Home Care vs. Assisted Living: Which is Right for You?

Your senior years come with a new set of choices to make, particularly around how and where you can get access to the care and assistance you need — all while maintaining your quality of life.

There are two main options on the table: staying in the comfort of your home with personalized in-home care, or moving to an assisted living facility that provides around-the-clock care.

Both options offer unique advantages and drawbacks, and you’ll need to carefully consider your individual needs, preferences and financial circumstances to make the right choice for you or your loved one.

In this article, we’ll explore home care and assisted living so you can understand the benefits of each and be able to determine which option aligns best with your needs, budget and care goals.

What is Home Care?

Most people want to remain independent and stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes for as long as possible. In-home care does just that by providing services and personalized support, allowing seniors to remain in their own homes for longer.

The services depend on each individual’s needs and can be customized according to requirements. Common types of home care services include personal care assistance, companion care and help around the home.

Home care can also extend to skilled nursing services such as medication management, end-of-life care and chronic condition management.

If you choose to hire through an agency, all caregivers who arrive at your home will be trained to meet your needs and will be able to provide you with all the services you opt for. In-home care works well in conjunction with care and support provided by family members.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living takes the individual out of their home and into a structured living facility where they can receive the level of support they need while maintaining some level of independence.

Typically, the facility will include private living quarters. This might be a room with a bathroom or can be an entire apartment or bungalow. There are also community areas on site such as gardens, common rooms and entertainment facilities for seniors to make connections with other people.

Trained staff are available on-site 24/7 to provide care and assistance when required.

Many seniors like this option because of the community and social opportunities it brings. Having professional care at hand at all times can also bring peace of mind for seniors who require specialized health care.

How do Home Care and Assisted Living Compare?

Cost

One of the biggest differences between assisted living vs in-home care living is the cost. Home care is less expensive by far, since you don’t have to factor in living costs or site fees.

Typically, services are charged on an hourly basis. While some require you to commit to a minimum number of hours, other services like Tandem Care are charged at a flat rate – you’ll only pay for the services and hours you truly need. This makes it a great option for seniors who are living independent lifestyles but need a little extra help from time to time.

Home care costs may be covered by long-term care insurance, Medicaid or veteran benefits. Check with a provider to see which options are available to you.

Assisted living facilities carry a much greater cost, as you’re paying for rent, utilities, site fees, care fees and all other living costs. While the price tag can vary greatly depending on the location, quality and size of the facility, as well as available amenities and services, a typical range is $3,000 to $6,000 per month.

Assisted living is primarily paid for using personal savings and retirement funds. Certain care and support services may qualify under Medicaid and long-term care insurance, but there are limits. For instance, Medicaid does not cover room and board fees at assisted living facilities.

Level of Care

Home care gives you the opportunity to receive a level of care that is appropriate to your needs. Services are customizable and can be leveled up or down as required. It’s ideal for those who have a good range of independence but require assistance for certain activities.

Assisted living is best for individuals seeking more comprehensive care and 24/7 availability but who do not require full-time nursing care. Some places allow you to add on additional care as needed without having to move facilities, making it a good option if you foresee your loved one needing more care in the near future.

Independence & Lifestyle

Home care provides you with the ability to receive care in familiar surroundings and comfort. You don’t have to uproot your life and you can continue living independently, close to your family and friends.

This option means your lifestyle has to change very little – if at all. It’s a good choice if you already have an active social life and frequently engage in local activities.

In contrast, assisted living takes you out of your home and into an entirely new environment. This is ideal if your home becomes unsuitable for maintaining independence. For example, if you can no longer handle stairs easily or if you live far from social activities and amenities.

Assisted living comes with a social scene right on your doorstep. For seniors who are finding themselves lonely or isolated from people their own age, this can provide much-needed interaction and companionship without having to struggle to get around.

Family Involvement

If your family is closely involved in your life, home care could be the better option. Family members can maintain greater involvement in your caregiving decisions and daily activities as you age.

If you only need a small amount of assistance, an in-home caregiver can give your family a break and allow you to live more independently. Or, if you’re a family caregiver yourself and are currently taking full-time care of a loved one, services like respite care allow you the opportunity to rest and recharge.

Assisted care still allows the involvement of family members, but they have less direct responsibility for daily care. Since staff are available in assisted living facilities at all hours, there is far less need for family assistance.

This is advantageous if your family lives far away, or if they don’t have the time or capability to provide care themselves.

The Pros and Cons of Home Care and Assisted Living

We’ve looked at the main differences between assisted living versus home care. Let’s now dig deeper into the pros and cons of each option.

Benefits of Home Care

The biggest pros of home care are:

• Comfort of staying at home: You get to remain in a familiar environment and retain your original lifestyle.

• Personalized care: You’ll get the level of care as and when you need it.

• One-on-one attention: Your home care assistant will dedicate their whole visit to serving you without any other distractions.

• Greater family involvement: Your family can continue participating in caregiving and decision-making as required.

• Lower cost: You only pay for the services you need, making it an affordable way to get the right assistance.

• Reduced exposure to illness: Compared to communal living, there is far less chance of being exposed to infectious diseases.

• Retain control over your daily living: You can maintain your schedule such as mealtimes and activities without having to adhere to a specific schedule.

Potential Drawbacks of Home Care

Now, let’s take a look at the drawbacks of home care:

• Social isolation risk: If you’re not closely surrounded by family and friends, then there is a risk of becoming more socially isolated. However, connections with a quality caregiver can be invaluable.

• 24/7 care can be expensive: Around the clock at-home assistance can get very expensive, since it will involve multiple specialized caregivers.

• Limited access to urgent care: Since there is not always a professional at hand, you may not be able to get immediate medical assistance if needed.

• Safety concerns: Your home may not be equipped with the necessary safety features such as grab bars or emergency call systems. You will need to have these installed so your home is suitable for your lifestyle.

• You may end up having to move: If your home is unsuitable for aging in place, or if your required level of care gets too high, you may end up having to move.

Benefits of Assisted Living

Next, let’s look at the pros of moving into an assisted living facility:

• Access to 24/7 healthcare: You’ll have full peace of mind knowing there are always medical professionals on site.

• Built-in social life: On-site activities and communal living spaces provide endless opportunities for social engagement throughout the day.

• Structured activities: Residents get access to entertainment such as reading groups, exercise classes and art activities.

• Safe and secure: Assisted facilities are designed with safety in mind, which makes it easy to get around for seniors with limited mobility. The premises are secure, and you’ll get access to an emergency call system.

• No home maintenance: Any issues such as plumbing or electrical are handled by on-site maintenance teams. Some facilities also provide housekeeping as part of the service.

• Nutritious meals provided: You receive regular and balanced meals tailored to your unique dietary requirements.

Potential Drawbacks of Assisted Living

Lastly, here are the cons associated with assisted living:

• Privacy and personal freedom: You must be prepared to adapt to communal living, which can be a tough transition for many seniors. With so many people around, it can feel like you’re living in a hotel.

• Higher cost: Assisted living can be prohibitively expensive, especially if you opt for high-end or specialized facilities.

• Potential waitlists: The best assisted living facilities are always in high demand and you may have to get yourself on a waitlist before you’re ready to move into one.

• Set schedules: Meal times and activities are preplanned and can often feel inflexible with your lifestyle.

• Adjustment period: Moving to a new environment can be stressful and emotionally challenging for many people, especially if you’ve lived in your current home for years.

• Less one-on-one care: Staff care for multiple residents simultaneously which means they can give you less personalized attention.

How to Decide Which Option is Right for You

Deciding between home health care and assisted living is not always an easy decision. Each carries significant benefits and drawbacks, and you have to assess your personal circumstances to determine which will be the best fit overall.

Assess Current and Future Needs

It’s essential to assess your current needs and what your needs might be in the near future.

You may be in fine health now, but are there any medical conditions that could potentially reduce your independence later down the line? Making these decisions now can help you and your family plan for your care for years to come.

Take a close look at your existing health conditions, mobility concerns and the level of assistance you think you need.

Consider Preferences

Do you want to stay in your current environment, or does the idea of moving to a new facility sound like an appealing change? Will you be happy with a lifestyle that operates on a schedule or do you prefer to live according to your own terms?

Talk to Family

Be sure to maintain open communication with your family members and take their wishes and concerns on board.

It’s important to involve them in the decision-making process to ensure they feel heard and respected. If the level of care your family provides is expected to increase, will they be able to manage and accommodate it, or will they need help?

Try Home Care First

You don’t have to jump into making a drastic decision, especially if your current care needs are minimal. Why not try out assisted living at home services first?

Thanks to the minimal commitment, this gives you the opportunity to see if home care is the right fit for your circumstances. After all, it’s much easier to transition from home care to assisted living than it is the other way around.

Final Thoughts

Deciding between assisted living versus home care is a deeply personal choice based on individual circumstances and preferences. By taking the time to assess your needs you can ultimately reach a decision that’s right for you.

Whichever option you pick, you are safeguarding your future by ensuring you get access to essential care and assistance.

To find out more about home care services, get in touch with Tandem Care. We pride ourselves on providing tailored services to accommodate your needs at every level of care.

Schedule a no-obligation care consultation today. Our friendly team will be more than happy to walk you through our in-home care services.