It can be a challenging realization when someone you love starts to struggle with everyday tasks. This is a normal part of aging, and it could be a sign that your family member could use extra help to get through their day. At this point of your loved one’s journey, it may be time to consider professional care, like an assisted living community. But if your loved one wishes to receive assistance from the comfort of home, surrounded by close family and friends, or they’re just not ready to make the move yet, home care can be a great alternative.
While both care options specifically cater to the needs of seniors, understanding the key differences between the two can help you choose the option that best fits your family member’s unique needs. Here’s what you need to know about assisted living vs home care, and how to choose the right option for your specific needs and situation.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities provide a safe and comfortable environment for seniors who need some help to get through their day. If a loved one is struggling with meal preparation or maintaining good hygiene, assisted living can be worth considering.
While some communities may offer medical services when needed, most residents in assisted living usually have non-medical needs like housekeeping, meal preparation, dining assistance and emotional support. In addition to assistance with daily activities, residents in assisted living communities typically have access to shared amenities, such as restaurant-style dining, fitness centers, libraries and theaters, along with plenty of fun social activities to enjoy.
What Is Home Care?
Home care offers a practical option for individuals who wish to remain in their home while they receive help with specific tasks, like cooking, cleaning and bathing. In some cases, professionally trained caregivers may provide companionship, in addition to personal care, to help seniors make the most of each day. While home care can make life easier and more comfortable for seniors who want to keep their routines and stay connected with friends and family, it’s important to note that you may need to make some changes to your loved one’s living space to ensure they can live safely at home.
Benefits Of Assisted Living
As our loved ones age, their needs can change, and it can become challenging for them to manage everyday tasks on their own or live safely at home. Assisted living can provide the support your family member needs while allowing them to retain their independence. Here are some key benefits of assisted living:
- Independence: Typically, residents in assisted living maintain an independent schedule while having 24/7 access to assistance if needed. This allows them to continue doing the things they love, knowing that help is always available.
- Social opportunities: Studies suggest that loneliness can be a real concern for older adults. Most assisted living communities offer plenty of opportunities for social interaction to help keep residents engaged and connected.
- Healthy dining options: Residents typically enjoy a wide variety of tasty and nutritious dining options prepared by professional chefs to ensure they get the nutrition they need to stay healthy.
- Housekeeping and maintenance: Chores like cleaning and maintenance are taken care of in assisted living, allowing your loved one to focus on activities that bring them joy.
- Personal care services: Residents receive assistance with personal care, such as bathing, dressing and medication management.
- Access to health care: While most assisted living communities are designed for individuals with non-medical needs, many assisted living communities provide access to on-site health care services when needed.
- Engaging activities: From low-impact exercises to fulfilling arts and crafts, most assisted living communities feature a fun-filled activity calendar to keep residents mentally and physically active.
Benefits Of Home Care
Home care offers many advantages for seniors who wish to stay in their own homes while receiving the assistance they need. Here are some key benefits of home care:
- Comfort of home: Staying in a familiar environment can be truly comforting for some seniors. If your loved one wishes to receive assistance while remaining in the place they know and love, home care may be worth considering.
- Personalized care: Home care plans can be tailored to your family member’s specific needs, ensuring they receive the right level of support.
- Companionship: In addition to assistance with personal care, caregivers may offer companionship to help reduce feelings of loneliness and improve overall well-being.
- Safety: Home care services often include safety modifications to help seniors age in place safely.
- Cost-effective: Home care provides the necessary support without the added costs of residential housing, making it more cost-effective than other forms of care, such as nursing homes.
Partnering With CorsoCare To Serve Seniors
CorsoCare, a preferred third-party provider of StoryPoint Group, offers seniors more than high-quality care services — seniors also gain a dedicated partner in their health journey.
Whether seniors need expert medical support at home, compassionate end-of-life care, or assistance with daily activities, CorsoCare provides personalized, compassionate care to enhance the quality of life at every stage.
Click here for additional resources and to learn more about CorsoCare.
Similarities Between Assisted Living And Home Care
Assisted living and home care both offer valuable support to seniors, helping them live more comfortably. Here are some key similarities between the two:
- Personalized care: Both assisted living and home care provide personalized care to address specific requirements.
- Professional assistance: In both settings, care is provided by professionally trained employees to help ensure seniors receive the right level of assistance.
- Focus on independence: Assisted living and home care both aim to help seniors maintain their daily routines as independently as possible.
- Medication management: Both options typically include medication management to help seniors take their medications correctly and on time, which is crucial for their health and well-being.
- Enhanced quality of life: The ultimate goal of both assisted living and home care is to enhance the quality of life for seniors. They offer the necessary support and care, allowing seniors to live more comfortably and happily.
Differences Between Assisted Living And Home Care
When comparing assisted living vs home care, it can be useful to clearly understand what each option offers. While both assisted living and home care provide valuable support for seniors, they differ in several key ways. Here are some important differences between assisted living and home care:
- Living environment: In assisted living communities, seniors typically live in private apartments specifically designed for their needs. In contrast, home care allows seniors to live in their own homes, with professionally trained caregivers coming in to provide support as needed.
- Cost structure: Assisted living usually involves a monthly fee that covers accommodations, meals and care services. In contrast, home care costs are generally based on the number of hours of care needed, which can vary depending on your loved one’s specific needs and situation.
- Employee availability: Most assisted living communities have employees on-site 24/7 to provide immediate assistance if needed. Unlike assisted living, home care typically offers scheduled visits from caregivers, and the level of availability can be adjusted based on your family member’s needs.
- Personalization of care: Home care provides highly personalized, one-on-one care tailored to the resident’s needs, often from a single caregiver. Assisted living offers personalized care, but within a more structured environment with multiple caregivers involved.
- Activities and engagement: Most assisted living communities provide a wide range of enjoyable activities and programs designed to keep residents engaged and active. In contrast, home care options may include some activities, but they are generally more self-directed and less structured.
Cost Breakdown Of Assisted Living And Home Care
Finding the right care option for your loved one can be a challenging decision, and it’s important to consider both their needs and your budget. Understanding the cost of assisted living vs in home care can help you make an informed decision. Let’s take a closer look at how these two options compare in terms of expenses, so you can find the best fit for your loved one’s unique needs and budget.
According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national median monthly cost of assisted living in the U.S. is around $4,500. However, costs can range between $3,000 to $7,000 depending on several key factors, such as the community’s geographical location, level of care needed and amenities provided. This monthly fee usually covers housing, meals and snacks and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).
On the other hand, the national median cost of home health care is around $24 per hour depending on where you live and what your family member needs. This usually covers personal care like help with bathing and dressing, as well as companionship and light housekeeping. However, it doesn’t include housing or full-time care for seniors who need around-the-clock assistance.
Learn How Much Senior Living Costs Near You
Senior living communities provide a comfortable and supportive environment for older adults. While it’s hard to put a value on your loved one’s care, it can be useful to understand how much senior living costs. Our cost calculator helps you get a clearer picture of what to expect financially and find the option that best fits your specific situation and budget.
See The Costs Of
Senior Living Compared To Staying In Place
We created this senior living calculator to help you determine the costs of senior living compared to remaining in place.
Get StartedCompare The Costs Of Senior Living
To accurately estimate the cost of senior living, simply enter your monthly expenses in the field below.
To see an estimate of the cost of senior living, simply select the state and level of care you think is right for you or your loved one.
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(The National Average Cost Is $3,360-5,760 Monthly*)
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*This information is intended to aid in the evaluation and the decision-making process related to senior living alternatives. It is based on information and assumptions provided by you and information compiled from multiple accredited sources for comparison purposes. The calculations and comparisons provided should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice. In addition, such information should not be relied upon as the only source of information.
Which Option Is Right For Your Loved One?
Deciding between home care vs assisted living can be a big decision, and it’s important to choose the option that best meets your family member’s needs. Here are some key factors to consider to help you make the right choice:
- Level of care: Consider the level of care your family member requires. Home care is ideal for individuals who need help with specific tasks, while assisted living provides more comprehensive support, including help with daily activities and access to medical care, which might be necessary for individuals with more complex needs.
- Social interaction: If your family member enjoys engaging in group activities, assisted living might be a good fit. Home care provides companionship through the caregiver, but it’s usually less social compared to a community setting.
- Safety and accessibility: Evaluate the safety and accessibility of your family member’s home. If their home needs significant modifications to be safe and accessible, it might be worth considering an assisted living community, which is designed with senior safety in mind.
- Cost considerations: Cost can be a key consideration when deciding between assisted living vs home care. Compare the costs of both options to see what fits best with your budget and specific needs.
- Personal preferences: Lastly, consider your family member’s wishes. If your loved one values staying in their own home and is comfortable with their current surroundings, home care might be the better choice.
Transitioning To Assisted Living
Helping a loved one move to assisted living can be emotionally overwhelming, but it can greatly improve their quality of life. Here are a few expert tips to help make the transition as smooth as possible for both you and your loved one:
- Involve your loved one: Include your family member in the decision-making process as much as possible, and discuss their preferences and address any concerns they might have. Their involvement can make them feel more in control and comfortable with the move.
- Prepare emotionally: We truly understand that moving to assisted living can be emotional for both you and your family member. Be patient and empathetic as you both adjust to this change.
- Organize belongings: Help your loved one sort through their belongings and decide what to bring to their new home. Choose items that will make the space feel familiar and comforting, such as photos, favorite furniture and personal keepsakes.
- Maintain clear communication: When your family member finally moves in, clearly communicate their specific needs and preferences to the caregivers. This can help ensure they receive the care and attention they require.
- Stay connected: Keep in regular contact with your loved one after the move to help them feel connected and supported.
Senior Living At StoryPoint Group Communities
At StoryPoint Group communities, we understand that every individual’s journey through their golden years is unique, and that’s why we take pride in meeting them right where they are — tailoring our care and support to their specific needs. Our vibrant and supportive communities provide a safe and comfortable environment to help our residents make the most of every day. Contact us now or call 1-844-275-9990 today to learn more about our award-winning communities.
