When the time comes and an older family member needs help in their daily life, a difficult but necessary choice lies ahead – do you allow them to stay in their home or move them into assisted living? Whichever you choose, there may be realities that you and your family do not like. In this blog, we hope to inform you of some pros and cons of each decision and help your loved one transition to a new chapter of their life. Assisted living facilities are communities where seniors who can not live independently live in a communal space under the supervision of staff members. In-Home care refers to hiring a caregiver who will come into the home and help with daily activities to the extent they are needed. Family and friends may also contribute to the responsibilities. However, realistic goals must be set to ensure the senior in your life is being taken care of.
Financial Considerations
You might think that allowing your senior family member to stay at home would save you money; they would not be moving and paying rent for an entirely new place. However, the financial burden that will be placed on you for assisted living facilities and in-home care will vary greatly depending on the type and amount of care your loved one requires.
In general, a senior living and operating independently will not need a full-time caregiver; therefore, in-home care will be less expensive. Assisted living facilities come with many amenities, such as food, community, and events, with staff costs only being one part of the cost. Because assisted living facilities do not have a 1-1 staff-resident ratio, in-home care will become much more expensive as the number of hours worked per week helping your family members increases. Furthermore, even if your senior does not currently need extensive daily help, seniors are at a higher risk of injury during even routine activities, which may lead to unexpected higher costs in the future.
Social Considerations
In-home care generally provides a close one-on-one relationship between the caregiver and the senior. For an older family member who craves a close relationship with someone, a caregiver can provide that and more if hired for an extended period. However, due to the nature of in-home care, this relationship and social experience will be primarily confined to the inside of the home. Seniors have a much harder time navigating outside, and seniors who have reached the point of needing assistance are even more unlikely to be able to navigate outdoors in unsafe environments.
Assisted living facilities are large communities of similarly aged adults living together. They can provide lasting friendships and relationships, even if individual staff members can not grow as close to their residents as in-home caregivers. Assisted living facilities are also designed in a way to provide a safe, enclosed area for seniors to explore independently under the supervision of staff. Compared to staying inside all day, the ability for residents to get out and about and interact with friends at their leisure has been shown to improve their mood and happiness dramatically.
Here at A Banyan Residence, all of our staff are trained professionals ready and willing to help your loved one as much as possible. Call for a tour today if you are considering care for your senior family member.
