Home Care or Assisted Living? How to Decide

What home care offers

• Staying in familiar surroundings, with their own routines, belongings and neighbors.
• One-on-one attention from a caregiver focused on one person.
• Flexible hours, from a few hours a week to live-in or 24-hour care, that can change as needs change.
• Clinical support at home when needed, such as nurse visits for wound care or medication management.

What assisted living offers

• Staff available on site around the clock.
• Built-in social activities and shared meals.
• No home maintenance to worry about.
• A move to a new place, which some people welcome and others find difficult.

Questions to help you decide

• What does your loved one want? Their preferences matter, and many people strongly prefer to stay home.
• How much help is needed, and when? A few hours a day is very different from needing someone overnight.
• Is the home safe, or can it be made safe with simple changes?
• How important is social contact? Is your parent isolated now, and would companionship at home help?
• What are the medical needs, and can they be met at home with nursing support?
• What does each option cost for the hours and level of care actually needed?

Comparing costs fairly

Home care is usually priced by the hour, while assisted living is usually a monthly fee, so compare the total cost for the amount of care your loved one actually needs. For someone who needs help a few hours a day, home care is often a flexible option. For round-the-clock needs, compare live-in or 24-hour home care with assisted living plus any extra care fees.

You don't have to decide alone

A free in-home assessment can help you understand exactly what level of care is needed and whether it can be provided safely at home. Even if you choose assisted living later, home care can bridge the gap while you plan, or give a family caregiver a break.