In-Home Care and assisted living communities are on the rise to support the growing senior population. Navigating these options and finding a solution that meets your specific needs is crucial. Each option offers distinct advantages and considerations, making it essential to evaluate your own or your loved one’s needs and preferences.
Whereas assisted living communities provide a holistic neighborhood and ecosystem of care and community, in-home options opt for an additive approach. Rather than building a community with an emphasis on care and wellness, in-home options bring the care to your existing residence, often with one specialist working anywhere between an hour every few days to around the clock. Both options generally offer tailored programs depending on care needs and independence. When considering one or the other, there are a few key points to remember to ensure your choice is supportive enough and flexible enough to support your lifestyle and your needs.
Socialization In-Home Vs. In A Community
Is your home environment supporting a social lifestyle? While in-home care offers the convenience of care delivered to your doorstep, it can inadvertently foster a socially and physically sedentary lifestyle. We’ve explored the impacts of both physical stagnation and social isolation in seniors in previous blogs, specifically with their relation to geriatric depression. You should consider an option that will not only open the door to social interactions, but that will actively foster it.
This is where senior living communities stand out. You’ll not only have the convenience of caregivers at your door; you’ll have the camaraderie of neighbors and a plethora of activities within your community. These meaningful social interactions are a key component of a healthy lifestyle and shouldn’t be overlooked when weighing your options.
Empowerment of Caregivers
Caregiving has evolved significantly with the integration of technology. Both in-home care and assisted living communities leverage technology to enhance the quality of care provided. However, when it comes to cutting-edge technology, assisted living communities take the lead.
In our communities, we employ Fynn, an AI-backed wellness management system that revolutionizes senior care. Fynn provides comprehensive insights into a senior’s well-being and offers proactive strategies to help them celebrate wellness victories. The empowerment of caregivers through technology translates to a higher level of care and a deeper understanding of individual needs, ensuring a superior quality of life.
Safe and Tailored Environments
A key question you should ask yourself when considering in-home care is whether or not that home is tailored to your needs. In-home settings vary greatly in terms of safety and accessibility. Homes with multiple stairs, challenging hallways, and fall-prone areas can pose significant risks. Furthermore, factors such as furniture and flooring can exacerbate the danger of falls. This is understandable as most homes aren’t designed with seniors in mind.
Assisted living communities, on the other hand, are purpose-built to cater to senior’s specific needs. We meticulously design our communities to prioritize safety and ease of navigation. Discrete handrails are seamlessly integrated into our molding, ensuring support where it’s needed. Our intentional floorplans facilitate effortless and secure movement throughout the community. Crucially, we maintain around-the-clock care teams ready to respond in emergencies, offering peace of mind to our residents and their families. Here, you can spend less time worrying about safety and more time doing what you love.
If you’re interested in learning more about assisted living at Village Park or want to weigh you options when considering in-home care, give us a call today or schedule a visit to one of our communities. Better care starts here.