Assisted Living vs. Home Care

Author

Visiting Angels - Durango

Posted on

Mar 03, 2023

Book/Edition

Colorado - Southern Colorado

If you’re contemplating senior care options for a loved one, you’ve probably heard about “assisted living.” You may have looked for information on various assisted living facilities in your area. Did you know in-home care can also be an option — even if your loved one is living with a condition that causes health, cognitive, or mobility challenges?

The main difference between assisted living and home care is the location where the care is provided. Assisted living refers to support provided in a residential facility, where your loved one may reside in an accessible apartment, townhome, or suite with a private bathroom.

Home care is provided in your loved one’s residence without the need to relocate to an assisted living facility. Home care enables seniors to age in place in the comfort of their own homes with familiar surroundings and routines.

What Services Are Provided by Assisted Living vs. Home Care?

Assisted living facilities and home care offer similar personal care services, including help with the following:

  • Grooming
  • Dressing
  • Bathing
  • Toileting
  • Errands
  • Cooking and meal preparation
  • Laundry
  • Light housekeeping
  • Mobility and transfers
  • Medication reminders
  • Transportation

However, in-home personal care professionals will provide dedicated, one-on-one care at your loved one’s home. An in-home caregiver will focus entirely on your loved one’s preferences, comfort, and safety.

Assisted living care is provided by facility staff members, who may care for multiple residents during each shift. As a result, it may be more challenging for team members to provide the level of personalized care your loved one may need.

What Is the Cost of Assisted Living vs. Home Care?

Costs vary across the U.S. for assisted living and home care services. However, assisted living usually comes with a higher price tag — and often requires residents to make a significant, up-front financial deposit before moving into the facility.

On the other hand, an in-home personal care provider can offer flexibility and home care cost savings if your loved one needs assistance at certain times of day, such as first thing in the morning, at bedtime, or overnight. For example, Visiting Angels will customize your caregiver’s schedule so you’re not paying for services that aren’t needed.

At an assisted-living facility, residents pay one price for 24/7 care, whether it’s necessary or not. Assisted living facilities often offer amenities, such as exercise facilities, social clubs, trips, and meal plans. Although these amenities may be convenient, they also drive up the overall cost of care. When considering care options, ensure your loved one will use these amenities to justify the higher price.

What Else Do You Need To Know About Assisted Living vs. Home Care?

Other differences between assisted living and home care include:

  • Assisted living facilities often have a waiting list for residential openings, while home care services can typically start within a few days.
  • In-home care can be canceled at any time with two weeks’ notice, while assisted living involves a permanent move to a new facility.
  • In-home personal care providers do not offer medical care, but some assisted living facilities may have medical providers on staff who can deliver health care services.
  • Living in a congregate setting such as an assisted living facility may increase the risk of contracting colds, flu, stomach bugs, and other contagious illnesses compared to aging in place with in-home personal care.

Learn More About Visiting Angels’ Personalized Home Care

Choosing between in-home personal care and an assisted living facility is a complex, highly personal decision, and it’s essential to explore all your options. If you are considering in-home personal care services, Visiting Angels offers free in-home consultations for older adults and their loved ones. During the consultation, a Visiting Angels care coordinator will answer your questions, learn about your loved one’s care needs, and discuss how in-home services might be able to help.

Contact Visiting Angels today!

If you're interested in our compassionate home care services for you or a loved one, contact your nearest Visiting Angels home care agency today or call 800-365-4189.

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How To Find the Best Assisted Living Facility in the Pittsburgh, PA Area

What is an assisted or senior living facility? Can it benefit you or your loved one? Will you or your loved one like it? Lets discuss resources and reasons why assisted living can be beneficial and the right choice for you or a loved one. Assisted living in short provides care to the elderly including dining, nursing, and housekeeping. According to the National Center for Assisted Living, there are more than 800,000 people residing in assisted living in the United States. Which is about 2% of seniors in the United States who live in assisted living facilities.As seniors age, they may need help with hygiene, eating, or housekeeping activities to live a full life. When needing care assistance there are different options for you or your loved one. Assisted living facilities focus on the importance of personal care in a facility for you or your loved one. Make sure to talk with your loved one about the choice to move into an assisted living facility. Isolation and loneliness  have been proven to assist in the decline of an elderly persons health. As a resident, daily social activities and conversing with others will help you or your loved one to broaden important social skills at an older age. Being in an assisted living facility can drastically improve overall health by simply boosting your or a loved ones mood. If you or a loved one are feeling isolated or lonely, being in a senior living facility will present the opportunity to meet people and socialize with other residents you may have a lot in common with.It can be difficult to narrow down an assisted living facility thats right for you or your loved one. There are many options available to help fit you or your loved ones needs. The most important part when selecting an assisted living facility is making sure it checks all the boxes. When choosing a community, take time to research and discover what these facilities have to offer.Use the following guide to assist in the decision for the best assisted living facility.Look for Management and Experience in Assisted LivingReputation Having a good reputation in the community is important to the facility, potential residents and families. The best way to judge a reputation is by experiencing it, its easy to make quick judgements so we recommend reading reviews, reaching out to residents or families in the area, and scheduling a tour.Licensing and InspectionsThe state regulates assisted living communities by putting in place protocols, procedures, and sometimes showing up unannounced to the facility. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), regulate nursing homes with evaluations posted on their website but not assisted living communities. Each state regulates assisted living facilities in place of the federal government. Each state is different and usually is monitored by the states health department or social services. To learn more, click here.Longevity of StaffHaving experienced and well-trained staff is crucial to a properly run facility. Staff who have been around the facility for years know the residents well, are very familiar with the facility and are experienced. When assisting residents, you or your loved one want a staff member who knows what they are doing. Having a connection with the staff is important for residents to feel comfortable and trust who is taking care of them.Look for a Friendly Atmosphere and Environment in an Assisted Living FacilityFacility Having a clean facility is crucial to choosing the right one for you or your loved one. The ambience is a big factor to consider when touring, does it feel comfortable, or does it feel off? Is the facility like the pictures online or does it look completely different, many facilities do this to get customers in the door, and its deceiving. In the facility, pay attention if the staff is warm and friendly or if they seem like they dont want to be there. Picture yourself or your loved one walking through the halls or sitting having dinner with residents, its important to feel comfortable. Does the facility appeal to all 5 senses (taste, touch, smell, hearing, and eyesight)?StaffWhen choosing an assisted living facility, the staff is one of the most important aspects of deciding. The staff are going to be taking care of you or your loved one and will be responsible for administering medicine, help with mobility, running engaging activities, and caring for you or your loved ones overall safety. Assisted living staff should be passionate in this line of work, find people you or your loved one connect with and feel comfortable around. If youre looking for ways to see what kind of staff a facility has, to catch a glimpse, poke around on the facilitys Facebook page. Doing this allows you to see into the environment and staff at the facility. Most facilities have social media to keep families and potential residents updated and to highlight special moments.Look for Quality Services and Amenities of Assisted LivingCareCan you or your loved ones needs be met? Will the nurses and staff cater to you or your loved one for your specific required needs? These are the questions to think about before making the final decision where to go. 24/7 nursing is important to have when aging, someone to always be there for you or your loved one in case of emergency. Look into how care is administered and how it is determined to cater to you or your loved one. Ask questions on the tour, reach out to the director, and read all the information the facility will provide you in detail. Also, ask if the facility has a Quality Assurance Manager.TransportationA facility having a service like transportation will give residents the ability to go to their doctors appointments safely or partake in an adventure off property. Its a special service not every facility can offer, families of loved ones can relax knowing theyre safe and provided with the service of transportation.Outside SpaceEveryone needs fresh air. Having a path to walk on or somewhere to be able to sit and get fresh air is important, especially in assisted living, its easy to become cooped up a lot of the time. Getting outside and moving your body will help feelings of isolation or sadness. Ask the facility if they have outdoor patios and how often they use them. Look for some vitamin D!Some facilities offer many different types of amenities like an ice cream parlor, barber shop, hair salon, library and more!Look for Safety Features Offered in an Assisted Living FacilitySecurity & Call SystemIf you or your loved one suffers from Alzheimers or dementia, having security implementations such as Wander Guard will help monitor you or your loved one. If a resident tries to leave the building alone, its a simple way to help avoid accidents and to keep everyone safe. Having a call system in place will help with the safety of you or your loved one. Residents can notify nurses if they are not feeling well or have fallen, its a system that helps staff be aware of issues in the building since they cant be everywhere at once. The call system is a feature that helps bring families peace of mind because they know their loved ones are in constant care, which is better than at home.Ask for Their Recreational Activities Calendar of Assisted LivingInterestMany facilities offer a wide variety of social and recreational activities for residents, with a lot of diversity to cater to different interests. When researching facilities, focus on activities that interest you or your loved one and that seem fun. At an assisted living facility, there are more options than if at home, but its still important to find activities you or your loved one will enjoy. Facilities that offer a variety will be super helpful in creating a wonderful atmosphere. Some facilities offer night owl calendars, the purpose of night owl is to have residents stimulated if they cant go to bed or enjoy staying up late.  From indoors to outdoors to exercise classes and happy hours, many facilities offer a lot of options for residents to socialize.FamilyWith the hundreds of activities assisted living facilities can put together, important activities also include family involvement as well as the community. Having a facility that enriches and encourages families to come and visit their loved ones is important to help maintain close bonds. Holiday parties with family and birthdays can help residents stay connected.Look for Assisted Living Quality Food ServiceDietary NeedsMost people have different needs or specific restrictions when it comes to their diet, especially as they age. It can be recommended by your doctor, an allergy, or a personal choice. Making sure a facility offers special dietary services is an important feature. 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Each facility will work differently for everyone based on their financial situation and each facility offers different services to residents. Find whats best for you or your loved one!This checklist is meant to help get you or your loved ones mind thinking about important aspects to consider when discussing moving into assisted living. There are many attributes that pertain to where you or your loved one make the choice. Its important to do the research and investigate certain features that would help make the decision easier. It can be difficult to narrow down the right place, especially with cost being a large factor of where you or your loved one will go. Use resources to help in this decision and trust your gut!Lets further discuss key points on why assisted living could be the right choice for you or your loved one:Reason 1:- 24/7 NursingHaving nurses on site 24/7 is a game changer for you or a loved one. It gives you and family members peace of mind that there are medical professionals readily available if anything were to happen. Having a caregiver who is professionally trained will help residents to live a happier life. As much as family or friends want to help, they do not have the experience nurses do. Some facilities do not offer 24-hour nurses because they dont have enough staff or money in their budget. They will still have access to nurses but not 24/7 or sometimes only virtually, its up to you or your loved one which is preferred.It can be hard to accept if you or a loved one needs assisted living care but recognizing it and finding the best fit is worth the hardship. The sense of safety you can give yourself or a loved one will be extremely beneficial to both sides. Usually, families want to do everything they can and become their own versions of nurses. There comes a point in time when medical professionals will make the world a difference on both sides, while also giving the opportunity to gain a group of supporters and advocates for you or a loved ones health.Reason 2: Having a 24/7 Activities CalendarKeeping social has its many benefits for seniors. If you or a loved one are introverted, its easy to become lonely and isolated. Being alone has proven to have negative effects on mental and physical health. Taking part in socialization may improve your memory and is a way to have fun! The reason for 24/7 activities is to intrigue every type of resident, whether that be at late afternoon or 3 in the morning because they cant go back to bed after taking their medication. Or they cant sleep because they miss their family, so they find a friend to play cards with. The purpose is to always have the opportunity for residents available regardless of time.During the day, a resident may be too tired to do anything but by nighttime, they feel better. This gives everyone the opportunity to socialize on their own time. Some residents are night owls, others early birds, both have the chance to do what they want and when. If you or a loved one are looking for a chance to improve your mental health, consider and participate in activities that are offered because there are bigger reasons behind them. For example, playing cards frequently can help improve your or a loved ones memory and cognition. Cards help with short-term memory as recalling a move quickly is important, as well as hand eye coordination. 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When picking options, have them be desirable and beneficial to what you or your loved one want.Reason 4: DiningIndependence is easy to take for granted, having it taken away or fighting a loved one over it for their safety is difficult. With assisted living, loved ones are monitored constantly without being invasive, to allow the opportunity to still be independent. They can go on walks, take a yoga class, or participate in field trips all while having nurses assist at every event they choose to attend. If anything were to happen, they wouldnt be alone.Reason 5: Feel at HomeIf you or your loved one suffers from pain or difficulty getting around, assisted living can help relieve those struggles and provide comfort. Having professionals monitor medications or assist with hygiene activities will help you or a loved ones quality of life. Its not a secret as someone gets older, it is more of a risk for them to be alone or to be doing activities theyve always done. Being a resident of assisted living will help bring an extra level of safety to you or your loved one that families cannot bring. As safe and secure someone may feel with their own families, it is not always the solution especially if they have their own lives to live.Reason 6: SafetyWhen an elderly person is living alone, they usually have housework to upkeep or laundry to fold. But what if the washer and dryer are in the basement and its a hazard to walk down a steep flight of stairs. Not only does this pertain to safety but joining an assisted living facility can also allow for more free time. Not worrying about the laundry being folded, the dishes being clean or the mailbox being completely full.Pittsburgh is known as one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania according to Niche. It is rich in American history and known as the City of Bridges having 446 of them. There are 195 assisted living facilities in the Pittsburgh area, they offer different opportunities for levels of care and costs.Pittsburgh is a place where different age groups can find multiple activities to do. Being in assisted living wont stop you from still enjoying the city you live in if youre able. Look into the local arts and culture of Pittsburgh, like the Warhol Museum.When it comes to deciding when to go into assisted living, its important to plan. Coming to terms with accepting help or realizing you or your loved one needs a change in their environment requires some deep thinking. There is a lot going into a decision as big as this one: family, pets, current home, or if facility care is the right choice. Check out this planning guide for a mental and physical checklist to help you or your loved one feel better prepared.If you or your loved one do choose to become a resident at a senior living facility, the standard is to be well taken care of daily. 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Easing Senior Isolation After the Winter Holidays

Helen, a vibrant 78-year-old who thrives in the hustle and bustle of the winter holiday season, hosts gatherings and participates in longstanding family traditions. Come January, the sudden silence of her home, now void of guests and decorations, can feel overwhelming. This abrupt shift from constant social interaction to minimal contact is one of the main reasons seniors feel lonely after the holidays. This situation is, sadly, very common, says Meshelle McKendry of Right at Home of Glenwood Springs. The winter holidays bring a flurry of activity and companionship that can brighten seniors lives, whether they live alone or in a senior living community. But once the decorations are packed away and families return to their routines, a stark quiet can settle in, leaving many seniors feeling isolated. 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