Comparing the Cost and Value of Assisted Living with Care at Home

When loved ones need a helping hand with daily tasks or are becoming isolated and find it difficult to participate in activities, many families begin discussing possible options – remaining at home with services from a home care agency or moving into an assisted living community.

As everyone’s needs are unique, both choices can have advantages. But the cost of living at home vs. assisted living may also impact the decision-making process.

Understanding a senior’s cost of living

It’s important to arrange for all the services needed to live a quality life. Calculating those costs if residing in the existing home or making a new one in a community can provide budgeting insight for senior care.

There are many variables that determine actual fees so it’s best to talk directly to a community or agency for specific rates. But the following are primary features that should be included and accounted for.

1. An accessible residence

Cost of assisted living: Residents enjoy an age-friendly and accessible home included in the monthly fee that can be personalized to reflect their tastes.

Cost of remaining at home: If the home is paid for, you’ll still need to budget for property taxes, insurance, utilities, upkeep, repairs and costs for any required renovating to make the home accessible.

2. Assistance when needed

Cost of assisted living: Included in the fee are the services of a compassionate and trained staff that provide daily assistance to the residents.

Cost of remaining at home: If family and friends are unable to cover the hours of care and attention needed, calculate the additional hours and multiply by the agency’s rate.

3. Healthy dining

Cost of assisted living: Communities include delicious and nutritious chef-prepared meals in their fees. Your loved one will also enjoy the social benefit of dining with others.

Cost of remaining at home: Calculate the costs of food and the time for shopping and preparing meals, if help is needed. You may want to explore food delivery options as well for the budget.

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4. Activities and fitness events

Cost of assisted living: A community includes a monthly calendar of activities, as well as a fitness center or exercise classes so residents can achieve their wellness goals. These services are included in the monthly fee.

Cost of remaining at home: Families will want to search for a gym or recreation center and other activity choices so their loved one can remain engaged. Include those costs here, including transportation if needed.

5. Opportunities to make friends

Cost of assisted living: Your loved one will appreciate how easy it is to meet the other residents. Genuine relationships form at the many social events included in the monthly fee.

Cost of remaining at home: You’ll need to find opportunities to socialize and meet others so your loved one is able to interact and avoid isolation. Include associated costs here.

6. Transportation options

Cost of assisted living: Scheduled transportation is included in the monthly fee of a community for trips to medical appointments, shopping and other entertainment events.

Cost of remaining at home: If your loved one will not have access to family or friends that can provide rides, you’ll need to calculate the costs for alternative transportation options, such as ride-sharing programs.

7. Safety and security

Cost of assisted living: Communities provide added security features such as alarms or personnel for both the community and residences. It’s also greatly reassuring for residents to know there is always someone there if help is needed.

Cost of remaining at home: You might need to complete repairs or renovations to make the home secure. You may also want to consider adding personal safety alarms or alerts and include those costs here.

Life at a Milestone Community

If you’re looking at options for retirement living, we invite your family to visit one of our Milestone communities – designed to support your loved ones to live their highest quality of life.

We offer studio and one-bedroom private apartments for our assisted living residents as well as private or shared memory care suites for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Our memory care residents are cared for by our compassionate and specially trained team – who meet them wherever they are in their journey with patience and kindness. The residents also have access to customized activities, programs and an elevated secured courtyard.

Our amenities and services encourage our residents in assisted living to engage with others, remain as independent as possible and be reassured that help is available whenever needed.

In addition to our personalized services, we offer:

· Chef-prepared meals

· Full-service dining room and bistro/bar

· Clubroom with large screen and theater style seating

· Family gathering room

· Rooftop courtyard including outdoor kitchen and firepit

· Resident accessible chef’s kitchen garden

· Senior-inspired fitness center

· Hair and nail salon

· Resident-shared laundry rooms

· Elegantly designed common areas

· 24-hour on-duty care staff

· Scheduled transportation

· Secured community

· Direct access to adjoining walking paths and parks

If your family is considering retirement living, we hope you will visit one of our communities. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions. Please contact us with any questions you may have or to arrange a personal tour.

We also invite you to download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit.