Should I Choose Home Health or Assisted Living?

As we age, we often find ourselves needing a little more help. Perhaps someone to help do some yardwork, offer a ride to appointments or even more assistance with bathing. So the question becomes, “Should I stay in my home or move to an assisted living community?” That’s a decision many older adults and their family members find easy to put off. It’s a difficult subject to broach because it raises strong emotions. But it’s best to talk about it before a fall or other health crisis forces you to decide without time to consider the options or adjust to the change. To help you understand your options, a definition of each is a good place to start. 

What is home health?

Home care and home health care are sometimes used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. Home health care involves the services of a skilled nurse, while home care provides nonmedical services, such as help with bathing, dressing, mobility and medication reminders. 

What is assisted living? 

In an assisted living community, residents receive the tailored personal assistance they need to maintain as much independence as possible. Residents enjoy various amenities and services, share mealtimes and have opportunities for growth and social connections. People who choose assisted living typically have some difficulties living on their own, but don’t require the constant medical attention that would require a nursing home setting. 

How much help do you need? 

Determining how much help you or a loved one needs to stay safe and healthy is the first step in deciding which option is best – in-home care or assisted living. Here are some questions to consider when determining how much care is needed. 

• Is help needed with personal hygiene?  
• Who does the grocery shopping and cooking?  
• Is the home safe or does it need to be modified with grab bars or better lighting?  
• Does your loved one take their medication on time and as prescribed, or do they need a reminder?  
• Is the person in question living alone and becoming more isolated?  

Write everything down so you can see which services are needed and how much help family and friends can realistically provide. Seeing how much help is needed and who can provide it will give you a clearer picture of where the gaps are in coverage. 

In-home help: pros and cons 

Staying at home is typically the easiest choice for many people who need a helping hand with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating and getting around the house. However, it may not be the best choice. It all depends on how much help you need, your finances and your support network. 

Pros 

• No move is required. 
• One-on-one care can be tailored to individual needs and preferences. 
• The family gets to choose the caregiver. 
• Costs can be lower, depending on hours of care needed and caregiver skill level. (According to the 2023 Genworth Cost of Care Survey,  the monthly median cost near Leesburg, Florida, is $3,762 for a home health aide and $2,548 for homemaker services for a 28-hour work week and $3,823 for assisted living, which includes 24/7 care. 
• You have more control over your routine. 
• You can maintain a high level of privacy. 

Cons 

• Costs may be even higher if 24/7 care or skilled care is needed or if both a home health aide and a homemaker is needed. 
• Managing caregivers and providing backup care requires continued family involvement, especially if the caregiver is late or doesn’t arrive at all. 
• Living at home alone can lead to social isolation, which can contribute to health problems, including depression and cognitive decline. 
• The home may need to be modified for safety and wheelchair accessibility. 
• Home health care doesn’t include housekeeping, such as cleaning or making meals, and running errands. 
• You’ll still have to hire someone to maintain the home and make repairs. 
• Caregivers may be sent who lack adequate training. 
• If your caregiver is a friend or family member, you may feel like just a job, not a loved one. 

Assisted living: pros and cons 

Assisted living like what is offered at Lake Port Square offers a wide range of care options and staff are on-site 24/7 to assist in case of emergency. Nutritious meals, engaging activities and a sense of community are just some of the many benefits of assisted living. 

Pros 

• It may well be more cost effective when you consider everything a good assisted living community provides. 
• Care can be tailored to individual needs and preferences. 
• Chores, like laundry, housekeeping, maintenance and landscaping are taken care of. 
• Family members can focus on their relationship with their loved one, rather than acting as caregivers. 
• There are more opportunities to socialize and participate in stimulating activities. 
• The family doesn’t have to hire, schedule or manage caregivers. 
• Levels of care can easily be adjusted or increased as needed. 
• Transportation is provided for medical appointments. 
• Shopping, dining and cultural outings are also typically offered. 
• Residents typically have access to on-site amenities, such as a pool, gym, library, salon/barbershop, creative arts studio and so much more. 
• At Lake Port Square, you’ll enjoy a supportive community of your peers when you want to socialize and your private apartment when you want privacy. 

Cons 

• Changes in staff may be common, so one-on-one care may not be consistent. 
• You or your loved one may simply not enjoy living in a group environment. 

Give assisted living a trial run with a respite stay. 

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it’s also stressful and time-consuming. A respite stay gives the caregiver time to recharge their batteries and look after their own health, while offering their loved one the opportunity to experience firsthand what a particular community is really like. A respite stay at Lake Port Square can range from overnight to a few days or even a few weeks. It’s a commitment-free way to see if our community might be a good fit for your specific situation. 

To learn more about assisted living or respite stays at Lake Port Square, get in touch. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the difference it can make to your quality of life.