There may be no more stressful decision than deciding between assisted living and in home care for the elderly and those ageing in place. How and when this decision is made is based on many factors. Research shows consistently that older adults prefer to remain at home if they can. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of assisted living and in home care, and what to consider. Keep in mind that there is no one right answer for everyone.
Evaluating a Home Care Agency
As people age, they often require more help to stay independent and avoid long-term care like a nursing home or other aged care services. This can be due to several circumstances. The most common reasons a family may need help with their healthcare or activities of daily living are the following:
- A fall. Falls are the leading cause of death and disability for people over the age of 65.
- Chronic illness. Any chronic illness can get worse with age. This includes, but is not limited to things like neurological disorders, heart conditions, diabetes, post stroke, etc.
- Cognitive disorders. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be devastating and often get worse over time. This may require help with bathing, cooking, medication reminders, transportation, laundry, and housekeeping.
Benefits of In Home Care
The main benefit of in home care is that a family member can remain in the comfortable surroundings of their home. People feel safe in their own homes. There is a certain comfort and feeling of control that comes with being home. There are other benefits that you may not have even considered about care in the home like:
- Flexibility. Accessing any kind of home care assistance is a difficult transition to make. Bringing a paid Care Worker into the home offers flexibility. Start low and go slow! A Care Worker can start with a few hours a day of assistance and this can increase in time to allow for an adjustment period.
- One-on-one attention. A home care agency worker is assigned, and that person is committed. They devote themselves to your family member during the time they are scheduled.
- Personalised care. You can work with the home care agency to create the exact type of care your loved one desires. This can include both their physical and emotional needs. Favourite foods or activities can be incorporated so your loved one can continue to enjoy the things they love while receiving care in the home.
Cons of In Home Care
In home care is not without its own challenges, but most of those can be managed with some education and preparation.
- Home Care agency staff turnover. Recognise that the Care Worker you like so much may move on, or your loved one may request a change. Often, a new Care Worker brings a different perspective and can be an incredibly positive experience. Understanding whether the home care agency employs there workers, or uses agency staff will help.
- Cost. The price of in home care may eventually exceed what you or your family member can afford.
Evaluating an Assisted Living Community
Assisted living is congregate housing that helps with the activities of daily living. Meals are included, along with medication dispensing, housekeeping, transportation, and limited nursing. Any of the circumstances that contribute to the need for in home care can also lead to assisted living placement. Some people decide to move to assisted before they need it, and others wait until the last minute. Usually this is due to cost and a desire to remain at home.
Benefits of Assisted Living
For family members that are actively involved in caring, assisted living can relieve much of the stress involved. This is often because:
- There is someone available 24 hours a day to provide home care assistance
- Many assisted living communities have medical services that will come to your family member to provide healthcare on-site
- Socialisation opportunities and activities are plentiful
Cons of Assisted Living
Assisted living does have drawbacks as well. These include:
- Price increases. Assisted living costs can soar when your family member needs more care. In most cases, the more care someone needs, the higher the cost. Assisted living rates tend to go up every year regardless of care needs.
- Lack of individual attention. Although Care Workers are available, the staff to resident ratio may not be adequate. There can be significant wait times to get assistance.
- Lack of choice. You don’t get to choose your neighbours, when to eat dinner or whether or not you’re allowed to have a pet. Moving into assisted living is moving into a ready-made social community and often a one-size-fits-all model.
Tips for Comparing Costs
Comparing costs of in home care with assisted living is complex. That is because costs for both are often dependent on where you live. Costs also depend on the number of hours you need in home care. Conversely, assisted living pricings depend on the community and the level of care that is needed. At some point, the cost of in home care may exceed what the highest level of assisted living would cost. You also must consider what your loved one values most when it comes to receiving aged care services as they age. Speaking to a Care Advisor from Home Care Assistance can help you determine how many hours of care you might need, and which option is best for yourself or your loved one and their in home care needs.
Tips for talking about Care with your loved one
Having a discussion with your loved one about care may be one of the most difficult and critical conversations you will ever have. Starting things off on the right foot and with the right attitude will save time and stress later. Keep the following in mind:
- Ask what your family member wants. Amazingly, this question is often not ever asked. Fighting against what your loved one wants is a losing battle.
- Show respect. You will have your agenda and want to make your views known, however, respect and acknowledge the views and concerns of your family member first.
- Work as a team. Collaboration is the hallmark of co-operation.
- Be willing to compromise. You may not get everything you want but starting with something is better than nothing. For example, you can start with a little bit of in home care each day with the idea of building upon that care later.
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to deciding between in home care and assisted living. Changing circumstances may dictate a flexible attitude. Remember, engaging your family member in the process is critical to everyone’s success and well-being.
