As our loved one, or we ourselves, starts to move deeper into the “Golden Years” it is time to research safe living environments. It is important to have a place where we can get the assistance with everyday living activities and simply doing what is best and can meet the needs for us.
Many resources are available to help you answer the many questions you may have. Below is a table that includes a general comparison of the options available with Home Care and many Senior Living Communities. Of course various Home Care organizations and Senior Living Communities vary in their services. This is designed to help you understand the general differences between Home Care and many Senior Living Communities.
Both options can be a great fit for seniors, so it is important to weigh the “pros and cons” to determine which living environment is right for the situation at hand. The most important thing to remember is Family Private Care is here to help you navigate the many resources available to help a senior age. Whether your decision is Home Care or a Senior Living Community, let us help connect you to the many options that are available. Family Private Care will do what is right for the family! Below is a general comparison of home care and assisted living; please note that not every assisted living is the same and many offer various programs.
| Description of services | Home Care | Assisted Living |
| Constant one on one care | Yes | Generally not available |
| Care tailored to needs and preferences | Yes | Harder to implement with multiple caregivers |
| Bath/Shower when ready | Yes | Based on communities’ availability |
| Maintain your own schedule | Yes | Based on communities’ availability |
| Choice in the meals you eat | Yes | Very difficult to offer Gluten free and vegan options |
| Stay in own environment with all belongings/age in place | Yes | Change of environment required |
| Keep your pets | Yes | Some allow pets |
| Continued Privacy | Yes | In your personal apartment |
| Able to see your loved one at anytime | Yes | Yes, unless CDC suggests no visitation |
| Live-In services available | Yes | Limited |
| Family can be more involved in loved one’s care | Yes | Yes |
| First step in continuation of care | Yes | Additional moves may be needed |
| Choice of other health care providers | Yes | Cannot choose staff at the community, but communities are generally great |
| Move from one place to another as care needs increase | Generally yes | |
| Turnover of managers/owners | More common with communities, but some have long-term management | |
| Build relationship with one care provider | Yes | May change with needs of the community |
| Flexibility in care arrangements/scheduling | Yes | May change with needs of the community |
| Continued frequent safety checks | Yes | If needed |
| Costs increase as needs increase | Some now offer “all-inclusive pricing” | |
| Tier costs causing confusion | Sometimes | |
| Skilled nursing care | Yes | If needed, would generally be from 3rd party provider |
| Assistance with transfers | Yes | Subjective to regulations of community and state guidelines |
| Veteran’s Aid and Attendance & LTCI can assist with reimbursements | Yes | Yes |
| Total cost generally tax deductible as a medical expense | Yes (check with your accountant, of course) | Can be limited to percentages |
