How Should You Decide Between Assisted Living and Home Care?

Take into account your living preferences, support needs and financial situation when deciding between assisted living and home care. Some seniors prefer the comfort and familiarity of aging at home, while others enjoy the social aspect of assisted living.

Regarding care needs, some individuals can live safely and comfortably at home with visiting aides, but others need more frequent or more hands-on services. Also take care costs into account, especially if you don’t qualify for state funding through Medicaid, Medicaid waivers or the location-dependent Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. Although precise costs vary between regions and facilities, the nationwide average fees in 2021 for assisted living are $4,500 monthly, while home care averages $4,957 per month.

Assisted living and home care provide personalized assistance based on tailored care plans. While assisted living communities may offer 24/7 staffing, aides deliver home care services at limited times of the day. Each care type typically includes help with personal care, such as showering, brushing the teeth, dressing, using the toilet and transferring. Aides also assist with other activities of daily living.

Assisted living fees usually include housekeeping, laundry and meals in a maintenance-free setting. Similarly, home care generally covers light domestic duties, such as sweeping, cleaning the bathroom and changing the bed, although seniors must provide all cleaning equipment and products.

Home care aides also usually assist with laundry and, depending on an individual’s care plan, may help with grocery shopping and meal preparation. Seniors living at home may receive some support services from agencies, such as Meals on Wheels. People aging at home are responsible for maintaining their properties, although government and nonprofit programs may assist; home care generally doesn’t cover maintenance services.

Assisted living provides a communal lifestyle among peers, with communities generally offering diverse wellness and life-enrichment programs. Schedules commonly include exercise classes, creative arts, hobbies and outings, with individualized programming crafted to meet seniors’ interests and abilities. Assisted living residents have many opportunities to socialize, and communities usually have a range of shared spaces, such as gardens and lounges, where individuals can relax or associate. Home care recipients remain living at home, typically alone or with their spouse. Although home care plans may include companion hours to reduce isolation, seniors must normally pursue independent leisure and recreation. However, many neighborhoods have access to senior centers, where older adults can join diverse activities. Some seniors, especially those with nearby family and friends, prefer the familiarity and comfort of aging at home, close to their existing social networks.