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How Does Home Care Differ from Assisted Living?

Gentle trained nurse helping mature patient

If you are searching for senior care for a loved one, this information from The Wesley Community will help you learn more about in-home care and assisted living.

When a senior in the family starts to require extra assistance, their loved ones are often unsure what type of senior care is the best solution. It’s easy to understand why that is. Navigating the maze of senior care options can be confusing and intimidating.

One common question is how in-home care services differ from those offered by assisted living communities. While there are many similarities between these two types of senior care, there are definite differences to consider as you make a decision.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits provided by each of these types of senior care.

Assisted Living versus In-Home Care: Understanding the Differences

A senior may find that an assisted living apartment gives them the best of two worlds. Assisted living residents receive the support they need to live a safe, healthy life, while still enjoying the privacy and independence that comes from having their own apartment.

Here are a few services and benefits you will find in most assisted living communities:

  • Private apartment or suite: Assisted living residents typically have a private apartment or suite designed with safety in mind. Grab bars, wider doorways, fire-safety systems, and emergency-call alerts are just a few standard features.
  • Personal care: Caregivers are available to assist with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and other personal-care tasks. This support allows an older adult to safely live in a private assisted living apartment.
  • 24-hour caregivers: One of the biggest challenges family caregivers face is managing an older loved one’s needs during the hours family members are can’t be there. For example, an older adult may require assistance getting to the bathroom during the middle of the night when a family caregiver is not present. In an assisted living community, caregivers are on-site and available to provide assistance around the clock.
  • Social and wellness activities: Life enrichment activities and wellness programs are one of the primary reasons seniors choose an assisted living community. These varied activities enable residents to stay mentally and physically engaged each day.
  • Well-balanced meals and snacks: Assisted living residents often see meal time as an opportunity to socialize with neighbors. But meal time is more than just a social occasion. Assisted living communities create meals with varied menus that are both nutritious and delicious. Some communities even have professional chefs on staff.
  • Housekeeping and maintenance: Another benefit of assisted living communities is that housekeeping, trash removal, and laundry services are provided. Apartment maintenance and repairs are also included.
  • Transportation: A popular service offered to all residents is complimentary transportation. Assisted living communities often have vans or shuttle buses that can be utilized for shopping trips, community outings, physician appointments, and more.

The Wesley Community has a registered nurse available to oversee health care needs and supervise medication management.

Understanding In-Home Care Services

For older adults who need extra help but do not want to move from their homes, in-home care services might be a good fit. With this senior option, caregivers come directly to a senior’s home to provide necessary assistance.

A few of the services typically offered by home care providers include:

  • sensitive companion care to promote socialization, such as playing cards and doing crafts
  • personal care assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming
  • dietary support that includes menu planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparations
  • assistance with light housekeeping, linen changes, and laundry tasks

Depending upon the agency, some in-home care providers also offer medication reminders, assistance with oxygen, and help with prescribed exercises. These types of tasks are usually performed under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Call The Wesley Community With Questions About Senior Care

In you live in the Saratoga Springs, New York area and have questions about senior care, call us at (518) 587-3600 to learn more. We can also set up a time for you to stop by and talk with one of our experienced team members in person.