When it’s time to make a living change for you or a loved one, the options may feel overwhelming. With so many different types of care, deciding the best option is challenging. This blog will explore home care vs. assisted living and factors you need to know to make an informed decision.

What is assisted living?

The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) defines assisted living as “serving individuals who generally need help with daily activities and some health care services, but do not require 24-hour ongoing skilled nursing care services for extended periods of time.”

Assisted living provides a supportive living situation for seniors who do not need full-time care but cannot live fully independently. Residents maximize and maintain their independence for as long as possible, and the transition to higher levels of care may be smoother. Assisted living provides personalized care to each resident’s specific need level.

Assisted living at Heritage Pointe is supportive and comfortable. We provide personal senior care, support, and assistance with the activities of daily living, so residents can remain independent while having the option of support when they need it. If care needs increase, the transition to higher levels of care is seamless.

What is home care?

Seniors who can live independently but need help with activities of daily living may decide to receive in-home care if they are not ready move to an assisted living community. Home care allows seniors to age in place while receiving extra help with day-to-day chores.

Through home care, a caregiver comes into the home full-time or throughout the day to perform needed chores or care services such as:

• Personal care — bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, eating, taking medications
• Household chores — cleaning, grocery shopping, yard work, laundry
• Meals — grocery shopping or cooking
• Transportation — driving senior to and from appointments, picking up medications

It’s important to do your research when hiring a home health care specialist. Medicare offers a tool that locates Medicare-certified home health agencies. Check references before hiring a person or company to ensure they will be a good fit for your loved one.

The cost of home care vs. assisted living

The cost of home care vs. assisted living all depends on what level of care you need in the home, where you live, and what services you need. Home care is customizable — most home health services charge by the hour. On a national average, full-time assisted living was slightly less expensive than full-time home care.

When considering the cost of assisted living vs. home care, it’s also important to keep in mind the additional services that come with assisted living that home care does not provide. Assisted living offers easily accessible social activities and social connection opportunities home care likely will not. Research shows broader social interaction keeps older adults more active, providing mental and physical benefits.

At Heritage Pointe, your monthly rental fee goes beyond a place to stay. Included in resident’s fee is rent utilities, three meals a day, physical therapy, fitness classes, transportation, resident events, and more. It’s important to bear in mind costs and chores that you can avoid by living in assisted living. You won’t have to worry about yard maintenance, getting to and from appointments, cooking every meal, etc. Assisted living allows you to focus fully on your health while enjoying amenities and social connections.

Deciding between home health care vs. assisted living

As you navigate the decision between home health care or assisted living, the Heritage Pointe team is here to answer any questions you or your loved one has about our assisted living services.

For more information about Heritage Pointe, connect with us today and learn more about our community or schedule a visit.