Care support for the elderly comes in many forms such as in-home care and assisted living

Should you opt for quality home service care or an assisted living facility? This is a BIG DECISION for seniors and their loved ones. If you are finding it difficult to choose between the two types of care, this article is to the rescue. Explore the pros and cons of each and make an informed decision without hassle!

What is In-Home Care?

In-home care refers to at-home services provided by companion caregivers to seniors. It is one of the most sought-after services today. House service care providers are in high demand and for good reasons. They provide several services that encompass companionship, supervision and personal care. In-home care providers are ideal for seniors who cherish the comfort of their homes but need professional care that their loved ones cannot provide.

With house service care, a senior can age comfortably in the four walls of their home. The service typically entails skilled health care along with non-medical offerings. The caregivers are well-trained and groomed for the job. In-home care is vastly beneficial for seniors and their families. Services provided include:

• Personal care
• Supervision
• Companionship
• Medical care and assistance
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Grocery shopping
• Logistics
• Errands
• Meal preparation and medication administration
• Daily living assistance including toilet use, walking, bathing, dressing and eating

The Pros of In-Home Care

Varied care Services

House service care is the best option for individuals with several care requirements. The service provides both non-medical care and skilled health care as the case may be. Sometimes it is a combination of both. Non-professional home caregivers take care of menial tasks like housekeeping and meal preparation. While medical caregivers include registered nurses and healthcare aids. They are often employed for seniors with certain health conditions that require supervised medical care.

The Sweetness of Home

Most seniors would rather remain home than move to an unfamiliar environment. With house service care, seniors can age surrounded by their immediate environment and amid their friends and loved ones. This helps boost their health and well-being. The thought of ageing in a strange facility can induce anxiety.

Freedom of Choice

The senior and their family can choose and screen the caregiver, whereas an assisted facility does the selection. With freedom of choice, the senior or the family can choose a caregiver that is tailored to the senior’s specific needs. They may also get the chance to personally know the caregiver during interviews which provide a basis for healthy companionship in the future. And instead of receiving care from different caregivers, they get one-on-one care from a specific caregiver of choice.

Comes Cheap

In most cases, home service care providers do not charge exorbitant amounts. Though prices may differ per the level of care required, it is typically limited to menial services, hence the affordability. Per contra, assisted living facilities are more expensive than in-home care as you have to pay for the patient’s 24/7 care along with residential utilities. Also, you can easily get home service providers from reputable websites like the House Service App.

The Cons of In-Home Care

Social Isolation

Though in-home care comes with several benefits, it can cause social isolation. This can lead to or exacerbate certain mental conditions like depression, anxiety and cognitive decline. It is even more prominent in cases where the senior’s family or loved ones are not involved in their life.

Modification Challenges

Seniors that use support medical equipment like wheelchairs or crutches may find it difficult to navigate their homes. Because most houses are not structured to accommodate this equipment, you’d have to make modifications that allow accessibility and ensure safety.  And of course, this costs money and the need for expert specialists to do the modifications.

What is an Assisted Living Facility?

Assisted living facilities cater to individuals who require minimal ageing care daily. In these facilities, residents receive a wide range of care on a 24-hour basis. However, they don’t offer long-term care. Assisted living facilities are synonymous with boarding homes that house seniors with ageing needs.

Like in-home care, they help seniors with daily tasks like bathing, eating, taking medications and etcetera. However, they are not the best option for seniors who suffer from cognitive or behavioural issues — as they require professional care from specialists. Sometimes, residents of assisted living facilities graduate from nursing homes or move back home depending on their needs.

The Pros of Assisted Living Facilities

Promotes Social Interaction

Seniors who live at home seldom socialise with others. Lack of social interaction can take a toll on their mental well-being. Research has shown that seniors who regularly interact with others are the happiest. Assisted living gives room for social interaction. Seniors in these facilities do social activities together like watching movies and playing games. They also make friends with each other and hold meaningful interactions.

Restores Independence for Seniors

Sometimes, seniors are devastated by their loss of independence when their family or neighbours take care of them. Having to depend on their loved ones for simple tasks makes them unhappy with themselves. But in a facility, they can re-capture some of that independence and do as they please without anyone fussing over them.

The Cons of Assisted Living Facilities

It Limits Privacy

While seniors appreciate the social perks that come with living in a facility, they also crave moments of privacy. Seniors may want to be alone sometimes, but it is nearly impossible when you live with lots of people. It can be overwhelming and suffocating.

Provides Limited Medical Care

Most people believe that seniors receive quality medical care in assisted living facilities, but this is not the case. The majority of assisted living facilities only provide basic medical care. Thus, it is not ideal for seniors who require specialised medical care for medical conditions like Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Verdict

Whether you choose in-home care or assisted living depends on the senior’s needs and unique circumstances. Seniors with health conditions or who appreciate their privacy and homes will benefit better from professional home service care. You can hire a skilled healthcare giver to attend to the senior’s health needs or a non-professional companion caregiver to help with daily tasks. On the other hand, seniors with minimal health issues who crave social interaction and need a sense of independence can opt for assisted living facilities. Ultimately, the ball is in your court!

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