Overview of In-Home Care vs. Residential Care

If you are now undertaking the process of researching care options for your loved one, you have acknowledged that your loved one needs additional assistance.  Recognizing the need for care and accepting assistance represent only half the challenges.  The next step is determining where the care services will be provided – either in one’s own home or in a residential care facility.  

There are advantages and disadvantages to each, and there are many different options for in-home care and residential care.  Often individuals in need of assistance dismiss the possibility of moving away from home because they believe that residential care facilities will be much more expensive or that they will lose their privacy and independence.  In reality, when factoring in the cost of caregivers, rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, food, transportation, and other expenses then it becomes self-evident that residential care is often a very affordable solution.  Ultimately, safety is the most important goal.   The best solution is the safest option that meets your family’s needs while also maintaining goals of independence, dignity, and quality of life.  To make the best choice for your family, we encourage you to tour different residential care facilities and to interview in-home care providers.  DrKnows is here to help you explore your options. 

In-Home Care

Most people prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.  In-home care refers to assistance with activities of daily living (feeding, bathing, grooming, medication supervision, assistance with mobility and transfers) that is provided in your own residence.  In some instances, a family member, friend, or neighbor provides assistance with these personal needs.  Other families choose to hire an independent caregiver to assist with activities of daily living.  Many families enlist the services of a home care agency – a business that employs a team of care providers – to provide appropriate care-giving services.  

Residential Care

In many instances, particularly when a loved one requires around-the-clock care, moving to a residential care facility may be the safest and most cost-effective option.  Residential care facilities typically offer the advantages of a team of on-site caregivers providing supervision and support 24-hours per day, along with the added benefit of your loved one no longer needing to maintain his own home.  These facilities are generally “all-inclusive” such that residents pay one monthly fee that covers the cost of rent, meals, utilities, insurance, and most other expenses.  Many different options exist, ranging from smaller “six-bed” board and care homes to larger assisted living communities.  Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may benefit from the enhanced safety and security of a memory care facility.  To learn more about these different options, please click on the links below. 

Options for Residential Care

• Independent Living Facilities

• Assisted Living Facilities

• Board and Care Facilities

• Memory Care Facilities

• Adult and Child Day Programs

• Skilled Nursing Facilities