Both in-home care and assisted living offer seniors extra help with their day-to-day needs. However, there are significant differences between the two services that may make it clear which one is right for your elderly loved one. In-home care provides valuable care services in the comfort of your home or your loved one’s home.

Assisted living care is provided in an assisted living facility. If you’re trying to make the decision between which senior care service is right for your loved one, here is a guide to better understanding the two services, including their pros and cons, and how to determine which one is best for your family.

What Is Home Care?

Home care services are provided in either your home or your loved one’s home. An in-home caregiver or caregiving team will come to the home for a certain number of hours each day on a predetermined schedule. They will offer support with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and eating. Some in-home caregivers offer more specialized services, and you can also hire a caregiving agency that offers skilled home care or in-home nursing care, so it’s important to be clear about which services your loved one needs when you’re looking for a caregiver.

An in-home caregiver can also provide companionship and a greater sense of safety and security, which can help your loved one avoid isolation and depression while still maintaining some of their independence.

What Is Assisted Living Care?

Assisted living care is more specialized care and amenities provided in a community living environment or facility. Your loved one would have access to 24/7 care and support, and would either live in a private apartment or private room in a facility with other seniors.

Assisted living facilities typically provide assistance with the tasks of daily living as well as meals, housekeeping, laundry services, transportation, social events, community activities, fitness services, and more. They may also offer more skilled services such as nursing care, medication administration, and health management. The services can vary, so it’s important to clarify what services and amenities are included when you tour a facility.

What Services Are Typically Included With In-Home Care?

In-home care services can vary depending on the caregiving agency you use and the type of care your loved one needs. The most common types of in-home care are:

Licensed medical professional care
Non-medical paraprofessional care
Memory (dementia) care
Alzheimer’s care
Joint replacement care
In-home hospice care

If your loved one requires specialized care due to a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s, you should hire a caregiver who offers specialized services. If your loved one has extensive medical needs and requires medication administration, medical monitoring, or medical treatments, you should consider in-home skilled nursing care or licensed medical professional care. The most common services provided by an in-home caregiver are:

Assistance with the tasks of daily living, such as toileting, bathing, grooming, personal care, dressing, eating, and mobility assistance
Companionship
Light housekeeping
Grocery shopping and meal planning
Meal preparation
Medication reminders or medication management
Transportation to medical appointments or social activities
Help with tasks around the home
Memory care activities

What Amenities and Services Are Included With Assisted Living Care?

The amenities provided by an assisted living facility will vary widely from facility to facility. Some facilities offer more high-end, resort-style amenities, while others are very basic. The services will also vary depending on what type of assisted living facility it is. The most common types of assisted living facilities are:

The most common amenities you’ll find at assisted living facilities are:

Dining rooms, cafeterias, or on-site restaurants and eating areas
Common areas for socializing
Community gardens or pet parks
Gym or fitness center
Pool or spa
Beauty salon
Community rooms for events and activities
Movie theater
Private rooms or apartments
Transportation to social activities, shopping malls, entertainment, and medical appointments

The most common services provided at assisted living facilities are:

Grocery shopping
Laundry
Housekeeping
Home maintenance
Medication management or administration
Medical care or nursing care
Concierge medical care
Mobility assistance
Assistance with the tasks of daily living
Meal preparation
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Speech therapy

What Are the Pros and Cons of In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living?

Looking at the pros and cons of in-home care vs. assisted living can help you make your decision:

Pros of In-Home Care:

Can stay in the comfort and privacy of their own home
Won’t need to get rid of belongings
Will enjoy companionship and socialization
Can reduce the risk of isolation and depression
Offers flexible care on your schedule
Can improve home safety and comfort
Is a less stressful transition for your loved one
Your loved one can keep their pet

Cons of In-Home Care:

May not be a viable long-term solution if your loved one has major medical needs
Your house or your loved one’s house may not be safe enough for in-home care
Your loved one will still have time alone unless you hire a caregiving team that works 24/7
24/7 in-home care can be expensive

Pros of Assisted Living Care:

More advanced levels of care
Around-the-clock care
Flexible levels of care to meet changing needs
Enhanced safety and security
Wider range of amenities
More opportunities for socialization
May be able to keep their pet with them

Cons of Assisted Living Care:

Typically much more expensive than in-home care
Meant to be a permanent or semi-permanent solution
Your loved one may have to move to a different facility if their needs change
It may be hard to find a reputable, comfortable, and affordable facility in your loved one’s city
Your loved one will not have as much privacy
They will not be able to keep all of their belongings
They may not be able to bring their pet with them

What to Consider When Deciding Between the Two Services

There are some important factors you should consider when deciding between in-home care and assisted living care:

Your loved one’s personal needs and preferences
Your loved one’s health and the level of health services they will need
How easy it is for your loved one to get around without assistance
Your budget and how you will pay for services
What family support is available to you and your loved one
What community resources are available to you and your loved one
The recommendation of your loved one’s doctor

Learn More About the Benefits of In-Home Care in Southern Arizona

Our experts at Placita In Home Care can help you and your family get the home caregiving services you need in Southern Arizona. Our experienced, compassionate caregivers provide assistance with daily living activities as well as companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and transportation to medical appointments and social activities.

We also offer free home safety evaluations and assisted living placement services. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation to discuss your options for in-home care.