It can be difficult to navigate the differences between assisted living and in-home care for elderly adults. Assisted living often involves relocating to a live-in community where senior citizens reside together with a variety of care available to them under one roof.
Communities may vary as to how apartment homes are set up and how in home care for elderly adults is provided. For many elder adults today, this is a good choice as it provides them an opportunity to downsize and live among like-minded people.
Difference Between Assisted Living Facility and In-Home Care
However, there is another group of seniors choosing to live independently while remaining in their family home. Some seniors even downsize and arrange for in-home care to support them for specific needs while living on their own. The biggest difference between assisted living and in home involves how care aides assist their clients. In-home care providers for seniors may be responsible for more support than if your parent lived in an assisted living community.
Pros of In-Home Care
One of the major advantages to seniors in their home rather than opting for assisted living involves the rising cost of these live-in facilities. Statistically, costs for assisted living services has risen 3 to 6% each year. For an aging senior on a fixed income, this may be an issue.
Additionally, many seniors are reluctant to leave their long-time homes, neighbors, friends and family and do not welcome the prospect of relocating to a new, live-in facility. Senior home care can alleviate this kind of stress and doubt while also making the prospect of receiving help at all much more palatable to your senior loved one.
In an assisted living community, rent is included along with at least one meal a day and in some facilities, three per day. Activities are available on the premises and in gathering areas such as libraries, music rooms, lecture areas, and atriums where neighbors can meet. When your mother or father live on their own with in-home care for elderly adults, their care provider may help them with meal preparation and grocery shopping or transport them to activities, take them shopping, or provide companionship.
Both assisted living and in-home senior care must accommodate the needs of your parent. Take the time to look through the process and decide what is right for your loved one based on their needs, preferences and personality.
Assisting Hands Fort Myers
If you choose in-home care, Assisting Hands Fort Myers is always available to provide home care assistance for seniors and adults with disabilities. Give us a call at (239) 510-7761 to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Fort Myers, FL and the surrounding areas of Lee County, FL.
