The best approach to aging for many seniors is staying where they are happiest and most comfortable—their very own homes. Many seniors are also taking the steps required, like investing in personal caregiving to ensure they remain as comfortable and independent as long as possible.
Undeniably, aging at home comes with a few unique challenges. For starters, health and mobility issues can make it tricky for you to live independently and safely. Fortunately, this is where the help of home care professionals can come in handy. However, while staying at home is the best option for many, it is not the best alternative for everyone.
In-Home Care vs. Other Alternatives: Which Option is Best for You?
Figuring out whether to stay at home or in other types of facilities is a concern many seniors face. However, since seniors have unique needs and circumstances, choosing the right option can become a bit complex.
Below are some possible scenarios you can use as a guide, so it’s easier for you to figure out which option is best when the time to choose comes:
Scenario #01: You are healthy and living independently.
If you are healthy and independent but would like some help with the household chores, home care is hands down your best option. Also known as companion care, home care is also considered the best option if you are healthy and living comfortably at home.
After all, if you are thriving at home, moving to another facility is unnecessary. Also, if you opt to stay at home and you live away from your friends and loved ones, a caregiver can give your family updates about your situation.
Having a caregiver with you can also give your family some peace of mind and reassurance that you are not living on your own and you have easy access to the help you need at home.
Scenario #02: You have health challenges, and you live alone.
Understandably, if you are independent and healthy, you have more options than those with significant health and physical challenges. If you belong to the latter, your best option would be to live in an assisted living facility.
Living in an assisted living facility is ideal if you have health challenges and you have no loved ones or friends living nearby. If you feel isolated in an assisted living facility and would rather stay at home, you’d be happy to know that some home care companies can take you to social events and medical appointments so you won’t feel as isolated.
Scenario #03: Your significant other has different care needs, but you want to stay together.
If your significant other requires a different level of care, it can become tricky to figure out what your best option is. Understandably, you wouldn’t want to stay in a nursing home if you don’t need nursing care. For others, the same principle can apply even if they have a significant other who might need nursing care.
Thankfully, home care allows you to meet halfway. You can always get the help you need when caring for a loved one with health challenges with an onsite caregiver. If your significant other requires round-the-clock care or supervision, a caregiver can help. This setup can also help ensure you stay together at home where you are comfortable.
Scenario #04: You have serious health issues.
If you have a severe health condition that might require institutionalization, living in an assisted living facility is something you should consider. For instance, if you have dementia, living in a specialized memory care facility is recommended.
The good news is many home care companies now provide specialized services for those with severe health challenges like Alzheimer’s. For some, this is the ideal option as staying in a familiar place like your home can make it easy for your friends and loved ones to connect with you.
Final Thought
Choosing the best living arrangement is no easy feat. That said, don’t rush the process. Sit down with your loved ones and take all the critical elements like your unique needs into account so you can figure out which option is truly best for you.
Author Bio
Sarah Keller is the Content Marketing Strategist of A To Z Home Care, a team of professional home care providers based in Phoenix, Arizona that specializes in long-term care for your loved ones. She enjoys riding horses and camping with her friends and family in her spare time.
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