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Assisted Living vs. Living at Home – Pros and Cons

As our parents and other loved ones get older, they may find difficulty addressing activities of daily living (such as cooking or making appointments) or addressing increased health care concerns (such as managing new medications or becoming incontinent). Family members can often help, but sometimes their support isn’t enough due to availability, lack of knowledge, emotional strain, or distance.

With these concerns in mind, the question becomes whether an older individual can continue to live at home OR whether they should move to a communal living space where help is available on site.

Each option has its own set of pros and cons. The choice between them depends each person’s needs and preferences. To assess which one might be best for you or a loved one, here’s a breakdown of some of the positives and negatives of each:

Pros:

  1. Familiar Environment: Staying at home allows individuals to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment, which can have psychological benefits.
  2. No Moving Stress: Moving can be emotionally and mentally draining with longer-term effects such as confusion and dissatisfaction.
  3. Personalized Care: In-home care can be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and preferences.
  4. Cost: It may or may not be more cost-effective than Assisted Living, depending on if the home is owned.

Cons:

  1. Safety Concerns: The home environment may need modifications for safety, and there might be concerns about falls or other accidents.
  2. Lack Of Structure: Assisted Living ensures that individuals eat properly, are checked on and take their medications – without this support, older adults living at home may not take care of themselves as well.
  3. Limited Social Interaction: Also discussed earlier, seniors who stay at home may experience isolation and a lack of social interaction, which can have negative effects on their mental and emotional well-being.
  4. Lack of Immediate Medical Assistance: In-home care might not provide immediate access to medical professionals in case of emergencies.

Pros:

  1. Professional Care: Assisted living facilities provide professional care and support from trained staff, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), medication management, and healthcare services.
  2. Social Interaction: Residents often have opportunities for social interaction, group activities, and companionship, which can combat loneliness and isolation.
  3. Safety and Security: These facilities are equipped with safety features and security measures to ensure the well-being of residents.
  4. Amenities: Many assisted living facilities offer amenities such as dining services, housekeeping, transportation, and organized recreational activities. Kavod Assisted Living offers all of these, and more!

Cons:

  1. Cost: Assisted Living can be expensive, often requiring out of pocket payment or long-term care insurance. Kavod Assisted Living pricing can’t be beat – less than $50,000 A YEAR covers care for a basic Assisted Living apartment, with all needs taken care of except escorting, oxygen management or incontinence care.
  2. Perceived Loss of Independence: Some individuals may feel like they are losing their independence by moving into a facility, but studies show that Assisted Living actually allows for more independence, as individuals can travel, visit and attend activities without worrying about needs that the Assisted Living staff do for them.
  3. Adjustment Period: Transitioning to a new living environment can be challenging and may take time to adapt.

The decision between assisted living and staying at home should be based on an individual’s health, financial situation, social needs, and personal preferences. It’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of each option and consult with healthcare professionals and family members to make an informed choice.

At Kavod, we invite you to check out our website and virtual tour, and come for a no-obligation in-person tour at any time. We think you’ll find our Assisted Living does not have many of the cons listed above – we are affordable, allow great independence and provide loving support for our residents that make our community not just a community, but a home.

*Written with assistance from Chat GPT