Have you arrived at the crossroads where Mom or Dad needs the extra care and attention that you just can’t offer some or all of the time? Or, does your loved one receive in-home care, and you want to know more about assisted living facilities to see if that could be a viable option for you?

This article will answer those two questions and more. Our goal is to help you understand your options so you can get your loved one the care that they need. Let’s begin by looking at home care and assisted living facilities separately, then draw some conclusions afterward.

What is Home Care?

According to research done by AARP, three out of four adults age 50 and older would rather age at home. It’s the place where seniors feel safest and where they can live comfortably in familiar surroundings.

Home care offers daily assistance, companionship, and transportation for seniors living at home. The level of care depends on the individual’s needs, but it’s important to emphasize that home care does not include nursing care.

Caregivers provide personal care and household help to seniors. Many home care services include assistance with:

  • Meal preparation
  • Bathing
  • Toileting
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
  • Light housework

A significant benefit of home care is that it offers one-on-one companionship. Aging adults often lose some of their mobility and spend more, or all, of their time at home (outside of doctor’s office visits). Professional caregivers get to know the seniors they spend time with and enjoy discussions with them on a wide range of topics. Having someone to sit and talk with is irreplaceable to seniors.

Many home care aides will also plan in-home activities to keep seniors engaged, such as playing games, reading aloud, listening to music, or just watching a movie or television program the senior loves.

With home care, the caregivers’ focus is based on your loved one’s needs and lifestyle. Many agencies offer a complimentary home visit to meet with you and your senior, discuss your needs and how the agency will meet those needs.

Home care most often allows the family to choose the caregiver, and families always have the opportunity to monitor interactions.

What Are Assisted Living Facilities?

Assisted living facilities provide care services and housing to active seniors who aren’t able to live independently. These facilities help seniors with activities like eating, bathing, and dressing, but they don’t provide ongoing skilled nursing care.

Many assisted living facilities help the senior through:

  • Medication management
  • Meal services
  • Housekeeping or laundry services
  • Social activities
  • Assistance with activities of daily living

Assisted living facilities can provide either short-term or long-term care. Some facilities require that a contract be signed for a minimum amount of time (much like a lease), but some of those facilities only require a 30-day notification of a move, such as the senior coming home or relocating to a nursing home.

Assisted living facilities offer around-the-clock care and have aides available day and night as needed.

Which Is Best For You?

Considering that 75% of seniors want to remain at home, home care is the first option for many families. Quality of life impacts a senior’s mental health and being in the home they love provides an excellent quality of life.

Assisted living facilities are a good choice if a senior needs round-the-clock care, but you’ll also find home care agencies that offer 24-hour care.

A good place to start that will help you make the right decision about care for your loved one is to meet with a home-care agency and find out what services they offer. Home care is generally less expensive than having a loved one live in an assisted living facility.

Learn More About Our Home Care Services

If you decide that home care is the right choice for you, contact Virginia’s premier home care agency, AmeriCare Plus. We offer personal care hourly, or we provide live-in care in the security and comfort of your home. Call us today at (844) 407-2273 and schedule a free assessment. Put our 26 years of experience to work for you and your family.

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