When at-Home Care Is and Isn’t a Good Choice for Seniors

You may have heard the phrase aging-in-place and consider it a primary goal to achieve. However, two essential features should be recognized in order to be successful: 

#1 The priority is to age well. It’s not enough to merely grow older in your home. 

#2 The place can be wherever you choose to make your home. 

Where aging-in-place occurs is less important than whether your wellness goals are reinforced. If your existing home doesn’t support your desired lifestyle, finding the right place is a priority. 

At-Home Care: Is Remaining at Home the Best Fit?   

To begin making your decision, determine if your current home provides a solid foundation for aging-in-place. Consider if any of these features are applicable and might be a detriment for at-home care:  

Considering the Options for at-Home Care   

If care or assistance is needed, you’ll want to make sure there are choices for you or a loved one. Consider the following resources and whether they may be available to provide help: 

1. Family caregivers 

Is there a primary caregiver that can provide a helping hand on a daily basis? If yes, at-home care may be an option. However, it’s important to also consider the level of care required as well as the health of the caregiver. Any possibilities for respite should also be considered to provide relief to the caregiver. 

2. Friends and neighbors 

Some older adults have a network of friends and neighbors that can supplement at-home care. This could range from grocery shopping, meal preparation, providing rides and assisting with home maintenance. Families who have this option may be able to combine it with other resources to provide the level of care needed. 

3. At-home care agencies 

If more care is required than friends and family can provide, talk to local at-home care agencies regarding their services and hourly rates. These professional caregivers can provide assistance with daily tasks, shopping, accompaniment to medical appointments and meal preparation. However, if several hours of care is needed daily, this can be a costly option. 

4. Adult day services 

As a fill-in for other available resources for at-home care, your local area may have an adult day community program that you or a loved one can attend for a few hours. These centers often provide activities, games and other opportunities for social interaction, as well as meals. 

5. Local organizations that provide assistance 

There may be additional opportunities in your community that support at-home care. Churches or volunteer organizations may provide services that range from companion visits, food delivery programs or provide transportation to medical appointments. 

When a Senior Living Community Is the Better Choice 

While considering whether at-home care is a viable option, many families discover that a senior living community is the better choice. This can occur especially when the following circumstances are present: 

1. The level of needed care exceeds what can easily be provided with at-home care 

It might be helpful to calculate the total number of care hours required, subtract those that family or friends can supply and then create a budget for what a home-care agency would provide. It may not be financially feasible to remain at home. 

2. You or a loved one’s preferences are better met at a community 

Many older adults are more comfortable when they don’t need to rely on family or friends for continual care. Living in a community can foster feelings of independence and support, allowing personal relationships to remain as they are – instead of taking on the role of caregiver. 

3. A higher quality of life is more achievable at a senior living community 

Many families discover they can’t provide the social interaction, activities or amenities that are available at a community. Even if their loved ones are physically able to remain in their home, their risk of social isolation and loneliness might greatly increase.  

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 

Senior Living Options Guide 

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.  

Find out more about the care options senior living communities offer. Download our free Senior Living Options guide.  

senior living options guide download