Home Care or Assisted Living, Which is Best?
by LTC Expert Publications LLC
As the general population continues to age, demands for more efficient health care will increase. The health care field for the aging population continues to expand in an attempt to meet these needs. Home health care is one option that a family can choose for an elderly loved one who needs care but wishes to remain at home.
The other option for a person in such circumstances is taking up residence in an assisted living facility. A person must give careful consideration to the pros and cons of each option, as well as discuss these issues
with the person for whom the care is needed in order to reach the best decision.
Home Health Agencies
The patient’s health history plays en essential role in determining the type of living arrangements which will best suit his or her needs. Frequently, before a person is enrolled in home health care services, a complete physical assessment is performed to identify the necessary level of care. There are two types of home health services one can enroll in: skilled and unskilled.
Skilled home health care is administered by registered or practical nurses, and care is overseen by a medical doctor. A home safety evaluation is typically done by the agency before sending a health care worker into the home, and the purpose of this is to screen for situations which could potentially cause accidents or injuries or such as clutter in walkways, throw rugs which could cause one to trip, and cleanliness and sanitation issues. The representative from the home health care agency will also evaluate how easily the resident can access emergency services should these become necessary.
With unskilled home health care, duties are typically performed by a certified nurses assistant or personal care aide who is qualified to assist the individual with activities of daily living. These duties include assisting the person with dressing and undressing, eating and drinking, personal hygiene, transferring and ambulation, cooking meals, and light housekeeping. This type of health care is considered private duty and is generally an out of pocket expense for the person for whom the care is provided, or his or her family.
Whether skilled or unskilled home health services are needed, depends entirely on the level of care the person must have.
Assisted Living Facilities
Most individuals prefer to stay in their home, even if they suffer from health problems. Unfortunately, in certain circumstances, a person reaches a point where it is no longer safe or practical to live alone. Although in-home care can help to alleviate certain of these issues, there are those for whom it is not safe to leave alone in between visits from the home health agency. People in this situation sometimes choose to move to a personal care home.
These homes are not skilled nursing facilities, but rather establishments where multiple individuals reside who need assistance with the basic activities of daily living. The care they receive is similar to the care provided by unskilled home health aids. Sometimes a nurse is on staff to assist residents with the taking of medications, and other needs that require a skilled professional, while other facilities do not employ a nurse at all times.
Typically, to reside in an assisted living facility, one must be mobile and able to follow direction from a personal care aide. If the resident reaches a point where skilled nursing is necessary around the clock, it is then time to consider a nursing home.
Evaluating Needs
Determining which avenue is best for the individual for whom care is needed, mainly depends on how well the person can manage alone. One must decide if he or she is able to manage adequately in between visits from the health care agency. If he or she is not confused or disoriented due to dementia, Alzheimer’s or other issues, home health care is probably the best choice. However, if the individual is confused or forgetful, and frequently forgets to take his or her medicine, or turn off stoves or other appliances, a personal care
home is most likely a better option, as it will provide a safer and healthier environment for the individual.
At NorthStar Care & Guidance, we know how confusing it can be when trying to find the right elder care for your loved one. NorthStar Care & Guidance is an elder care agency helping seniors make the right home care decisions.