What Is Home Care?

Home care services assist with the activities of daily living (ADL) by providing trained in-home help. These services are tailored to individual needs and include assistance with chores and shopping, as well as more advanced round-the-clock aid for seniors who need specialized care. Typical services include meal preparation, minor housekeeping and help with bathing and dressing.

Depending on individual needs, care may involve someone who visits regularly or, when needs are diverse, a care team that includes home health aides, nurses, therapists and physicians. Certain home medical services are covered under Medicare.

Assisted Living Options

Assisted living communities offer all these benefits and more. You live in your own suite or apartment that often includes a living area, bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom. The community provides meals, often in a restaurant-style setting. Some communities may provide basic housekeeping and laundry services for extra convenience. Many create comprehensive activity calendars to encourage socializing, keeping fit and group activities.

As with home care, assisted living communities offer personalized care plans. Residents can receive services such as licensed nursing supervision, medication management and regular health assessments without leaving the community. While residents who drive can keep their cars, assisted living communities often provide transportation services for medical appointments, shopping and group outings.

Reasons to Consider Home Care

Choosing home care lets you stay in your own home with all its memories and familiar furnishings. You receive personalized care provided by the same small team that understands your needs. Although Medicare doesn't cover nonmedical help, you may qualify for specialized medical care in the home.

Living in your own home means you maintain control over daily routines and activities. You eat when you want and are largely independent. You can provide your own transportation for shopping and medical appointments or get it from an aide if needed. If you only require limited services, home care costs are lower than those of assisted living, and there's less disruption to your daily routines.

Why Assisted Living May Be the Right Option

Assisted living offers holistic care with a safety net of support services. It allows you to have independence, but in a more structured environment. You don't need to cook meals unless you want to, and your apartment receives regular housekeeping services. You don't have to worry about maintenance or utilities as these costs are included in the fixed monthly fee. In an assisted living community, you have access to support around the clock and, if you have specific medical needs, these are taken care of by the on-duty medical staff.

Living with people in similar life stages provides greater opportunities for social interaction where you can make friends and get out of your apartment. Many assisted living communities provide landscaped gardens, hobbies in the activity center and a communal lounge where you can relax and read a book. Many also let you bring pets with you.

Choosing Between Home Care and Assisted Living

There are many factors to consider when deciding between home care and assisted living. While the desire to stay in your own home is understandable, moving into an assisted living community provides many benefits. The best way to make a decision is to schedule a visit to see whether an assisted living community is right for you.