Comparing Assisted Living - Factors to Keep in Mind

When comparing assisted living with other accommodation options, there are several factors to keep in mind. The first question that should be asked when comparing assisted living with other residential options is would an assisted living facility be the best choice for the person considering a move?

Naturally, different people have different needs, and while assisted living facilities offer regular medical visits, as well as emergency medical care should it be needed, some people will find that their medical requirements are more stringent, or may decide that they would be more comfortable with a greater level of support. In these circumstances, comparing assisted living with a nursing home, it might be felt that the latter would be a more suitable option.

Comparing assisted living schemes with each other is also important. Some developments are very large, comprising hundreds of residents; others are much smaller and may only have a handful of people living within them. Then, of course, there is location; how close to the person’s neighborhood is the facility, and how important is it to them that they remain close to their friends? This is without entering into a comparison of more subjective preferences, such as the staff, other residents, quality of food, design of the rooms and so on. These are matters of personal taste for which it is very hard to give any guidelines.

Finally, of course, there is the issue of cost. Comparing assisted living costs with those of nursing homes normally shows the charges for assisted living to be significantly lower, and this is another factor to be taken into account when comparing assisted living with other accommodation options.

On the other hand, if less support is really needed and the individual prefers to stay at home, there is also an in home care option available. This is where senior companions are sent to the home to provide non medical home care and even help with routine daily tasks such as driving, laundry, landscaping, reading or cleaning. In many cases, this ends up being the most affordable and least disruptive alternative. For more on selecting the right provider, check out the video here: