As your loved one ages, there may come a stage when you have to decide whether they will be better off receiving in-home care or whether they should be shifted to an assisted living facility. Before making such a huge decision, it is best to compare the two types of care and also consider your loved one’s overall health and wellbeing so you can make a more informed decision.
Benefits of In-home Care
Many seniors cherish their independence. So, if you think your loved one requires care based on a fixed schedule, in-home care would be the right choice. It allows them to enjoy their freedom and independence and this have a carer who comes at an appointed time a few days in a week to offer the necessary care.
Usually, in-home care is the perfect choice for someone who has just returned from rehabilitation or hospital and requires help in the short-term. You can also opt for in-home care if they have a fixed schedule.
If you are the primary caregiver, choosing in-home care could be just the support you need. It will give you a break so that you can rest, relax and enjoy some me-time.
Benefits of Assisted Living
Sometimes, in-home care may not be the right choice for a loved one. In such as case, it is important to consider an assisted living facility, which can accommodate an older person’s changing needs as and when the need arises.
In an assisted living center, there are full-time staff who interact with the residents several times throughout the day. This allows them to figure out each individual’s routine. If the notice anything out of the ordinary, they ensure the person gets timely care.
Assisted living is particularly beneficial for anyone with mobility issues. In an assisted living facility, there is always someone to help a mobility-restricted senior with housekeeping and personal care tasks as well as outside chores. Moreover, an assisted living facility allows older individuals to socialize and mingle with similarly-aged and likeminded people who also live in the community.
Dangers of Seniors Living Alone
Unless you are living with an aging family member round the clock, you will always be worried about their health and welfare. This is especially true if your loved one is beginning to show signs of early cognitive impairment. This means they may not be able to perform daily living activities without help.
Also, when seniors live alone, they risk tripping and falling and this increases their chances of breaking their hip, sustain serious injuries or even death. Many seniors, who live alone, risk social isolation, making them depressed. So, they may not be adept at handling their nutritional needs, personal hygiene or even taking their medication on time. This can worsen their age-related health issues.
Why Assisted Living Has Become the Number One Care Option for Seniors
Since it can be unsafe for seniors to live on their own, assisted living may be just what you seek for a loved one. In fact, if you think that your loved one is unable to take care of themselves, you should speak to them about moving to an assisted living facility.
Seniors realize that it is unfair to ask other family members to put their lives on hold and take care of their needs. While an older person may not love the thought of moving to assisted living, they are pragmatic enough to realize that it is the best possible option for them. This is the main reason that assisted living has become the most popular option for seniors.
