In-Home Care vs Assisted Living - Making the Best Choice for Your Loved One

When it comes to caring for your elderly loved ones, the subject of setting up in-home senior care versus guiding your loved one to assisted living can be a difficult one. The following guide will help you navigate this difficult decision in order to make the best choice for your loved one’s needs.

The Differences Between In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living

The primary difference between in-home care and assisted living is in the level of care, security, and general management regarding your loved one’s health and safety.

In-home care allows a senior to maintain independence while living at their own home, with the addition of caregivers who can come to help with a variety of tasks. In-home care can vary significantly depending on how much help the senior requires. Most in-home care can include tasks such as helping with light housework, preparing meals, doing shopping, transporting the senior, providing companionship, and helping with medication reminders.

An assisted living facility allows a senior to maintain independence while living in a home that is designed to be safe, secure, and comfortable for seniors in varying stages of their lives. Assisted living facilities offer round the clock staff, as well as regular assistance with tasks such as shopping, housekeeping, bathing, and other essential activities.

Does Your Loved One Require Assisted Living or In-Home Care? What to Consider

In order to make the best decision for your loved one, you will carefully need to determine just how much help they need. Once you understand their needs as well as their limitations, you can make a more informed decision regarding their care. When determining their needs, it's best to make a list of everything they need help with; this should be divided into daily assistance, weekly assistance, and monthly or infrequent assistance. You must also consider any needs they have regarding health care, such as needing medications, physical therapy, and so on.

Then, take those lists and consider just how much you (and/or any other family members or loved ones) can help, and whether or not you are capable of providing the level of care and assistance that your loved one needs, and whether or not you can afford either option. In-home care allows the senior to remain living in the comfort of their own home and is obviously the least expensive option.

If your loved one requires supervision that you (and other family members) can’t provide, or if you simply cannot handle the financial commitment of an assisted living option, then in-home care may be the best option for them. Remember, too, that both options may be combined together. If assisted living is the choice for you, outside caregivers may be brought in who are there solely for the needs of your loved one. While assisted living staff have to be shared amongst all residents, a hired caregiver can give your loved one undivided and unshared attention.

The decision regarding whether or not in-home care or assisted living is best for your loved one can be difficult, but it can be made with careful consideration in regard to what is best for your loved one.

For more information or help with making the right decision, contact Homewatch CareGivers of Charlotte today.