As the baby boomer population continues to grow older, studies are now showing that by the year 2020 there will be over 64 million people over the age of 65 living in the United States. As more and more people are looking to the internet to find options on how they should prepare to age, they are starting to find more non-traditional options of care like home care to age in place. Although people are still choosing to use the assisted living option, we decided to do some more research to find out some of the things you should consider when making this choice.
Accessibility to Care
Home Care
One of the benefits to having senior home care is that they can provide a range of different services that can help with your basic daily living activities (bathing, light housekeeping and medication reminders) all in your own home. They can also provide more complex services like home physical therapy, dementia nursing care, and help with recovery after surgery. A home care worker can come in a couple hours a day, or a few times a week. Although all these services will help you to remain in the home, it is important to plan ahead and consider how much care you and your loved one will need and when you will need it.
Assisted Living
While living at an assisted living facility you will always have access to care whenever you need it. You may find yourself in need of additional care but your loved one may not. Some facilities will allow you to move into other parts of the facility to deal with additional care needs like recovery after surgery. Once that need is taken care of you are able to move back to your previous room. This can be very beneficial to couples who have chosen to move into a facility together. It is important to ask if these services are available, not all assisted living facilities offer this option.
Familiarity
Home Care
Have you ever noticed that you can find your way around your home even in the dark? Or notice the moment that something is out of place or missing? This is a benefit of aging in place. Many people who start to exhibit symptoms of dementia can benefit from staying at home in a safe and familiar place. Senior home care can offer dementia home care services that can include fall prevention safety. These checks can include removing/securing loose rugs, and installing safety devices like bathroom grab bars and handrails. Another benefit to having home care is that as dementia progresses a home care worker can also help to provide more information to doctors who can help with more treatments and adjust their plan of care.
Assisted Living
For a lot of seniors moving into a living facility can cause a lot of confusion and distress. Most times it’s a family member who has made the decision to place their loved one into the facility. If your loved one is dealing with dementia moving into a new place surrounded by strangers can not only be very upsetting it can cause feelings of abandonment as well. You can help with the process by visiting the facility prior to move in to help get your loved one more familiar with their new home and friends. It will also be especially helpful to be there for the move in process and visit weekly until they get a sense of comfort for their new home.
Long-Term Cost
Home Care
With senior home care services, you are only paying for what you or your loved one requires on an hourly basis. You will not be paying for any additional services that are not using and you can always adjust the plan of care as you or your loved one needs.
Assisted Living
When it comes to assisted living all your expenses are included into the monthly rate. This includes food, activities, and care. You are required to pay the rate even if your loved one is not using all the available services that are provided in the assisted living facility.
As you can see there are many positives to consider when looking at home care and assisted living facilities. It is important to do the research on local home care companies and assisted living facilities in your area. Meeting and visiting the facilities will help to ensure that you make the best choice for your family and your loved one.
