By Scarlett Sanders
Everyone needs care at some time in their life. Therefore, one of the decisions you must face is where you want to receive care as you age. Whether in the comfort of your own home or a senior living community, there are many options, and each offers a unique approach depending on individual needs and preferences. As I watched my grandparents age, I was inspired by the care that they received and felt called to become a leader in the senior care industry so that I may help families along their journey of aging. It is important to understand the options available for senior care and the differences between in-home care and senior living communities so that when the time comes, you and your family can be prepared. Together you can make an educated decision regarding what would be the best way to provide necessary support, while keeping you or your loved one safe, secure, and self-assured.
Care Choices
In-home care includes home care, home health, and hospice. Home care agencies, sometimes referred to as sitter services, provide caregivers who can assist with non-medical and non-skilled tasks like bathing, dressing, cooking, light housekeeping, transportation, and much more. Home health offers medical or skilled care performed by licensed medical professionals such as nurses, therapists, and physicians. Services can include physical therapy, wound care, and medication administration. Lastly, hospice care is provided to those suffering from life-limiting illnesses. Nurses and social workers visit a few times a week to check vitals, monitor well-being, and provide support. These in-home services can be used independently or in tandem.
Senior Living Communities
There are many different types of senior living communities, each tailored to specific levels of care. These include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities. Independent living communities are for those who want to enjoy amenities and activities among other seniors but do not require any additional care. Assisted living facilities have aides on staff to help residents with activities of daily living and personal care. Memory care facilities are designed for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Skilled nursing facilities, commonly referred to as nursing homes, offer the highest level of care. These facilities are specifically for seniors who need around-theclock medical attention. Some facilities may offer more than one option on site, such as both independent and assisted living. This allows residents to stay at the facility when their level of care increases. Facilities that do not offer additional services may require your loved one to move out when their care needs exceed what the community is able to provide.
Comparing Options
Now that we have defined the various options for senior care, we can take a closer look at their key differences. The primary advantage of in-home care is that it allows you or your loved one to age in place and stay where they are most comfortable. There is no need to pack, move, or sell. Moving to a new environment can be troublesome for many seniors. Another benefit is that in-
home care ensures one-to-one care. As for senior care facilities in South Carolina, the state mandated ratio of direct care staff to residents is 1:22, one of the smallest ratios in the country. This imbalance causes residents to wait their turn to receive care. With in-home care, the patient has the full attention of the caregiver, helping build a strong relationship between the patient and caretaker.
One of the greatest perks of senior living communities is the community aspect, as its title states. Communities can provide engaging activities such as movie nights, exercise classes, Bible studies, and field trips. This keeps seniors social and active, while staying home can be isolating and lonely for some. Senior living communities are also designed for safety and security. One of the most common reasons for moving into a facility is to avoid falls in the home. Facilities are handicap accessible with elevators, grab bars, and emergency buttons to keep residents safe. If you wish to stay at home, certain remodels may be necessary in order to reduce the risk of falls, which can be costly.
A significant distinction between in-home care and senior living communities is the level of independence the individual can maintain. In a community, one must do well in a structured environment and follow the facility’s schedule and procedures. Staff perform their rounds at specific times, meals are offered in short windows, and visiting hours are limited. Whereas with in-home care options, schedules and care plans are customized to each individual and their changing needs and desires. Care can be provided for just a few hours a week and up to 24 hours a day. Seniors can uphold their habitual timetable and activities, promoting a high level of independence.
Affordability
Finances can be a deciding factor when choosing between in-home care or a senior living community. On average, the cost of in-home care is cheaper than senior living communities. In South Carolina, the average cost of non-medical home care is $29 per hour, while the average cost of assisted living is around $4,600 per month. At these rates, the cost of assisted living equals about 36 hours of in-home care per week. Therefore, if you require 24-hour care, in-home care becomes much more expensive than senior living communities. It is also important to recognize that the cost of senior living communities includes the room, meals, amenities, and care. Since home care and independent living are non-medical, they are not covered by most insurance plans and are usually paid for out of pocket. However, home health, hospice, and some nursing homes are covered by insurance and Medicare. There are other resources available to help with the cost of care, such as government programs, grants, and veterans benefits.
So how does one decide which is the best choice? Senior care is certainly not “one size fits all”; one must consider their health, lifestyle preferences, social needs, and financial resources. Talk to your doctors and family members, and research senior care agencies and communities in your area. The Midlands are home to some of the best options for senior care, some of which have been listed under the resources. My grandpa received in-home care while my Nana moved into a senior living community, and they were each happy with their decision. It is important to know the available options in order to decide which will best allow you or your loved one to age with comfort and grace.
HOME CARE
Cornerstone Caregiving
HOME HEALTH
Medical Services of America
HOSPICE CARE
Amedisys Hospice
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Solutions for Living at Home
MEMORY CARE
McLeod Home Care
SKILLED NURSING FACILITY
Lexington Medical Center Extended Care
ASSISTED LIVING CARE
The Heritage at Lowman
