Senior Care: The Difference Between Home Care And Assisted Living

Senior care is not an easy task, especially if it is done alone. A person can only take so much responsibility. He or she also needs to take a break every now and then. Unfortunately, the constant worry over elderly loved ones makes momentary respites and rests impossible. A reputable home care company and assisted living facility are two options family members should consider when caring for the elderly person.

Home Care vs. Assisted Living

Home care and assisted living are two terms often interchanged by many people. Though they both cater to the aging population, their approaches to senior care are different.

Home care, also known as domiciliary care, is a type of senior care service provided to patients who are incapacitated, extremely old, or are suffering from a serious medical condition. In home care, a team of service providers (which includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, physical therapists, caregivers, and housekeepers) deliver personal care and maintenance in the convenience of the patient’s home. In short, this is a service that is usually given to extremely dependent patients who do not wish to be admitted in a nursing home or a hospice facility.

Assisted living, on the other hand, is similar to home care. The only difference is that the patients are completely independent or partially independent. These are people who can still do their daily activities like bathing, eating, cooking, and cleaning, but need the occasional assistance of a service provider to complete some of their tasks. The main principle of assisted living is to promote self-independence and self-dignity.

Advantages of Home Care

One-on-One Care

Service is provided on a more personal level. Sole focus of the provider is the elderly patient. The elderly feels less lonely because of the caregiver’s companionship.

Safety

The elderly patient is constantly monitored. This is especially helpful for patients who are prone to falls and injuries or those who have serious medical conditions.

Nutrition and Exercise

The nutritionist helps structure a diet program suited for the patient’s current health status. Exercise is also maximized with the supervision of a physical therapist.

Comfort

Since senior care is given in the comforts of one’s home, there is no anxiety caused by adjusting to a geriatric facility and home sickness.

Advantages of Assisted Living

Cost-effective

Assisted living services cost lower than home care services since the patient is not completely dependent to his care providers.

Allows maximum freedom

The patient does not feel “babied” or incapacitated. Self-independence is encouraged.

Peace of mind

This is the greatest advantage for family members. They do not have to worry much about their elderly loved ones since they are in the hands of professional caregivers.

Medical assistance

Healthcare professionals like doctors and pharmacists are available on-call if health-related problems arise.

Choosing Senior Care Providers

Senor care is a booming industry and recent years have seen the quick growth of care providing companies. When choosing home care or assisted living services for your loved ones, make sure that the company you will hire is a reputable one. A reputable company not only assures efficient service, but it also guarantees that their clients are taken care of in the best possible way.