The Benefits of In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living
As we age, the need for assistance becomes more prominent. Traditionally, assisted living has been the common route for families seeking additional assistance for their aging loved one. However, there are many reasons why in-home care may be the more suitable route for your loved one, and Placita In Home Care is here to help you discover them.
Understanding In-Home Care
In-home care is a resource for seniors who need an extra hand but want to remain in their own homes. In-home care provides assistance with a range of daily activities, such as bathing, grooming, meal preparation, social stimulation, light housekeeping, and beyond. There are also several different forms of in-home care that are uniquely designed to accommodate specific needs, such as Alzheimer’s care or joint replacement care.
Greater Sense of Independence
The independence that in-home care grants is unparalleled and is a leading reason why many seniors prefer in-home care rather than assisted living. Remaining in their own homes, surrounded by their belongings, in a place they feel comfortable without having to live on a schedule curated by an assisted living facility allows a senior to live with a greater sense of independence and dignity. As we age, we may feel as though we don’t have full control over every aspect of our lives. In-home care can provide a senior with a sense of control over their own choices.
Personalized Care
In-home senior care is a personalized service designed to accommodate the unique needs of a senior. It can be obtained as frequently or as infrequently as desired and it may include as many resources as the senior and their family see fit. As a custom-tailored service, seniors and their families have the ability to choose what works for them and change or update their care plans. Furthermore, in-home care can include additional services that accommodate specific challenges, such as memory care needs or recovery needs following a joint replacement.
Familiar Surroundings
When a loved one moves to an assisted living facility, the family may feel more at peace knowing their loved one is secure. However, the senior may feel withdrawn and removed from their place of comfort. Assisted living is not always the ideal setting, and in many cases, seniors thrive when provided with in-home care support in familiar surroundings. Not only does it make them feel more comfortable, but in-home care can be beneficial to those with memory care needs, as they may feel confused, anxious or agitated when moved to a new place, such as an assisted living facility.
Quality Time
In-home care promotes more family time, and greater happiness and comfort. Assisted living facilities may not be near family and require driving, checking into the welcome area and then spending time in a small room or common area. In-home care let’s a senior remain in their home, which may be a gathering spot for your family, encouraging more quality time spent with loved ones, which improves a senior’s quality of life.
Specialized In-Home Care Services
In-home care is not a one-size-fits all approach. There are many types of in-home care that provide families with options when it comes to deciding on senior care services. Some of the most common types of in-home care include the following:
- Senior Care
- Home Safety Evaluations
- Alzheimer’s Care
- Memory Care
- Joint Replacement Care
- Hospice Care
Enhanced Safety
In-home care services offer home safety evaluations, as seniors have a higher risk of accidents. While assisted living facilities do a great job at ensuring their premises are safe, a senior’s home can also be made accident-proof as well. Home safety evaluations involve a comprehensive walk-through of the senior’s home to identify any areas of concern that may pose a risk to their safety and health. An in-home care professional will recommend changes and modifications that can be made to enhance safety in the home to ensure the senior can live comfortably without the presence of hazards.
One On One Attention
At an assisted living facility, a senior will be given attention by the staff on duty. However, the staff will be changing for each shift and they must divide their time between several people to ensure everyone in the facility is being cared for. With in-home care, a senior has access to one on one attention with the same in-home caregiver, which allows them to build a solid relationship and trust within their care service. This benefits the senior, as they develop a loving relationship with their caregiver, and it also benefits the family of the senior, as they can feel comfortable that their loved one is in the best hands.
Relief for Caregivers
Family members often take on the responsibility of being their loved one’s primary caregiver prior to seeking in-home care or assisted living. Being a caregiver is one of the most noble, selfless jobs one can take on. However, it can be challenging and cause strain as the caregiver tries to balance their own needs alongside the evolving needs of their loved one. In-home care allows loved ones to play an active role in their senior’s care plan without forcing them to carry the weight of the care plan. In-home care offers loved ones a break when they need it and provides them with support as they overcome hurdles in their loved one’s health and wellness.
Structure and Stability
Assisted living facilities provide seniors with a structured lifestyle, which can be advantageous, especially if they are navigating specific health conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. In-home care can also contribute structure and stability, as in-home care plans are entirely customizable and can be structured to provide your loved one with a set routine that enhances their quality of life. It allows them to remain independent as they handle their needs in their home while also giving them the support they need to make sure their daily necessities are handled in a timely manner.
Hospice Care
The end-of-life transition is never an easy reality to face. Assisted living facilities offer resources so individuals can spend their remaining days comfortable and pain-free. However, being in an unusual place that doesn’t feel like home can affect the quality of their end-of-life journey. In-home hospice care allows a senior to be comfortable, safe, and connected during their hospice time, surrounded by familiar belongings and people that add value and substance to their life. This can provide them with a greater sense of dignity and can facilitate family time, enabling them to make meaningful memories with their loved ones.
Learn More About the Benefits of In-Home Care Today
In-home care is a value-adding resource that enhances the quality of a senior’s life while providing support for their loved ones. Placita In Home Care is a leading provider of in-home care services, with an array of personalized options that ease senior care needs with compassionate professionals who treat your family like our own. For more information on the benefits of in-home senior care, contact the friendly professionals at Placita In Home Care today.