As a family caregiver, choosing between in-home care and assisted living is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make for your aging parent. It will impact their health, happiness, and quality of life in their later years. With your own emotional and physical bandwidth already stretched thin, weighing these options can feel completely overwhelming.
However, understanding a few key differences between the types of care can provide clarity during an otherwise uncertain time. Keeping your parent’s best interests at the center, while also considering your own needs as a caregiver, allows for the best outcome for everyone.
Here are four important things to know about in-home care and assisted living as you determine the right senior care solution:
1. Level of Care Is Similar, But Personal Attention Varies
The care services provided are quite similar between the two options. Neither in-home caregivers nor assisted living staff are required to have nursing degrees. The main difference lies in the level of personal attention your parent would receive. With in-home care, the focus is exclusively on your parent, allowing for more one-on-one interaction. Assisted living staff juggle caring for multiple residents at once.
2. Costs Can Be Comparable or Even Less for In-Home Care
Many assume assisted living, with its all-inclusive pricing, is better value. But factoring in your parent’s needed care hours, in-home can cost the same or less in some cases. You don’t want to overpay for care services not fully utilized. It’s also key to note that neither option is covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
3. Both Settings Allow for Companionship and Social Engagement
In-home caregivers can provide customized activity planning focused on your parent’s interests. They also often form meaningful friendships with clients through the close interactions. While assisted living facilities offer built-in social settings, workload and staff turnover can inhibit deeper connections.
4. Beginning with In-Home Care Allows an Easier Transition
Starting care at home enables your aging loved one to adjust to having assistance without the stress of relocating. And it gives you time to prepare for a future assisted living move. Transitioning from assisted living back home is much more complex and disruptive.
Assessing Your Unique Needs and Preferences
While your parent’s willingness to move is a major deciding factor, closely evaluating their evolving requirements will determine if assisted living is ultimately needed or not. Starting with in-home care, even if only for a short time, can provide relief for you as the family caregiver during an emotionally taxing period. It also enables your loved one to gently acclimate to having help before considering a larger life change.
Making the initial senior care decision does not need to feel defeating or permanent. Taking the time upfront to understand your options will empower you to choose the best solution for your family, both in the present and going forward.