CNBNews

(September 23, 2020)--There comes a time in our life when we need to decide for the senior citizens or the older adults who stay with us. It is essential to determine if we want to opt-in for home care services or shift the person to an assisted living community. There are advantages related to both these services. And it is necessary to choose depending on your requirement.

The advantages of home care

Home care is one of the standard solutions that most families choose as a part of senior care. Today, there are several home care agencies in Queens and elsewhere that provide a host of advantages such as: 

• Comfort

Home care allows the individual to stay within their comfort zone. They have their bed and bathroom to use and also carry on with their daily routines. During COVID-19, most seniors affected by the virus are choosing home care over any other medical care. 

• Individual care

Instead of managing the senior care facility's schedules, the home care service gets customized to the person's needs and requirements. It could be that your loved one needs assistance for the entire day or a few hours; home care is easy to adjust and flexible.

• Quicker recovery

According to research, the patients get better from illnesses or any surgery quicker when they stay in-home care. The chances of getting an infection or other side effects are less. Hospital readmissions are also lesser.

• Cost-effective

You need to pay on an hourly basis for home care. Hence, you can enjoy a few flexibilities in terms of out-of-pocket expenses. The costs can be anything between $25 to $35 per hour. And you get a discounted rate when you opt for a 24-hour home care service. Also, for people who need help on a part-time basis, the expense can be lesser than the residential nursing facility. You can also count on long-term insurance plans that can cover the home care expense.

The advantages of assisted living units

There are times when you need to move from your native place, and you can't leave your parent or grandparent alone. It is necessary to opt-in for an assisted living facility that provides critical care, along with independent living. There is also memory care for selected patients. The residents can keep staying in assisted living units, even if their needs keep changing. 

These units provide the seniors with a carefree way of living. Other assisted living facilities include:

• Housekeeping services
• Dynamic activity calendars
• Laundry services
• Day tours
• Fitness classes
• Holistic dining plans

The assisted living units help the residents manage their daily activities, such as personal grooming, bathing, eating, continence, mobility, and dressing. Here, senior citizens and older adults can reach out to other like-minded individuals, stay independently, and get involved in various activities.

It is essential to know the time for choosing assisted living. People who can't leave their parents at home or don't have adequate home care services should choose a reputed assisted living unit. The benefits include:

• Helps to combat loneliness or isolation

Other than occasional loneliness, chronic isolation can lead to several health hazards among seniors. A lack of community involvement can result in depression and lead to other ailments like heart diseases and dementia. It can also lead to unhealthy behaviors like smoking or any other addiction and maximize the mortality rate. Assisted living communities can help seniors feel engaged and combat loneliness to a great extent.

• Health issues and frailty

According to AARP, close to 70 million Americans who are 50 years or more have one common health issue. And with age, these chronic issues need more care. An older adult with an assisted living community can prevent the person from getting into any emotional crisis. The company of other people can and medical care can help the person to heal in many ways. 

• Financial management

At times, it becomes complex for seniors to pay their bills and make online payments. When there are more collectors and unpaid bills, it might increase debt. It is a good reason to shift to assisted living. The seniors who stay on their own might have a financial burden that becomes stressful for them. It is here that an assisted living facility is essential to bring down the financial obligation.

• Independence and fun

While assisted living communities are an excellent place to get customized senior care, it is also a place of independence and fun. It is necessary to have social involvement in living better and feel counted in something other than the daily activities. Aging well and healthily is essential for seniors not to fall prey to any physical or mental ailments. From community activities, meetings to evening strolls, seniors can enjoy everything here. That aside, they have individual independence as well.

Both assisted living and home care have their own set of advantages. You need to choose the one that caters to your needs better. The benefits mentioned above will help you decide better.  

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