Navigating the challenges of aging or managing long-term care for a senior loved one often involves deciding between home care or assisted living. Both options offer distinct advantages and cater to specific needs, but understanding their key differences is essential to making the right choice. Below, we’ll explore the unique aspects of home care and assisted living, breaking them down into categories that matter most.
Living Environment
- Home care – Home care allows individuals to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. Care professionals visit the home, providing services that may range from daily assistance with activities like bathing and cooking to specialized nonmedical care. This option is ideal for those who value their independence and want to remain in their communities.
- Assisted living – Assisted living facilities provide a communal living environment where individuals reside in private or semi-private accommodations. These facilities are designed for seniors who may need help with daily living but don’t require the full-time care nursing homes provide. The environment promotes social interaction and often offers shared amenities such as dining halls, activity centers, and gardens.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Oklahoma City, OK, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
Level of Care Provided
- Home care – With home care, the level of care can be customized to the individual’s needs. This may include nonmedical services such as meal preparation, companionship, and household chores or more specialized care like assistance with physical therapy or medication reminders for someone with dementia. The flexibility makes it suitable for people with either minor or extensive needs.
- Assisted living – Assisted living typically provides a moderate level of care, focusing on activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, and assistance during meals. While some facilities may offer medical services, their primary aim is not to provide medical care but to serve as a supportive community for seniors with mild to moderate needs.
The type of home care Oklahoma City seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Lifestar Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Cost & Affordability
- Home care – Costs for home care vary depending on the number of hours a caregiver is required. This can make it an affordable option for those who need only minimal help. However, as the need for care increases, costs can quickly add up, potentially surpassing those of assisted living facilities. Additional costs for home modifications or specialized medical equipment may also arise.
- Assisted living – Assisted living is generally priced as an all-inclusive package covering lodging, meals, and basic care. While the monthly cost might appear high up front, it often includes services such as transportation, housekeeping, and around-the-clock staff availability. Assisted living is a more predictable expense compared to the potentially variable nature of home care costs.
Social Opportunities
- Home care – One downside of home care is that it doesn’t typically offer structured social engagement. Individuals relying on home care may need to actively seek out opportunities for interaction, such as community groups or events, to avoid isolation.
- Assisted living – Socialization is one of the hallmarks of assisted living. Residents often have access to planned activities, group events, and communal spaces that encourage interaction. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are at risk for loneliness or depression.
Independence & Lifestyle
- Home care – Home care prioritizes maintaining the individual’s current lifestyle and routines. It offers a great deal of independence, as services are scheduled around the person’s preferences rather than imposing a structured routine.
- Assisted living – While assisted living provides some degree of independence, the daily schedule and group living setting may feel limiting to those used to a more autonomous lifestyle. However, many facilities do strive to allow residents as much freedom as possible within a safe and supportive environment.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Lifestar Home Care, a leading senior care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. Trust Lifestar Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today.