Most families eventually encounter a situation that they did not ever think of. The need for support when a parent becomes unable to care for himself, herself, or a loved one has lost their ability to perform routine daily activities without help. The next question is usually a hard one to answer: what type of senior care will work best?

Most family members think of two commonly used types of senior care: home care and assisted living. Home care refers to bringing professional caregivers directly to a person’s home. Assisted living is a community with an on-site care team to assist with daily living activities.

These two types of care do serve different needs through different stages of a person’s life. Both options have been available for many years. They have helped millions of seniors and their families.

In this article, we provide a clear comparison of senior care options, living environments, and care quality. This will help your family make a well-informed choice for your loved one.

93% of Canadian seniors say they prefer to remain in their own home as they age.

78% of seniors receiving home care report high satisfaction with their quality of life.

2X assisted living facilities can cost up to twice as much as comparable home care services.

Comparison of Home Care vs Assisted Living

Professional Care in the Comfort of Home

A senior can now receive professional assistance in the form of home care from a trained caregiver. They provide service through a multitude of daily tasks such as daily routines, personal hygiene, mealtime, moving about, and medication reminders. Instead of moving to a completely new environment to receive assistance, a senior will continue to live in the same space they know well and are comfortable in while receiving much-needed assistance with their everyday activities.

One of the strongest attributes of the home care program is the adaptability and flexibility that it offers. If a senior initially needs help just a few hours a week, they can later increase that level of support right up to 24-hour care with the assurance that the continued independence the client will continue to receive will be maintained and preserved in a safe environment on their own terms.

Assisted Living with On-site Support

Assisted living facilities are often referred to as communities for older adults who need some assistance with daily living. In most cases, residents have their own apartment-style suite which provides the resident with privacy, sense of community, and access to shared dining, social activities, and 24-hour trained staff for assistance.

Assisted living facilities provide their residents with an automatic built-in community. Many older adults, especially those who live alone, will do better in an organized community situation where they are encouraged to socialize naturally through mealtimes, group programs, or just hanging out together in common areas. For families who worry about loved ones being alone, it is reassuring to know that a resident has the opportunity to interact with someone who can help.

What Sets ComForCare Apart from Others?

If you are trying to decide whether home care is right for your situation, it’s important to understand what professional care looks like. ComForCare has been providing trusted, personalized senior care services in the Edmonton area for years.

All of our caregivers are more than simply trained professionals. They are dedicated, caring individuals who have been chosen based on their compatibility with the person’s personality, preferences and needs. The services we provide are tailored to meet each individual’s needs. We offer medication assistance, personal support, dementia care, and fall prevention programs.

Both assisted living and home care can be viable alternatives based on the specific needs of your family member’s health situation and their needs.

Ultimately, whichever option you choose, the goal is to ensure the senior receives the right level of supportive care. They should live in an environment that feels secure, valued, and truly like home.

Not Sure Where to Start? Let’s Talk!

Our ComforCare team in Edmonton is happy to walk you through your options, and help you build a plan that’s right for your family.