You have an aging parent who needs more care than you can realistically provide on your own. Maybe they’re struggling with daily tasks, experiencing memory loss, recovering from a health setback or simply becoming less safe living independently. How do you know if they should enter assisted living — or if at-home care 24/7 is the right fit for them and for you?
Let’s take a closer look at assisted living versus at-home care 24/7 so you’re better able to make an informed decision.
Defining 24/7 in-home care
Some seniors require ongoing support and supervision yet want to remain safely at home. That’s considered 24-hour in-home care.
With 24/7 care at home there are two options: live-in care and hourly care. Just like it sounds, with 24/7 live-in care a caregiver lives in the home and has designated sleep and break periods, making it a good option for those who do not require constant overnight supervision. For 24/7 hourly care, caregivers rotate in shifts to provide continuous, around-the-clock supervision for clients with more intensive care needs.
A comprehensive solution, 24/7 care at home is tailored to the individual and includes assistance with things like:
- Personal care and hygiene
- Mobility and transfer assistance
- Medication reminders
- Meal planning and preparation
- Light housekeeping
- Companionship and social engagement
- Transportation and errands
- Safety monitoring and supervision
Of course, services can be adapted as care needs change over time.
With 24/7 at-home care, seniors can keep their independence and remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home while getting the support they need.
When you work with a top in-home senior care company like One You Love Homecare, a personalized care plan is created — one that’s based on an in-depth assessment of the client’s physical, emotional, and daily living needs.
Assisted living, explained
So you’re thinking about assisted living for your loved one but aren’t sure exactly what it is or the differences between that and 24/7 care at home? Assisted living communities are residential facilities designed for older adults who need some assistance with daily activities but don’t require ongoing medical or skilled nursing care. Residents reside in private or semi-private apartments while receiving support with activities like bathing, dressing, medication management and meal preparation. In addition, many assisted living communities also provide:
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Scheduled meals and dining programs
- Social events and recreational activities
- Transportation services
- 24-hour staff availability in case of emergencies
One thing worth noting with assisted living is the social aspect. Assisted living is a great option for seniors who need social interaction, as many have a social calendar that encourages participation and provides group sit-down meal options. That said, this all requires residents to move from their homes into a community setting and often follow community schedules for meals, activities and services.
Assisted living has available care, though staff members typically are supporting multiple residents, limiting the amount of one-on-one attention your loved one may receive compared to 24/7 care at home options.
How to determine which option is the better fit
There are several key factors to consider when choosing between 24/7 at-home care and assisted living.
- Level of care needed:
- Seniors with complex needs, mobility challenges or cognitive decline may benefit from continuous supervision
- Assisted living may be most appropriate for those who need moderate assistance but can remain relatively independent
- Importance of evaluating current and future care needs:
- Independence and comfort are important to consider; many seniors prefer to age in place and remain in familiar surroundings
- Home care allows individuals to maintain established routines
- Assisted living requires the disruption of a move and adjustment to a new environment
- Personalized attention:
- Home care offers one-on-one support that’s tailored to the individual needs of your loved one; personalized care plans can adapt over time
- Assisted living staff often care for multiple residents at once
- Socialization and companionship:
- Assisted living communities often provide built-in social opportunities
- Home care can reduce isolation through caregiver companionship and support with community engagement
- Consider your loved one’s personality and social preferences
- Family involvement
- With home care, family members are able to remain closely involved in daily routines and care decisions
- Assisted living may offer peace of mind through onsite staff and structured care
- Cost considerations:
- Costs vary for both options depending on location, care needs and services required
- Assisted living typically includes housing and community amenities
- 24/7 care at home cost depends on the number of care hours needed
- Families are encouraged to compare total costs based on your specific situation
Signs 24/7 care at home may be the right choice for your loved one
Frequent falls. Safety concerns. Wandering or nighttime confusion. These are reasons to consider 24/7 home care for your loved one. Others include:
- Need for assistance throughout the day and night
- A strong desire to remain at home
- Family caregivers are experiencing burnout
- A recent hospital stay or health decline
When it comes to your loved one’s care, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The right choice really depends on their health, lifestyle preferences, safety needs and personal goals. By understanding the differences between 24/7 care at home and assisted living, you’re better able to make a confident, informed decision for your loved one.
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