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For many families, there comes a time when aging parents or loved ones can no longer care for themselves safely, and a decision must be made about their future care. Some families opt to have their loved one move in with them, but often the choice boils down to assisted living or home care.
As the U.S. population continues to age, senior care decisions are becoming increasingly important for families. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Americans aged 65 and over grew nearly five times faster than the total population over the 100 years from 1920 to 2020, reaching 55.8 million in 2020, or 16.8% of the U.S. population.
“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that a person turning 65 today has a 70% chance of requiring long-term care services at some point in their life. As the massive Baby Boomer generation ages, the demand for nursing facilities will only increase,” notes SeniorLiving.org.
This demographic shift has spurred the growth of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), which raises the pressing question for families: Which option is best?
The answer depends on the individual circumstances of each family and the loved ones in need of care. For instance, families who are unable to visit frequently or be involved in care decisions may find a facility to be the best solution. However, many studies and articles highlight the benefits of home care, especially given the risks that seniors often face in institutional settings like nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
While assisted living facilities and retirement communities provide supervised environments, on-site care, prepared meals, and a built-in peer group, the day-to-day living experience can sometimes feel institutional and isolating.
“By necessity, the setting is institutional at senior care facilities. Often, so is the food. Issues like staff turnover, a lack of choice in peers, and dorm-style rooms can heighten feelings of despair and loneliness,” says Peter Carey, Executive Director of Homecare Choices, which provides personalized in-home care to seniors on Cape Cod.
Scientific studies have shown that seniors in care facilities are more likely to experience loneliness and isolation compared to those living in traditional homes. A 2019 study published by the National Library of Medicine revealed “high levels of loneliness in senior housing communities compared to older adults residing in conventional homes,” highlighting the connection between mental health and loneliness.
Additionally, another study cited by the National Library of Medicine found that residents of long-term care facilities often experience a lack of autonomy. The high dependence on staff and rigid structures can result in a diminished ability to make choices, negatively impacting their quality of life and contributing to feelings of isolation.
A comparison of home care and assisted living posted on Caregiver.com outlines several potential issues with institutional care facilities, including:
- Frequent staff turnover, leading to inconsistent one-on-one care
- Varying quality of care depending on which staff members are on duty
- Residents being asked to leave on short notice for various reasons
- A dislike of living in a group environment
- Additional mandatory costs for private individual care as needs increase
In contrast, the same article lists several benefits of home care, which allows loved ones to remain in the comfort of their own homes:
- One-on-one care tailored to meet specific needs and preferences
- The ability to remain in a familiar home and community
- The option to choose your caregiver(s)
- Consistent care from one caregiver, rather than several
- Often more affordable than institutional care
- Flexibility to schedule and combine types of care to reduce overall costs
“Gradually increasing home care is often less expensive than assisted living,” affirms Carey, noting that seniors who receive care at home are typically happier, more engaged, and less likely to feel lonely compared to those living in a care facility. “Most people are better off staying at home and gradually increasing their services as their needs grow.”
Seniors may choose to downsize to a smaller home, but still retain the elements that define their positive quality of life, such as:
- The feel of home
- Peaceful views, or other comforting familiar surroundings
- Easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment in a mixed community, rather than being limited to a peer group of other aging individuals
- A home kitchen that allows for personalized meal preferences
“Choose a home care agency that prioritizes quality of life, ensures staff continuity, provides case management for problem-solving, offers transportation for outings and appointments, and is comfortable discussing how care and costs can evolve as needs change,” advises Carey.
About Homecare Choices
Homecare Choices, based in Sandwich, Mass., was developed by the Massachusetts nonprofit North American Family Institute to provide trusted, high-quality in-home care for seniors and others on Cape Cod.
Our essential services, which can be tailored to meet individual needs, include:
- Memory care for safety and companionship
- Personal care
- Light housekeeping
- Meal preparation
- Transportation
- Case management services included with all care packages
For those seeking in-home care for a family member or loved one, or for more information about Homecare Choices and its services, please contact Peter Carey for a free consultation by phone at 508-313-2529, by email at petercarey@homecarechoices.com, or through the contact form on our website.