Why Move to Assisted Living When I Can Just Have Home Care Come to My House?

By CarePatrol of Fox Cities

Having a caregiver come to their home is the perfect solution for many seniors needing some assistance. They can remain in their own home and get the help they need.

So, why isn’t this always the best option?

What I have found in working with hundreds of Appleton and Oshkosh area families over the past three years is that the reasons vary. For some seniors, even daily visits from a visiting caregiver is simply not enough care. Consider a senior with a cognitive impairment such as dementia, or someone who needs assistance to transfer to the toilet and out of a chair or bed.

When around-the-clock care is required, the $12,000 monthly cost of home care is simply prohibitive for most. Even at just 4–5 hours of care per day, the cost of living in a senior care community quickly becomes the more affordable option when compared to the total cost of maintaining and running a home.

Of course, for some, money isn’t always the main concern.

Many seniors who move to a senior living or care community are making a lifestyle choice. Living in one’s home can become isolating, particularly over long winter months when depression is common. Additionally, some seniors find not having to worry about home maintenance, lawn care and meal preparation to be liberating, allowing more time and energy to enjoy the activities that are meaningful to them.

One final consideration that I would encourage families to look at is that senior living communities in Northeast Wisconsin typically have some period of private pay requirement. For those seniors who spend their last dollar on home care, and then need assisted living, there will be relatively few desirable options available to them.

The landscape of care options is complex and constantly changing. Let a CarePatrol Senior Advisor help you weigh your options with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.