At Bayshire Yorba Linda, we recognize that aging never comes easy for seniors. Every year brings new challenges and daily difficulties that affect their quality of life. Eventually, there comes a time when the family has no choice but to opt for professional care, for which they get two options: in-home care and assisted living. While both care options broadly provide help with activities of daily living, there are ways they differ, with cost being a significant factor. For many families, the cost of care is the determining factor in their choice.
If you are a family seeking professional support for an aging loved one but are unsure which would be most appropriate, this blog is for you. We’ll briefly cover what each care option includes and its cost breakdown. Then we’ll look at the key cost considerations you should keep in mind when deciding between the two care options.
What Is Assisted Living?
These are residential long-term care settings designed for older adults who need help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and meals, but do not require 24/7 skilled nursing care. Assisted living communities provide private apartments and help residents lead independent lives with dignity and purpose, while supporting them with activities of daily living and care assistance. They get 24-hour access to on-site professional staff, security, and social activities that promote a level-up home lifestyle. With shared meals, social recreational activities, and lifelong learning opportunities, residents embrace a magnificent aging experience.
Breakdown Of Assisted Living Costs
Assisted living isn’t just about assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), but about leading a holistic lifestyle while accessing various on-site amenities. The monthly cost you pay covers accommodation, meals, WiFi, 24/7 staff, and on-site activities and amenities. Assisted living costs typically range from $3,000 to over $10,000+ per month, with a national median of around $5,900.
Factors That Influence Assisted Living Costs
It’s not just the brand value of an assisted living that decides how much you will be paying for it. Factors beyond a community’s goodwill influence assisted living costs. Here’s a breakdown of those factors.
Level Of Assistance Needed
Not every aging senior requires the same level of care and daily living support. Some need help with daily living activities (ADLs), while others might require assistance with other areas like medication management as well. The care plan the senior chooses determines the amount they pay to the community.
Location
The cost also varies depending on the area where the assisted living is located. For instance, assisted living in an urban area will cost more than in a rural area.
Choice Of Accommodation
The kind of accommodation your loved one chooses will also determine how much they will pay to the community.
Amenities Available On-Site
Some assisted living communities offer basic amenities like fitness centers, while others go a step further to provide high-end amenities such as pools, tennis courts, movie theaters, and more.
What Is In-Home Care?
As the name suggests, only under this care option do older adults receive professional care and support at home. Accessing a range of support services at their home only allows them to age in place. They receive both medical and non-medical in-home care based on their needs. Non-medical assistance with daily activities includes helping with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. On the other hand, in-home medical care includes specialized, professional, licensed staff who provide care to older adults, again promoting aging in place.
Breakdown Of In-Home Care Costs
In-home care transforms the senior’s home into a specialized care setting. They ensure that the living environment remains comfortable and homely while becoming safe and secure, allowing the necessary care and support. In-home care costs account for the kind of care support the senior receives, whether it’s medical or non-medical. In-home care costs generally range from $25 to $80+ per hour, with a national median of approximately $33 per hour.
Factors That Influence In-Home Care Costs
In-home care costs are primarily driven by the type and level of care, as well as the following factors.
Level Of Care Required
Non-medical care is less expensive than skilled nursing care.
Duration And Frequency
The total number of hours needed per week, such as 24/7 care versus a few hours daily, impacts costs.
Location
Costs vary by state and city, depending on the local cost of living. Urban areas tend to have higher rates compared to rural areas.
Specialized Care Needs
Specialized care, such as for dementia or Alzheimer’s, adds to the total cost.
Time Of Care
Care needed during evenings, weekends, or holidays may incur higher hourly rates or overtime pay.
Key Cost Considerations To Keep In Mind Before Making A Decision
While both assisted living and in-home care offer the support aging adults need, there are certain cost-related factors the family should understand before deciding between the two.
Average Costs
While assisted living has a median national cost of roughly $4,995–$5,551 per month, in-home care (non-medical aid) can exceed $5,000–$6,000 monthly for full-time support.
Hours Of Care Needed
In-home care is more cost-effective for part-time needs, but 24/7 in-home care quickly becomes more expensive than assisted living. Hence, the family must think about their loved one’s care needs before making a decision.
What’s Included
Assisted living costs usually cover rent, utilities, food, 24/7 staff, and social activities. For in-home care, you pay for care plus existing housing expenses (mortgage/rent, utilities, food, repairs).
Hidden Costs Of Aging In Place
Expenses like home modifications, transportation, and regular, consistent in-home help can quickly add up to the total cost of staying home.
Level Of Care
High-acuity care needs can drastically increase the cost of both, but assisted living may offer better value for high-level, round-the-clock needs.
Financial Assistance
Medicaid may cover home care or assisted living, depending on the state, whereas Medicare typically covers only short-term, skilled nursing home care, not long-term daily assistance.
Unlock A Wellness Experience Like None Other With Bayshire Yorba Linda
At Bayshire Yorba Linda, we understand that for many families, cost can be one of the most influential factors in choosing a care option for an aging loved one. To ensure they make the right decision and don’t overspend, they have to be definitive about their loved one’s care preferences.
Considering their loved one’s long-term needs and comfort is what is going to help them make the right decision. While assisted living brings socialization opportunities, in-home care facilitates family interactions that are more valuable than those at an assisted living setting.
While both options provide assured support with daily living, families should choose an assisted living community for their aging loved one to ensure they receive the best possible support in a professional, caring setting. For that, you can count on us at Bayshire Yorba Linda. In our community, life is always fun and engaging. With a range of convenient services and amenities, we foster a thriving aging experience for residents.
