Choosing Between In-Home Care and Assisted Living: A Helpful Guide

Coming to terms with the fact  that your aging loved needs assistance to live safely on their own can be difficult.  The decision whether to move them to an assisted living facility or hire an agency like Visiting Angels to provide care in their home is a big one, and both have their own advantages and disadvantages. To make the best choice for your family, it’s important to look closely at the options while also taking into account your loved one’s preferences and care requirements.  This article will look closely at the pros and cons of assisted living and in-home care to help you determine which is the best choice for your loved one’s situation.

Home Care: Personalized Care in the Comfort of Home

Advantages of In-Home Care:

• 1 to 1 Care: Home care provides a caregiver that is focused entirely on your loved one’s needs, providing the care and attention that isn’t possible at an assisted living facility. This 1:1 care makes a huge difference in their health, especially for those living with chronic illnesses or unique needs. For that reason, we are often called to assist aging adults that have already moved to a senior living community (assisted living, independent living, or even memory care), to supplement the facility’s care plan when they don’t have the staffing capacity or resources to give your loved one the specialized attention they need. 
• Comfort and Familiarity: We all know there’s no place like home, right? Staying in familiar surroundings reduces stress and anxiety, which is important for anyone, especially seniors. The comfort of home along with their personal belongings and memories can have a truly positive impact on their mental health. 
• Cost-Effective: In-home care can be surprisingly affordable. It is now standard at most senior communities to require a non-refundable deposit that does not cover care for your loved one. Oftentimes there are additional deposits/fees that help cover facility costs, but are not applied toward any personalized care for your senior. With home care you have the flexibility to choose the level of care and schedule that fits your budget with the confidence that you aren’t sacrificing quality.
• Maintaining Independence: Seniors want to  maintain their independence for as long as possible. In-home caregivers make this possible by allowing them to live at home and still receive the help they need with daily activities, personal care, and other household duties.

Disadvantages of Home Care:

• Fewer Opportunities for Socializing: It is easy to feel lonely if you’re at home all the time, especially if you live alone. Unlike assisted living, where you have the opportunity to interact with people your age, receiving care at home means you have to make a conscious effort to find these opportunities. It's important for mental health to make sure seniors are staying connected to friends and family, or getting out to senior activities in the St. Louis Park community, or the community where you live to avoid isolation. 
• Home Modifications: Depending on the specific needs, the home may require some changes to keep things safe and accessible. Things like ramps and grab bars can be expensive, and it may require the family or contractor to spend the time to install and get things set-up. 

Assisted Living: A Community-Based Care Option

Advantages of Assisted Living:

• Connection and Companionship: Assisted living communities provide a welcoming environment where seniors can connect with others who have similar interests and life experiences. Being part of group activities and making new friends can help aging adults feel more fulfilled and engaged. 
• Everything in One Place: Assisted living communities take care of the daily tasks like meals, housekeeping and can also provide medical assistance in some cases. These conveniences allow seniors to focus on the things they enjoy and provide family with some peace of mind, knowing their loved one’s needs are being met. 
• Safety and Supervision: Assisted living facilities provide a safe and secure  environment for seniors. Senior communities usually have staff available around the clock, so seniors have access to help if there is an emergency.

Disadvantages of Senior Living Communities:

• Cost Concerns: Assisted living can be expensive, particularly for facilities that offer higher levels of care. The monthly rent and additional fees for care can add up fast, making it a less affordable option for many families. Additionally, some families are surprised to learn that one-on-one attention isn’t guaranteed, leading to disappointment and regret after making significant financial commitments, such as selling a loved one’s home.
• Getting Lost in the Crowd: Assisted living communities do their best, but sometimes staffing limitations don’t allow them to provide the personalized care families were expecting. In the State of  Minnesota the Department of Health does not mandate staffing ratios for facilities so oftentimes 1 personal aide or caregiver can be responsible for anywhere from 15-30 residents, limiting their availability for call buttons and direct care. Call button response times on average are over 20 minutes, sometimes longer.  And due to the high rate of turnover, it can be hard for seniors to build a consistent, dependable relationship. 
• Emotional Rollercoaster of Change: Moving to assisted living is a big deal, especially for seniors leaving a home they’ve been in for decades. It is a huge adjustment and it is completely normal to feel a sense of loss or disorientation. This type of transition can take a toll on mental health, so it’s important to watch for changes in behavior. 

Making Difficult Choices, Together

Deciding on the right care for someone you love is never easy. We understand firsthand the mix of emotions— worry, hope, maybe even a bit of guilt. It's a big decision, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed.

Assisted living can provide a wonderful sense of community and support, but sometimes, that personal touch, that one-on-one connection, can feel missing. In-home care offers a way for your loved one to remain in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar faces and cherished memories. It's often a more budget-friendly choice, and it can ease the emotional burden of leaving a beloved home.

Even if assisted living is the best path, the team at Visiting Angels is here to walk alongside you. We've helped countless families navigate this transition. Sometimes, a little extra one-on-one care makes all the difference.

If you are interested in learning more about home care services with Visiting Angels, or if you would simply like to discuss your options, please reach out. Our team is available and ready to answer any questions you may have and provide resources and information that could be of assistance. You can reach us with our contact form or by calling 952-935-0789.