6 Reasons Why Assisted Living is a Better Choice Than Home Care
If your aging loved one is struggling to thrive at home without support, you might be wondering how to get them the assistance they need without taking away their independence or control. Fortunately, there are multiple senior care solutions for today’s older adults. However, finding the right solution for your particular situation can require some research and comparison.
The most common solutions for older adults who just need a bit of extra support or companionship are assisted living and home care. Each option comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, but assisted living often comes out on top in a side-by-side comparison. Here are six reasons why assisted living is a better choice than home care.
Predictable Billing
Home care agencies often bill by the hour, and many have minimums for weekly or monthly hours. This can make budgeting more difficult than an assisted living model, which bills at a predictable monthly rate that includes almost every service.
Pricing Remains Consistent
In a home care model, as an older adult needs more support (which happens frequently), more caregiver hours are needed. This means that a monthly bill can increase significantly from month to month as the senior needs additional assistance. In assisted living, any billing increases due to a higher level of care are forecasted and discussed in advance. This makes for fewer billing surprises.
A Social Environment
Home care services allow an older adult to remain in their home for as long as possible. However, being at home alone, aside from a few hours a day of caregiving visits, can have dire health consequences. Isolated seniors are often unhealthy with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
In contrast, assisted living communities are bustling and busy hubs of activity. Residents connect with neighbors and form friendships quickly. Sitting at home alone is not the norm, as residents have the opportunity to attend social programs each day.
Family Education and Involvement.
Home care services are often senior-centered, and while family members are kept informed about how their loved one is doing, there are few chances for family education or involvement.
In assisted living, family members of residents become the extended family of the community. You’ll find family events and educational opportunities available often, giving families the chance to spend quality time with their loved one.
Nutrition and Dining
Home care caregivers often assist clients with meal planning and preparation. However, unless they are providing around-the-clock care, caregivers must count on the client to eat a few meals per day on their own. Cognitive decline, fine motor challenges, and other aging-related obstacles can make this difficult.
Assisted living communities provide healthy and delicious meals three times per day in a social dining room setting. Residents are cued to come down and eat if they forget, and those who need hands-on assistance to the dining room are provided that as well. This means that residents get the nutrition they need to feel their best every single day, and without needing to plan or prepare for themselves.
Access to an Interdisciplinary Team of Experts
Home care agencies often employ caregivers, along with nurse case managers. While these professionals are experts in their field, they do not provide a full interdisciplinary approach.
Assisted living communities, on the other hand, employ caregivers, nurses, dining professionals, recreation professionals, and sometimes social workers. This means there are more experts getting to know each resident from a different point of view, resulting in even more personalized care.
Learn more about how we approach assisted living at The Glen, and then contact us when you’re ready to schedule a visit. We’d love to meet you!