What’s Right For You: Home Care or Assisted Living?

Choosing between a caregiver in your own home or moving to an assisted living apartment can seem like a confusing choice. One moment you’re walking the dog daily, preparing your own meals, and enjoying regular social engagements with friends or groups. The next thing you know, your sweet dog hasn’t been walked in months, you don’t have the energy to navigate grocery stores, and you notice you’re beginning to feel lonely and/or depressed. Does this mean you can’t take care of yourself? At what point do you know it’s time to begin looking into hiring a caregiver or putting in your application(s) to local assisted living apartments?

Consider the following questions and answers to determine which type of care would be best for you or an aging loved one.

Do you need serious medical attention on a regular basis?

In most cases, excluding Hospice, home caregivers are not trained, licensed, or able to care for, or administer regular medical treatments to, seniors who are seriously ill. If you require routine medical care, an assisted living facility may be your best bet. On the other hand, in-home care providers are able to assist with day-to-day living tasks. This includes bathing and grooming, medication and/or insulin reminders, meal preparation, physical therapy and exercises, etc. If you prefer to remain in your home but aren’t sure if a caregiver can provide the type of care you need, contact a local licensed caregiver service. They will schedule a free consultation and can make a recommendation based on your needs.

Are you able to take care of the basics, but need help running errands, driving, getting around, etc?

If you are relatively healthy, but can no longer drive, tire easily, or need help getting around, a caregiver might be the perfect choice. Assisted living facilities are a huge investment and remove you from your comfortable and familiar surroundings. In-home care providers can schedule a caregiver for a few hours a week, a few hours a day, or provide companionship around the clock. You can create a schedule that meets your needs, provides personable and sociable companionship, and allows you to take a well deserved break while someone else does the errands for a change. This includes cleaning your house, shopping, organizing, mail sorting, walking the dog, etc.

Do you love living at home, but find you get a little lonely from time to time?

In addition to physical limitations, aging brings other unwanted consequences, like saying goodbye to beloved friends and older family members. Even if you have family close by, busy schedules may not allow them to visit you as often as you’d like. A caregiver can serve as a companion. When you consult with your prospective home care provider, they will discuss your interests, likes/dislikes, personality type, etc. and match you with a caregiver who can visit with you as often as you like, keep you company doing the things you enjoy, and can even cook meals for you every once in a while. However, if you feel your house is too big or you are ready to move to a new space, assisted living facilities can meet both your social and physical needs.

Today’s seniors and their families are fortunate to have such a variety of elder care options. Making the right choice now can help to provide the platform for a longer and more quality life. In many cases, at-home caregivers provide the perfect stepping stone for seniors who are not ready to make the leap to an assisted living facility, but would like a little help and companionship from time to time.