When your aging parent needs more help than you can provide, it can be overwhelming to try and figure out what to do next. Two of the most common care options are assisted living and in-home care, but which is right for your senior loved one and your family? Both options have their pros and cons, and our expert team here at Innovation Senior Living is here to walk you through them. Here’s the breakdown of assisted living vs. in-home care so you can feel confident in your decision and find the best and safest solution for your senior loved one.
Assisted Living vs. In-Home Care: What Are the Options?
It can be challenging to decide between assisted living vs. in-home care. Ultimately, it will boil down to your senior loved one’s needs, wishes, preferences, and your family’s ability to offer support. Here’s a brief breakdown of these two care options.
In-home care provides support in your loved one’s home. This might include help with activities of daily living, medication management, light housekeeping, transportation, or simply companionship. Caregivers might visit for a few hours here and there, or they might offer around-the-clock live-in care. This will depend on your senior loved one’s needs as well as their budget.
Assisted living is when your aging parent lives in an assisted living community. Here they’ll have an apartment, daily meals and snacks, enrichment and social connection, and assistance with activities of daily living in a safe and supportive setting. Assisted living communities offer a nice blend of independence and personalized support, and they’re ideal for seniors who can’t live at home independently but don’t need skilled nursing care.
When Is In-Home Care Right for Your Loved One?
In-home care might be the right option for your aging parent if:
- Your parent wants to age in place and their home is safe and accessible – they can navigate it safely.
- They need only light assistance a few hours a day with activities of daily living.
- They have a strong support network nearby to offer transportation, support, and companionship.
- Familiar surroundings are important for their comfort or cognition.
- They aren’t interested in group activities or social living and feel stimulated enough while aging in place.
It’s important to remember that in-home care has its limits, though. How much does 24/7 in-home care cost per month, and can your family afford it? As your loved one’s needs increase, the cost of in-home care will climb accordingly. Sometimes, the cost of aging in place can exceed the cost of assisted living communities. Aging in place also means that you have the responsibility of coordinating schedules with caregivers, as well as taking care of changing and ongoing care needs.
When Is Assisted Living Right for Your Loved One?
Assisted living may be the better choice for your senior loved one if:
- Your parent needs daily help with personal care, meals, or medication management – assisted living communities can offer this support around the clock.
- They’re isolated at home or at risk of falling due to mobility issues.
- You’re constantly managing appointments, safety issues, or caregiver burnout.
- Their current home isn’t suitable for aging safely (e.g., it has stairs, a lack of bathroom access).
- They would benefit from regular social interaction, meals, and structured activities in their daily life.
Assisted living communities offer peace of mind for families who want to ensure their loved one has 24/7 support and access to enriching experiences without the burden of home maintenance or coordinating caregiver schedules.
Cost Considerations of In-Home Care and Assisted Living
Cost can be a big deciding factor when considering assisted living vs. in-home care. In-home care is typically billed hourly, and the cost varies based on your location, the caregiver’s qualifications, the level of support your loved one needs, and how many hours of support are needed. It may start off affordable if your aging parent needs minimal care, but as needs change these costs can escalate to $10,000 or more a month.
Assisted living communities usually charge a monthly fee that includes housing, meals, housekeeping, and basic care and support. The average cost of assisted living communities is often more predictable and can be a more budget-friendly option for seniors who need daily support.
A Checklist: Assisted Living vs. In-Home Care
Still unsure which care option is the better fit for your family? Ask yourself these questions to narrow things down.
- Does your parent want to stay in their current home?
If yes, then in-home care is best. - Do they need help with bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom?
If yes, both in-home care and assisted living can be a solution. - Do they need supervision or support around the clock?
If yes, then both in-home care and assisted living can be a solution but consider the cost of around-the-clock in-home care. - Are they struggling to manage medications or missing doses?
If yes, then they can benefit from in-home care or an assisted living community. - Would they benefit from regular social activities and peer interaction?
If yes, an assisted living community is best to provide enrichment, social interactions, and structured activities with other seniors. - Is their current home difficult to navigate or unsafe (e.g., stairs, clutter, no grab bars)?
If yes, an assisted living community designed to accommodate their mobility needs is best. - Do you or other family members live far away or have limited ability to help regularly?
If yes, assisted living is the right decision to provide support and transportation. - Is it important to have a predictable monthly cost?
If yes, then consider assisted living. Be sure to ask what’s included monthly. - Do they need regular transportation to medical appointments or errands?
If yes, both in-home care and assisted living can be a solution. - Would your parent enjoy living in a maintenance-free, community-style environment?
If yes, then it’s time to consider an assisted living community where they can maintain their independence with the support level they need.
Find the Level of Support You Need at Innovation Senior Living
Choosing between assisted living vs. in-home care isn’t always easy, but our experienced team is here to help you navigate this decision with confidence. Explore how our community at Innovation Senior Living can offer the personalized support, safety, and quality of life your senior loved one needs to thrive. Take a tour of one of our Central Florida communities, or sit down to connect with one of our advisors. We can answer all of your questions and get you the information you need – schedule today!
