The majority of seniors prefer living in their own homes for as long as possible, yet there inevitably comes a point when they need more care. Knowing the differences between home care and assisted living can help you and your senior loved one plan for the future while promoting greater independence.
Living Arrangements
One of the biggest differences between assisted living and home care is the senior’s primary residence. With home care, seniors may continue to age in place within the comfort of their long-term home, or they may live with a family member with the help of a professional caregiver. Assisted living involves seniors living in either their own room or apartment within a facility.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care Amarillo, TX, seniors can trust and rely on.
Social Opportunities
In an assisted living arrangement, seniors are encouraged to interact with other residents through planned activities. However, family and friends may be limited to visiting during certain hours. Home care still offers seniors social opportunities such as friendly conversation and the option to enjoy community events, and it also makes it easy for families to be involved with their loved one’s care.
Medical Care
Both home care and assisted living are designed for seniors without serious medical needs that require hospitalization. Therefore, neither could be considered to provide medical care. In an assisted living facility, a member of the staff is usually available around the clock to assist with minor health problems or contact emergency services should a need arise. With nonmedical home care, a caregiver can come to a senior’s home to ensure he or she is following an assigned treatment plan, help with medication management, and encourage a healthier lifestyle through proper nutrition and hygiene.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a senior care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Flexibility
Families often find that home care is a more flexible option because a caregiver can focus solely on the senior’s individual care needs. In assisted living facilities, schedules may be in place for meals and other daily activities. Home care can also be arranged for time spans as short as a few hours to 24 hours a day, while assisted living requires a long-term commitment for assistance.
Though there’s nothing wrong with assisted living, most seniors prefer to continue living in the comfort of their own homes. Living with a serious health condition can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Amarillo seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. Call Home Care Assistance today at (806) 803-9991 to find out how we can boost your loved one’s quality of life.