Choosing Between 24/7 Live-In Care and An Assisted Living Facility

Home Care Agencies, Nassau County, NY

Families are sometimes faced with the decision to hire a 24/7 live-in caregiver or to move their elderly loved one to an assisted living facility.  There are many factors that come up when deciding which way is best including cost, quality of life, safety, and health.

24/7 live-in care provides ongoing supervision, fall prevention, and assistance with daily living activities at home.  A live-in caregiver provides assistance throughout the older adults’ waking hours and sleeps overnight.  This allows the older adult to continue to live at home with independence and to not be alone in the event of an emergency or an accident.

Assisted living facilities offer an apartment living lifestyle with the benefits of prepared meals, medication assistance, and support with daily living activities such as, assistance with bathing and dressing.  Most assisted living facilities also have a separate memory support area for those living with dementia who need more attention and guidance with their daily needs.

24/7 Live-In Care:

Advantages                                                               vs                                        Disadvantages

One-on-one attention                                                           Less access to socialization

Stay in comfort of home                                                      Less access to activities

Safer during COVID pandemic                                         Home maintenance still needed

Set your own schedule/agenda

Family members have more access and
decision-making abilities

 

Assisted Living Facility:

Advantages                                                               vs                                        Disadvantages

Group activities, outings                                                     Less one-on-one attention

Social activities                                                                       Daily schedule is standardized

Nurse on staff                                                                           Less protection from an outbreak

 

According to Genworth, the world’s population is aging at a faster rate than ever before and people are living longer.  7 out of 10 baby boomers will require long term care in their lifetime.  Cost of care varies widely by geographical location and level of care required.  Cost is a huge factor when deciding between 24/7 live-in care and an assisted living facility.  On average the cost of home care in Long Island ranges from $27 to $30 per hour and 24/7 live-in care ranges from $350 to $450 per day.  Assisted living facilities in Long Island range from $8000 to $15000 per month.

Quality of life and safety are also important factors when deciding between 24/7 live-in care and assisted living.  These points come down to an individual’s preferences and living conditions.  Many older adults want to stay in their own homes no matter what changes with their health whereas others would prefer to leave home and move to a different setting where their needs may be better met.  Another issue could be whether the person has a cognitive impairment, such as, dementia.  Dementia care at home may be more suitable for those that exhibit behavioral symptoms such as, agitation and anxiety.  These symptoms may not do well in an assisted living facility where there is a group setting and less attention on each individual.  Safety also plays a large part in deciding between 24/7 live-in care and assisted living because the person’s home environment may not be suitable to stay at home.  For example, if the person has a hoarding situation or the home is in serious need of repair, an assisted living may be the better way to go.

While there are many options for long term care, 24/7 live-in care and assisted living are among the most popular.  Both offer solutions to the challenges of managing daily living activities for older adults.  One option allows the person to stay in the comforts of home with one-on-one attention while the other offers socialization, group activities, and access to health care staff.  For more information on how to choose the long term care option that’s best for your loved one, visit https://www.caring.com/senior-care/in-home-care/.