At first glance, in-home care and assisted living facilities may seem very similar. After all, once a senior moves into an assisted living facility, their assisted living apartment now becomes their home. This is where most similarities stop, however.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities are designed for seniors who are at least semi-mobile and able to perform most of their own care. Seniors may require support with daily living activities, but the level of care and support is generally light. Housekeeping, laundry, and local transportation are often included as part of the monthly rent; however, additional supports are generally purchased separately.
What is In-Home Care?
Integrity In-Home Care is designed to meet a senior’s unique and specific needs. Seniors do not need to be mobile or have any specific degree of functionality. While in-home care provides support for seniors who simply need light housekeeping support or companion care, services are also available for seniors who require comprehensive, round-the-clock supervision and support, intensive personal care, and even assistance with eating, drinking, and toileting.
Assisted living facilities generally come with a wide array of calendared events, trips, games, outings, and social opportunities. Many facilities have courtyards, gardens, swimming pools, fitness centers, or even adjacent golf courses. Granted, the cost of the facility is in direct proportion to the amenities provided. With in-home care and support, seniors have the recreation and entertainment options that they spent their lives acquiring. While they may not always be as extensive as those in an assisted living facility, they are the games, activities, and events that the senior actually enjoys and wants to spend their time enjoying.
Perhaps the greatest difference between assisted living and in-home care is the availability of personal attention, care, and flexibility. The level of assisted living care is pretty standardized at each facility. Should a senior’s condition deteriorate, there is a great likelihood that they may not be able to remain at their current location and may need to transition to a skilled care facility or nursing home. With in-home care, supports and services are designed specifically for the senior, can be adapted as necessary, and can be adjusted to meet a senior’s changing needs. In fact, Integrity In-Home Care creates plans that are assessed every six months, at a minimum, to ensure each senior is receiving the care and support they need and desire. When a caregiver shows up at your senior loved one’s home, they are not “making their rounds”, they are there to focus 100 percent of their time and attention on making your loved one’s situation as excellent as possible.
