If you or your parents need a helping hand with bathing, cooking, managing medications or other daily tasks, you may be considering how best to receive assistance while also being supported to live a high quality of life.
Two options include:
- Remaining at home with additional care and services
- Moving into an assisted living community
If you’re wondering how to make the right decision, gaining a clearer understanding of the value and cost of assisted living vs. remaining at home can help you become better informed.
Senior care services and features that contribute to aging well
Before comparing the above two options and determining which living environment will help you achieve your aging and wellness goals, it’s important to understand what is needed to live a full and engaged life:
- Support to maintain independence
- Activities to remain engaged
- Physical and cognitive fitness opportunities
- Friendships and healthy relationships
- Social events and positive interactions
- Healthy and appealing dining choices
- Safe and secure living environments
- Transportation alternatives if no longer driving
Comparing the cost and value of assisted living with care at home
As the costs for both community life and home care services vary widely, it’s important to talk directly to the source to get an accurate estimate for your specific needs and area. But for planning purposes, take a look at the following comparisons between what is included in the cost of assisted living and continuing to live in your existing home:
Features and the cost of assisted living
Communities include the following amenities in the cost of assisted living to support their residents to age well.
1. Residences and independent living: you’ll discover a choice in floorplans and opportunities to personalize to make this your own home. You’ll also have the added advantage of the staff’s assistance with the tasks of daily life.
2. Engaging activities: you’ll enjoy a monthly calendar of activities with enough choices to provide something of interest for everyone.
3. Fitness and exercises: included in the cost of assisted living is a fitness center or exercise classes so you can work toward meeting your wellness goals.
4. Opportunities to make friends: whether at social events, activities or common areas, it’s easy — and natural — to meet others, make new friendships and discover all you have in common.
5. Social events: you’ll enjoy the many social and entertainment events included in the cost of assisted living. You’ll not only reap the benefits of interacting with others but also have fun.
6. Healthy dining: No need to worry about eating well, or planning, shopping and preparing meals, as a community includes nutritious food in the cost of assisted living.
7. Safety and security: Residents are reassured with the benefits of additional security and safety features but also in knowing that help is always available whenever needed.
8. Transportation options: If you’re no longer driving, you won’t need to miss out on any activities or appointments as communities include scheduled transportation in the cost of assisted living.
Features and the cost of remaining at home
1. Residences and independent living: remaining in your home will allow you to continue to maintain your current lifestyle. However, if you need a helping hand, you may want to calculate the cost of outside services and the availability of family and friends.
2. Engaging activities: You’ll want to avoid becoming sedentary so it will be important to find activities that you enjoy as well as to factor in those costs, including for transportation if needed.
3. Fitness and exercises: Remaining physically fit is a health priority so you’ll want to make arrangements for a gym membership or to locate and pay for classes that are specialized for older adults.
4. Opportunities to make friends: while no less important, it can become more difficult to meet new people as you grow older. You’ll want to look for and calculate any estimated costs for joining groups, classes or other opportunities to meet others.
5. Social events: Avoiding social isolation is critical to both physical and emotional health, especially as you grow older. Make sure you can find opportunities to engage socially and interact.
6. Healthy dining: Shopping and preparing healthy food can become more difficult when living at home. You may want to contract with a food delivery service and include these costs in your budget.
7. Safety and security: If your home needs repairs or renovations to become more age-friendly, you’ll need to calculate those costs. You may also want to consider installing safety features and personal alert systems.
8. Transportation options: If you or a loved one is no longer driving, you’ll want to make sure you have alternative transportation options so you aren’t left behind at home. These costs will also need to be included.
The Charleston Senior Living Community
Locally owned and operated, we offer personalized care by our dedicated team members. Setting a new standard in Assisted Living and Memory Care, we don’t define our residents by their limitations or illness but instead believe in focusing on the positive and the possibility.
The Charleston Senior Community includes private apartments for assisted living residents and for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Your loved ones will benefit from our attention to detail, routine health assessments, delicious dining and daily activity programs as we support everyone to live their best life.
Consider a few of our amenities:
- Chef-led dining program
- Community movie theater
- Salon
- Ballroom
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor patio
- Social lounges
- Housekeeping
If you or your family is thinking about Assisted living or Memory care, we hope you will consider The Charleston Senior Community. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions.
We also invite you to download our complimentary guide, Just the Facts: Your Guide to Assisted Living.
