Home Care or Assisted Living? 3 Key Differences

Understanding and selecting the best care option for a loved one can be challenging. If you are juggling between home care or assisted living, here is some information to help in your research and decision-making process.

If it is time for professional care, the process of selecting the best and most appropriate solution for your loved one can be daunting. This is an emotional decision for both you and your loved one. You may find that you do not know where to start, what to look for in a provider, or the types of services available in your area. Two of the most common choices for care are home care and assisted living. Both options can offer care for seniors and other adults, but, there are several key differences between the two options.

What is Home Care?

Just as the name suggests, home care is care in the home. With professional home care, a caregiver goes to a clients home and provides services and support that allow them to remain independent. According to AARP, 75% of older adults would prefer to age in the comfort of their own home; the aim of home care is to make that a reality. Some in-home care providers, such as Comfort Keepers, provide both personal care, such as bathing and toileting, and companionship services. Is home care the right option for your loved one and their needs? Home care is a great solution if your loved one needs nonmedical care, and has a desire to remain in their home.  

What is Assisted Living?

Unlike home care, assisted living communities provide personalized care in a residential setting. If your loved one requires a high level of medical support that cant be achieved by home care services or if they have a desire to be in a care facility, assisted living may be the appropriate choice.

Home Care vs Assisted Living: Hours of Care

One of the biggest differences between home care and assisted living is hours of care. Because home care is provided in home, care hours can be customized from a few hours of support each week to around-the-clock 24 hour care, depending on your loved ones needs. In-home care is very flexible in terms of service hours and dedicated care hours can be adjusted based on changing needs. Since assisted living is typically performed in a residential setting, hours cannot be customized.

Home Care vs Assisted Living: Cost

If you are searching for care for a loved one, one common question is “how much does it cost?” Because each client's needs are different, the cost of home care depends on your loved one's unique situation and the number of caregiving hours required; home care cost is based on an hourly rate. The fewer care hours that your loved one needs, the lower the cost.  Alternatively, assisted living communities usually charge a monthly fee that cannot be customized based on need. The average cost of assisted living care in Indiana is $4000 - $6000 a month depending on the community. In most cases, home care is a more affordable solution than the alternative. 

Have questions about the cost of Comfort Keepers home care? Call us today at (574) 626-4336 to learn more about our services, rates, and process.  

Home Care vs Assisted Living: One on One Support 

One of the biggest benefits of home care is one on one support. With in-home care services, like Comfort Keepers, your loved one is matched with the best caregiver for their unique situation, and they receive one on one care. Assisted living on the other hand is less personal and your loved one may be one of many seniors needing support. 

Interested in learning more about home care in Logansport or the surrounding area? 

At Comfort Keepers, we take pride in providing seniors and other adults with the services necessary to remain independent in the comfort of their own homes. We have provided in-home caregiving support to many seniors and other adults in Logansport and the surrounding Indiana area needing a variety of support services. Call us today at (574) 626-4336 to learn how we can help your loved one.