Assisted Living vs Home Care: Which One is Right for You?

Home is where the heart is. For most of us, home is a comforting and familiar place filled with cherished memories. But as you age and the need for help with daily activities becomes more apparent, staying in your home becomes increasingly difficult.

Deciding whether to hire the in-home help you need, recruit family and friends to be your caregivers, or move to an Assisted Living community is something you should think about sooner rather than later. The last thing you want to do is ignore the problem until a fall or other health issue forces a move without time to consider the options or adjust to the change.

To help you understand how Assisted Living vs. Home Care compare, a definition of each is a good place to start.

What is In-Home Care?

In-Home Care and Home Health are sometimes used interchangeably but they’re not the same thing. Home Health involves the services of a skilled nurse while In-Home Care provides non-medical services, such as help with bathing, dressing, laundry, shopping and meal preparation.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted Living is a residence where groups of people share meals and other activities and where each resident can get the personal assistance they need to maintain their independence. People who choose Assisted Living typically have difficulty living on their own but don’t require constant medical care.

How Much Help Do You Need?

Deciding whether you’re better off with Home Care vs. Assisted Living depends on how much help you or a loved one needs. Start by making a list of everything you need assistance with on a monthly, weekly and daily basis. This will give you a clear picture of the level of care required.

You should also consider how much help family and friends can actually provide. You or your loved one may need help with daily activities, not to mention home maintenance, for years to come. Seeing how much help you need and who can provide it will give you a clearer picture of where the gaps are in coverage.

In-Home Care: 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

• One-on-one care tailored to individual needs.
• Costs can be lower depending on hours of care needed and caregiver skill level.
• According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the monthly median cost for a home health aide (40 hour week) in Connecticut is $6,066, compared to $8,955 for a residency in an Assisted Living community (with 24/7 care).
• More control over your routine.

Cons

• High costs if 24/7 care is needed.
• Managing caregivers and providing backup care requires continued family involvement.
• Living at home alone can lead to social isolation which can contribute to health problems, including depression and cognitive decline.
• Home may need to be modified for safety and wheelchair accessibility.
• In-home care doesn’t include housekeeping and running errands.
• You’ll still have to hire someone to maintain your home and make repairs.

Assisted Living: Pros and Cons

Assisted living offers a wide range of care options and staff are on-site round-the-clock to assist in the event of an emergency. Nutritious meals, engaging activities and a sense of community are just some of the many benefits of Assisted Living.

Pros

• More affordable when 24/7 supervision and care is required.
• Allows family to focus on their relationship with the senior rather than acting as caregivers.
• More opportunities to socialize and participate in community activities.
• Family doesn’t have to manage, schedule or hire caregivers.
• Level of care can easily be adjusted or increased as needed.
• Transportation provided for medical appointments.

Cons

• Moving to a new environment can be difficult, and some residents may struggle to adapt to the changes in their daily routine and social environment.
• Your loved one may simply not enjoy living in a group environment. 

Ridge Crest: Comprehensive Care and Comfort on One Campus

Ridge Crest at Meadow Ridge serves as the campus health center offering a continuum of care including not just Assisted Living, but Mind & Memory Care, Sub-Acute Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing and Respite Care—all within one award-winning campus. Supported by a familiar care team, residents receive personalized attention around the clock in a resort-style environment.

Designed to feel like home, Ridge Crest features spacious private and shared suites, an indoor pool, salons, spa-like amenities, guest accommodations and a vibrant activity calendar. Ridge Crest provides clinical excellence, compassionate care and comfort—all on one campus.

The Right Choice, Right on Campus

Choosing between In-Home Care and Assisted Living is deeply personal and one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your well-being or that of a loved one. If daily support, peace of mind and the opportunity to stay active and engaged are top priorities, Assisted Living at Ridge Crest may be the right fit. With round-the-clock care, a dedicated team you know and trust, and access to a full continuum of care, Ridge Crest combines the comforts of home with the confidence of comprehensive care all in one exceptional community.