Assisted Living vs. Home Care: Determining the Better Option

It’s a question many families struggle to answer.

Watching aging loved ones face challenges as they decline can be overwhelming for many families. When deciding between home care vs assisted living, it’s essential to fully understand what each option entails. While both provide valuable support, each offers different types of care, services, and environments.

Read on to gain a clear understanding of these differences so you can make an informed decision about which option will best meet your loved one’s unique needs.

What is Assisted Living?

When living independently at home is no longer the best option, assisted living provides a perfect balance of engaging living, social opportunities, and helpful, personalized support in warm communities that promote dignified, purposeful living. In addition to 24/7 professional care, the lifestyle offers an array of convenient services like dining, housekeeping, and transportation, as well as amenities that make life more fun.

What is Home Care?

There are two types of in-home care: home health care and home care. Home health care focuses on providing medical support and rehabilitation after a surgery or medical event, helping with recovery. On the other hand, home care is designed to assist with daily tasks, such as cooking, grooming, and dressing, when these activities become too difficult to manage independently.

The Cost of Assisted Living vs. In-Home Care

A recent report released by ASHA, The Surprising Price of Staying in a House, states that the average monthly cost of assisted living ranges from $5,350 (Genworth Cost of Care Survey) to $6,422 (National Investment Center for Senior Housing Vision Map). The cost includes everything that comes with community life: personalized support, meals, services, and socialization.

The same report found that the average monthly cost of home care for in-home companions is around $30 per hour, while a home health aide costs about $33 per hour. Many agencies require four hours of care, five days a week, costing about $2,640. Most care guidelines, including those from Genworth, suggest that 44 hours of care per week is typical, bringing the monthly cost to about $5,808—similar to the cost of assisted living, but not including the expenses of maintaining a home (utilities, maintenance, rent/mortgage, etc.).

Choosing Between Assisted Living and Home Care: Personalized Support in Different Settings

Both in-home care and assisted living provide personalized care and assistance with daily activities. Assisted living communities offer a comprehensive package of housing, meals, services, and social activities. Many communities also offer access to a care continuum and/or memory care, so access to a higher level of care may be available without requiring a move. Assisted living is ideally suited for those who would benefit from continuous care and social engagement.

In contrast, home care agencies provide personalized, one-on-one support in the comfortable surroundings of home but lack the social and community aspects of assisted living. Home care may be a better option for those who are mostly independent but need occasional help with the activities of daily living.

Socialization and Lifestyle Differences

When considering assisted living vs. home care in terms of socialization and lifestyle, the differences between the two are significant. Each offers distinct opportunities for interaction and connection.

Assisted living residents live in a community setting with access to a range of social activities and shared spaces. Group dining, organized events, and daily programs such as exercise classes, games, or outings provide regular opportunities for interaction with peers. This structured environment encourages social engagement and helps reduce isolation, making it a good choice for those who enjoy or benefit from community living and regular socialization.

In contrast, home care is provided in the familiar surroundings of the home. While home care offers personalized attention, social opportunities depend mainly on the caregiver and any visiting family or friends. Home care may be ideal for those who are more introverted or prefer solitude. But, it can lead to increased isolation if social interaction isn’t built into the routine, such as arranging visits from loved ones or participating in community programs.

Assisted living offers more consistent and structured social opportunities, while home care may require more planning to maintain social engagement. The best choice depends on the individual’s personality and social needs.

Home Care vs. Assisted Living: Health and Safety Considerations

Several important factors stand out when comparing health and safety between assisted living and home care.

Safety Features

Assisted living communities are designed with built-in safety features like handrails, better lighting, emergency call systems, and accessible bathrooms to ensure a safe environment for residents. Most homes are not equipped with safety modifications; adding them can be costly. Additionally, many assisted living communities feature the latest safety technology, like fall prevention, that is likely not feasible or affordable for single-home adoption.

Medical Oversight

Medical oversight differs significantly between the two. Assisted living communities have care staff on site, including licensed nurses, to monitor health. Standard home care typically doesn’t include medical services, leaving medical oversight to family members or separate home health agencies. Assisted living communities are regulated by the state, subjecting them to regularly scheduled inspections. There is no similar oversight of the home health/home care industry.

Emergency Response

Assisted living is supported by 24/7 staff availability and protocols for handling emergencies. In a home care setting, emergency response depends on the caregiver present, or systems like medical alert devices may be needed for round-the-clock coverage.

Comparing the Benefits

Assisted Living

• 24/7 staff availability and supervision
• Dedicated safe environment  for seniors
• On-site healthcare services and professionals
• Wide range of amenities and social activities
• Regular socialization and engagement
• No household chores or home upkeep
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Relief for family caregivers
• Easier management of increasing care needs without relocation
• Potentially more cost-effective for those needing extensive daily care
• Established emergency response protocols
• Specialized programs for memory care and other specific needs
• Transportation services
• Nutritious meals provided in communal dining settings

Home Care

• Allows seniors to remain in their familiar environment
• Provides one-on-one, personalized care
• Offers flexibility in care schedules and services
• Promotes independence and autonomy in daily activities
• Continuity of existing routines and lifestyle
• Enables bonds with consistent caregivers
• Comfort of personal belongings and memories
• Easier visits from family and friends
• Can be more cost-effective for those needing less than full-time care
• Offers privacy in personal care tasks
• Allows for customization of the living space for safety and comfort
• Allows for personalized meal preparation and dietary preferences

Making the Decision

For seniors who maintain a degree of independence but require some daily support, home care can be a good option, allowing them to age comfortably in their familiar surroundings. However, assisted living communities may become more cost-effective when social isolation becomes a concern, and the need for care extends beyond four to five hours daily.

Choosing between home care and assisted living is a personal decision, and it’s natural to feel hesitant about seeking assistance. The key is to gather as much information as possible about both options. By researching and understanding the services, costs, and benefits of each, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that best suits your or your loved one’s unique needs and preferences.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right choice depends on individual circumstances, including health needs, financial considerations, and personal desires for independence and social interaction. Don’t hesitate to consult with healthcare professionals, financial advisors, and family members to help guide your decision-making process.

If assisted living seems to be the best option, find a community near you. 

Where You Live Matters

Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.