As our loved ones get older, we want to provide the best possible care for them. What happens when our care isn’t enough? It may be time to consider a more realistic option. Of the many decisions to be made about ongoing care, one is choosing the type of care they will receive. Will that mean home care or assisted living?
What do Homecare and Assisted Living Have in Common?
In basic terms, homecare means that your loved one will stay at home. Assisted living means that they will move into a facility. In both options, your loved one will
- Receive Quality Care and Companionship
- Live in a Safe Environment
- Receive Advice and Care with
- dietary decisions
- exercise
- administering of important medications.
These needs will be met through assisted living or home care. They will just be met in different ways.
Home Care Can Encompass Basic Needs or Skilled Care
Home care can mean a very basic level of assistance. This means running errands, doing some light cooking and cleaning, and helping with limited mobility. This type of care means that no medical needs are met. It is just someone who helps your loved one with daily tasks. This option can come in the form of a daily drop-in, an all-day stay, or a live-in assistant. They can help with personal care, pet care, and general companionship.
Home care can also mean medical care. If your loved one needs medical attention, a skilled home care specialist can be a better option. Medical professionals will come to the home and care for a variety of needs. One level of medical home care means taking vital signs, administering oral medications, and helping out with therapy services. Other skilled caregivers can help with IV medications, diabetes care, catheter care, and more. Still, other caregivers are skilled in assisting with memory care, Alzheimer’s treatment, and other types of cognitive decline. There are several levels of medical home care available.
What does Assisted Living have to Offer?
Some characteristics of assisted living are quite different from what is available at home care.
- Tiered Care
One feature of assisted living is something called tiered care. This means that as your loved one enters assisted living in an active state, they will be monitored closely, and as their mobility gradually slows, care will be offered to bridge that gap.
- Wellness Programs
The administrators and caregivers at assisted living facilities want their residents to remain in good health. They will have wellness programs like exercise classes and dietary counseling to help everyone stay healthy.
- Social Activities
Assisted living facilities usually also organize social events like trips to the movies, parks, and other events to help them remain social and active.
Assisted living will provide an environment that is a home away from home as well as a community, to help seniors feel comfortable, active, and healthy.