As our loved ones grow older and struggle with the daily demands of life, one of the most difficult decisions we face is whether to have them stay at home or move to an assisted living community.
Countless factors come into play and, frankly, there are no easy answers. While each family’s situation is unique, there are certain considerations everyone can weigh to determine which option works best for them.
From my experience, here are the top things to keep in mind when looking at home care vs. assisted living.
Home Care: If staying in the home (or aging in place), you will likely need to hire a caregiver. Costs, which are typically billed by the hour, can vary greatly depending on the services provided. In addition to being in a familiar setting, the main upside is that your loved one’s routine remains largely intact. Downsides include loneliness and lack of socialization (especially for the widowed or single), increased burden on family and friends, and not having 24-hour supervision.
Assisted Living: At first glance, the cost of assisted living might be a concern. But national studies show it is often a more affordable than home care, especially when factoring in the all-inclusive nature of services like round-the-clock nursing, room and meals, security, utilities and other amenities. In addition, the benefits of socialization, community programs and physical activities can help residents better transition through the aging process.
At The Cabana at Jensen Dunes, our holistic, mind-body-spirit approach provides an innovative answer to the need for affordable assisted living and memory care services. We strive to foster empowerment in life’s later years, offering each resident the respect and dignity of an uplifting, sustaining lifestyle.
To learn more about how we can help in your time of need, please call us today at 772-332-1000.
Deniese Williams, Executive Director of The Cabana at Jensen Dunes, is a registered nurse with a Master of Science in Nursing and more than 20 years of experience in the long-term care industry.