Which is better? Assisted living facilities or home care

There are times when you need to ponder about the type of senior care you need to opt-in for the older adults or your grandparents in your house. The obvious solution for most is home care services, which cater to the patient’s requirement and comfort factor. However, there are times when you need to relocate for a job. It becomes risky to leave an older adult alone at the house with home care personnel for fixed hours. Even though you can opt-in for 24×7 care, you need to consider several aspects before opting in for that. During such a situation, most people want to opt-in for an assisted living facility.

Whether you are opting-in for home care or assisted living, it is necessary to make a few essential considerations. It will help you to make an accurate decision.

Home care services

Due to the pandemic outbreak, most people opt for home care services, maintaining security protocols. Today, you can find home care agencies in Manhattan and elsewhere, providing trained professionals who know how to take care of the senior citizens and older adults. However, a few considerations that you need to make are:

1. The condition of the patient

You need to assess the patient’s condition before you decide on a home care service. Is the older adult or senior citizen completely bedridden? Can he or she walk and get the necessary errands done? If the patient is entirely bedridden, you need to appoint a 24×7 home care service and ensure that they carry out the duties accordingly.

2. The caregiver’s experience

Is the caregiver experienced enough to assist an entirely bedridden patient? For this, you need to ask the concerned caregiver a set of questions, estimate the efficiency level, and make an informed decision.

3. The patient’s comfort

Is the senior citizen comfortable with having a caregiver to assist him or her? Some patients aren’t satisfied with anyone other than their family or friends. In such a situation caring for the individual will become challenging.

4. The cost

Last but not least, you need to consider the cost. It is essential to calculate whether a home care service will cost you an excessive amount or cost-effective. You need to weigh and assess the cost pros and cons and then arrive at a final decision. Usually, there is a discount when you opt-in for home care for 24×7.

The assisted living units

Older adults and senior citizens who need partial assistance opt for assisted living facilities because it provides them the necessary care and independence. It also gives them the scope to mix with other people, which reduce social isolation. Also, if a senior citizen needs extra care, there are special medical attention and other facilities. Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients can benefit manifold from assisted living units. However, before you decide to opt-in for one, here are a few questions to consider:

1. The location

As you search up the assisted living directory, you need to check the assisted living unit’s location that you want to opt-in for. It is essential to ensure whether the area has good transport options. Also, check whether the area is prone to any political and social unrest. A place that has a record of social riots is not the right choice for a senior citizen.

2. The assistance offered

Different assisted living communities and units provide varied assisted living facilities. However, the usual ones include meal facilities, helping individuals complete their daily errands, grooming, and primary medical care. You need to check whether these activities will be apt for your parents or grandparents. If they need special attention for specific reasons, such as dressing or taking medicines, check whether you can arrange for the same or not.

3. The community involvement

Most assisted living units have community activities and events to promote community involvement. You need to check the activities the assisted living unit organizes and how it helps cut the isolation. Check the people who live in the community and understand whether your parent or grandparent can adjust to this community or not.

4. The room facilities

It is essential to check the room’s condition, and the assisted living community’s cost is charging for the same. Usually, the residents get one spacious room, bathroom, and dining space. Some assisted living communities can also help customize the residents’ area and provide a shared dining space. You need to check whether that would cater to your requirement.

Both assisted living and home care services are a good option for senior care. You need to consider the points mentioned above and decide the option that caters to your requirement and budget. Also keep in mind the patient requirements to select the best choice.