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Senior Living VS. In-Home Care

senior living georgia

The vast majority of Americans over 50 say they want to age in place – remaining in their home and familiar surroundings. That’s understandable, but it’s not easy when aging also brings increasing physical limitations and health concerns. The growing in-home care industry is designed to give seniors the help they need to age in place, but home health care also has limitations.

Should you choose a senior living community instead, despite the fact you’ll have to move? It’s important to understand how the two options differ, whether you’re deciding on the best course of action for yourself or for your Mom or Dad.

Staying in your home may give the impression of independence, but a senior living community can actually help you remain more independent, longer.

senior living georgiaWhat is in-home care?

This is just what the name suggests – an aide or nurse comes to your home to provide specific assistance with personal care, health care or household tasks as needed. Non-medical assistance is most common, helping with bathing, dressing, cooking, shopping, transportation, housekeeping, laundry, etc. Medical home health care brings a certified medical professional (nurse or physical therapist, for example) to help with clinically necessary treatment.

senior living georgiaWhat is senior (assisted) living?

A senior community also provides the same types of non-medical assistance, but in a comprehensive living environment that includes private, apartment-like housing and multiple additional support services. Staff are available around the clock, so there is always someone on hand if assistance is needed.

There are important differences between senior living and in-home care. The two most obvious are location and cost.

senior living georgiaCost

In-home care is typically billed hourly, and depending on your needs, the cost can add up quickly. Meanwhile, you are still responsible for all the other costs of living in and maintaining your home. That can make budgeting unpredictable.

Senior assisted living is typically charged as a single monthly fee, so the cost is easy to predict. At first, it can seem much more expensive, but the fee includes everything from living accommodations and related utilities to assistance with daily tasks as required, three meals per day, scheduled activities, transportation to offsite appointments and shopping and more.

When you compare all home care versus senior living expenses, assisted living is often the more valuable financial option.

senior living georgiaLiving life to the fullest

Senior living and home care differ sharply when it comes to senior lifestyle support. This is crucial, because staying in-home often means living alone and that can put seniors at risk for:

  • Loneliness
    Social isolation is an epidemic among seniors. It can bring on depression and cause physical health to deteriorate. Home care aides can provide periods of companionship, but only on a certain schedule and only if you pay for it.
  • Helplessness
    Increasing health issues and diminished ability that come with aging can make seniors feel helpless. Home care can help with daily personal and household tasks, but for some seniors, having to rely on so many others can exacerbate feelings of helplessness. After all, if you can no longer drive, aren’t able to visit friends or go do things you used to do, you’re not so much staying at home as stuck at home.
  • Boredom
    For seniors receiving in-home care, every day brings a predictable schedule. Visiting aides can help break up the day, but the lack of spontaneity can start to feel boring. When each day is the same, even favorite hobbies and activities can fail to engage Mom or Dad. Boredom is another major source of depression among seniors.

senior living georgiaAt Magnolia Manor, our full-service senior living model empowers residents to remain as active and independent as possible with little risk of loneliness, helplessness or boredom. We provide critical support and assist with tasks as needed. Our calendars are brimming with opportunities to try new things and engage in favorite hobbies or activities. There is never a shortage of things to do or ways to participate. These activities, plus a wealth of friendly neighbors right at hand and communal mealtimes in our dining area offer outstanding opportunities to engage one’s mind, body and spirit.

https://www.magnoliamanor.com/blog/senior-living-versus-in-home-careAlways there for you

Except in certain medical circumstances, in-home care is a drop-in service. What happens if Mom or Dad needs help at some other time? In senior living communities like Magnolia Manor, professional trained staff are available around the clock to ensure every resident’s needs are met.

Our nurses, aides and supervisors work together as a coordinated team that knows each resident and their needs personally. That uncompromising quality and availability of care gives family members confidence and peace of mind.

Experience the Magnolia Manor difference

We invite you to visit one or more of our nine campuses across southern Georgia. Meet our compassionate, professional team of caregivers and staff, and experience life at Magnolia Manor. We look forward to meeting you! Contact us today on our website or at 1-855-540-LIFE(5433) to schedule your tour.

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