Four Reasons to Choose In-Home Care Instead of a Senior Living Community
Today, older adults have a wide variety of options when it comes to needing assistance and support. Many choose to move to a senior living community instead of staying in their own homes. Some fear becoming a burden to their families while others don’t have strong family support to successfully age in place.
Moving to a senior living community may seem very appealing, especially if it is new and on paper looks like it can meet all your requests. However, what looks great on paper may not be the reality once the senior moves in. Fortunately, there is another option for seniors who need assistance at home. That option is to receive in-home care provided by Visiting Angels Chesterfield-Richmond. Here are four reasons to choose in-home care instead of moving to a senior living community.
In-Home Care is More Comfortable
No matter the size of the apartment, the luxury of the community, or the amenities included, nothing can compare to the comfort of your own, familiar home. Many seniors have spent a lifetime building connections in their own neighborhoods. They know the nuances of their own home and find each squeak in the floorboards to be soothing. Moving to a senior living community can be exhausting and unnerving for some seniors. In-home care allows seniors to receive care where they feel the most comfortable.
In-Home Care is Less Expensive
Although it may seem like in-home care is costly, moving to a senior living community or assisted living facility is rather expensive. Some senior communities require residents to buy in. Although these communities often offer a continuum of care model, it comes at a hefty upfront cost. In addition to the initial costs, residents are responsible for monthly fees to pay for meals, utilities, housekeeping, activities, security, and more. Many seniors fail to consider the ongoing costs of care, nor do they think about how facilities can increase rates with little penalties. In-home care is more cost-effective when you look at the bigger picture. You pay for the services you need.
In-Home Care is Personalized
Another advantage to in-home care is that it is personalized. Most senior living communities have set schedules. Meals are served at certain times and at certain locations. Activities and outings occur at certain times. Depending on your level of care, you may only get a shower on certain days of the week and when it’s convenient for the staff. If you need assistance with dressing, using the bathroom, or mobility, you need to wait for an available staff caregiver to help you. In-home care addresses these similar issues, but on a one-to-one scale. You remain in charge of your schedule and routine. You set your care hours and can choose which days you want assistance. When an in-home caregiver is with you, you are their only concern.
In-Home Care Addresses Alzheimer’s Disease
In-home care is also beneficial for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Many families assume their aging loved one needs to move to a memory care facility when dementia enters the picture. However, moving someone in the early to moderate stages of dementia can be more detrimental to their well-being. Familiarity and routines are essential for seniors in the early and moderate stages. In-home care can accommodate seniors with dementia. It lets the senior remain in a familiar environment, surrounded by their personal and comforting items. In-home care helps to keep them safe and grounded in routine. It also allows them to remain with their spouse. Memory care facilities are not designed to house spouses without a dementia diagnosis.
If you’re ready to get started with in-home care, look no further than Visiting Angels Chesterfield-Richmond. We are experts at providing care for seniors. We offer customized care plans, schedule care in accordance with your routine, and get to know your needs and preferences to successfully match you with the skills and personality of a caregiver. We understand that making all sorts of decisions about your future care needs is not an easy task. We hope to ease your burden. We are available to consult with you about scheduling, costs, and care, and can even schedule an in-home visit. Simply contact us today by calling 804-423-6500 so that we can learn more about your situation.