Home Care vs. Assisted Living: What’s Right for You?

If you or your loved one is in need of some additional support, such as medical care or assistance with daily tasks, you may be considering home care or assisted living. Both of these options offer unique benefits depending on your needs, preferences, and budget, so be sure to carefully consider the advantages of each before making a decision.

What Is Home Care?

Home health care services provide medical and personal support through attentive, licensed home health aides, right in your own home. This type of care is typically used to help clients recover from surgery, an injury, or an illness; manage chronic health conditions or disabilities; or maintain independence and improve comfort and quality of life.

Home care may range from a few hours of support per week to full-time care. It is highly customizable based on your condition and preferences.

Home care services may include:

• Skilled nursing, such as health education, diabetes management, medication administration, and wound care, delivered by licensed nurses (RNs and LPNs)
• Personal care assistance, such as help with bathing, dressing, and grooming and mobility support
• Light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, prescription pickups, meal preparation, and transportation to appointments

Benefits of Home Care

With home care, you will be matched with a carefully chosen caregiver who will build trust, meet all your support needs, and even provide companionship.

• Personalized care: Home health care provides one-on-one attention, with customized care plans based on your medical conditions, personal routine, and unique preferences.
• Familiar environment: Receiving care in the comfort of your own home can reduce anxiety, especially for those who seldom leave the house.
• Independence: Home care allows you to maintain your routine and lifestyle and plan support services around your schedule.
• Cost flexibility: If minimal support is needed, home care may be more affordable than an assisted living community.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a residential care option designed for older adults who need help with daily activities but do not require intensive medical care. These communities often provide an independent suite with the convenience of communal meals, social activities, and 24-hour support in a warm and friendly environment.

Assisted living is ideal for those who are mostly independent but may benefit from some assistance with daily tasks and a socially engaging environment.

Assisted living services may include:

• Help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, and taking medication
• Housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance services
• Nutritious daily meals served in a communal dining room
• Recreational activities, social events, exercise programs, and group outings
• Emergency response systems and on-site staff for safety and assistance

Benefits of Assisted Living

Assisted living’s blend of independence, care, and socialization creates a lifestyle that’s the best of both worlds – you’ll thrive in the active environment among your peers, but with a press of a button, a nurse can be there to help.

• Socialization and stimulation: Assisted living provides a social environment where you can make friends and stay engaged, which will combat loneliness, improve mental health, and enhance overall quality of life.
• Maintenance-free living: Assisted living residents never have to worry about home repairs, lawn care, shoveling snow – everything is taken care of.
• 24-hour staff: Round-the-clock support ensures safety in case of an emergency, offering peace of mind for both residents and their families.

• Comfort of routine: Scheduled meals, wellness programs, and planned activities help residents maintain a healthy and active routine.

Care Any Way You Need It With Christian Health

We offer a comprehensive continuum of care and services to meet any need – from our warm and welcoming assisted living community, Longview, to our reliable home care agency, Home Care Options. To find out what care option best suits you or your loved one, please call (201) 817-4622 to speak with an admissions counselor or arrange a tour. We look forward to answering your questions and helping you find the best solution for your care needs.