IT CAN BE difficult to know where to turn for help when an aging parent’s health begins to decline. Assisted living? Home care? Becoming a caretaker for them? There are so many options for support in the senior care industry that it can become overwhelming, and it’s common for adult children and senior parents to struggle to settle on the best solution. While there are some similarities between home care and assisted living, there are significant differences to keep in mind.
What Is Home Care?
In home care, also called private duty care or in-home care, older adults receive the services they need at their homes, enabling them to age in place (at least for the short term) in safety. Professional caregivers can help with anything from light housekeeping duties to personal care and meal preparation. This can be a good option for seniors in the following situations:
- Seniors who regularly require up to a moderate level of assistance
- Seniors with nonmedical needs that can be met with a few hours of support each day
- Someone whose home is easy to navigate safely with any mobility difficulties they may have
Home care can be a temporary solution for an older adult while their loved ones search for the best assisted living community for them. It’s a great way to keep them safe to give their family time to make an informed decision about the next step in their life.
What Sets Assisted Living Apart?
Assisted living helps older adults maintain greater independence. Residents typically have their own suite in a community such as Spring Gardens Senior Living in Mapleton with on-site caregivers available to offer support around the clock. This provides them and their loved ones with peace of mind. In these situations, assisted living is probably the best option for your loved one:
- They’re dealing with mobility challenges that increase their risk of falling
- They’re experiencing health issues linked to isolation, including depression or cardiac disease
- Their security is at risk due to Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia (another important option to consider in this case is memory care)
- They are living in a home that doesn’t have any safety features for their mobility
- They are no longer driving and struggle to find affordable and reliable transportation
- They struggle to keep track of their medication schedules
The Hidden Costs of Continuing to Live at Home
Many older adults assume it’s cheaper to remain in their homes even as it becomes difficult, so they avoid moving into an assisted living community. They might even live in a home that is fully paid off and not have to worry about a mortgage, but there are many other costs to remaining in a private home. Here are some of the biggest ones:
- Utility bills, including cable television and internet
- Home security systems
- Emergency alert systems
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Home repairs and maintenance costs
- Snow removal and yard care
- Property tax and homeowner’s insurance
- Replacement and repair of appliances
- Homeowners Association fees
- Car maintenance costs or transportation service costs
Family members might be able to handle the support of their older loved one if they only need a few hours of help each week, but as their needs increase, it can become a full-time responsibility that is more (and more complicated) than family can handle without professional help. That can result in bringing in overnight or around-the-clock caregivers, and the expenses of those services can add up rapidly.
The Many Benefits of Assisted Living
Assisted living communities might cause some initial sticker shock, but consider the value and affordability of all the benefits that come with it. Spring Gardens Assisted Living in Mapleton includes:
- Private living space with safety features such as grab bars, step-in showers, and an emergency call system.
- Laundry, housekeeping, lawn care, snow removal, and maintenance.
- On-site caregivers, around-the-clock assistance with personal care such as dressing, grooming, and toileting.
- Delicious, balanced meals and healthy snacks prepared on-site.
- Phone services and utilities included.
- Social activities.
- Transportation services.
Find the Best Care For Your Loved One
If you want to learn more about assisted living at Spring Gardens Senior Living and if it’s the right choice for your older loved one, you can learn more about us on our business page. You can also schedule a tour of our community, so make sure to check the map for directions before you head our way.
We’re here to help you advocate for your loved ones!