provide regular care. We offer a wide range of care services customized for each individual client.

Promedcare services include Personal Care Services, Companion Care Services, Dementia / Alzheimer’s Care Services, and Respiratory Solutions.

Contact us today to see how Prodmedcare can help you!