If you or a loved one need more care, you may be considering Assisted Living or In-Home Care. But how do you decide? While for some the choice (for either one) is easy, for many it can be difficult to determine what the best option is. Here are some ideas to help you determine the best choice for your family.
Location is Key
Location can be really important for both an aging relative and for your family. If your aging relative has a strong social network where they are currently based, they may not wish to move—and the health benefits of living somewhere with solid social relationships can have an impact too. On the other hand, if your relative currently lives far away from their children and grandchildren, moving to an assisted living facility close to family can be a great way to have them closer to you.
Community Counts
Studies show that having strong social connections is important for senior health. Having strong social connections can help reduce the chances of depression, as well as keep minds and bodies active. For some, in-home care can result in reduced social connections. Many assisted living facilities have strong social networks, allowing elders to engage in hobbies, learn new things, and participate fully in community activities. Boutique assisted living is a growing area you may want to consider, as well—they often include communities based on particular experiences or interests.
Level of Care Matters
In-home care may provide one-on-one services, but in many cases, you may still be alone for large portions of the day. Assisted living facilities have multiple staff members on hand 24 hours a day, so both routine activities and special needs can be attended to quickly and easily. For many, in-home care may be a short term solution while waiting to move into an assisted living facility rather than a long-term option.
Consider Timelines
There are a lot of decisions to be made about in-home care and assisted living facilities, and in many places, there may be waiting lists of various lengths for one or both. If you have a particular facility, location, service, or other item that you are interested in, it’s ideal to not wait until you urgently need to move in. Talking to different facilities early so that you can determine what you’re looking for in elder care—and getting on a waitlist or two early if needed—can help reduce stress down the road.
The process of finding the right elder care solution for your family can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a terrible process! With a little time and preparation, you can find the right option(s) for your family.
