Comparing the Value and Cost of Assisted Living with Care at Home
Have you found yourself or a loved one struggling with home maintenance, preparing healthy meals or participating in favorite activities and social events? If yes, your family may be researching the best options to obtain assistance while achieving a high quality of life.
Two choices commonly evaluated include remaining at home with additional services – or moving into an assisted living community. While considering which solution would provide the best environment, the cost of financing either lifestyle is typically a priority as well.
Tips When Considering the Cost of Assisted Living
To create an accurate budget when comparing the costs of a community versus remaining at home, these initial suggestions can provide guidance.
- Avoid the assumption that remaining at home is automatically more affordable.
- Make an accurate assessment of the care needed.
- Compare the value of services received both in the home and in a community.
- Avoid relying on on-line calculators or estimates. Costs can vary depending on the community, services offered and even the geographic location.
- Contact specific communities or home care agencies for accurate fees.
Considering the following individual features and their costs will help make an accurate comparison and determine the best solution for you or a loved one.
1. Deciding where to make your home
When remaining at home: Include your mortgage or rental amount. Even if your home is paid for, you’ll still need to budget for property taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs, as well as utilities. If renovations are necessary to make the home accessible, include those costs here.
When home is in a community: Your monthly fee will include your residence. All related housing expenditures including maintenance and utilities are also included.
2. Choosing where to receive services
When remaining at home: If more care or assistance is needed than your family or friends can provide, you’ll want to budget for the hourly rate and the number of hours of service that will be needed.
When home is in a community: Included in your monthly fee is the care and personal assistance provided by the care team. This often includes help with bathing, grooming, dressing and managing medications.
Download our complimentary guide Choosing the Right Senior Living Community: A Step by Step Guide for making an informed decision.
3. Costs of activities and social events
When remaining at home: It is essential to remain active and engaged – for both physical and cognitive health. You’ll want to budget for activities and social events and include the cost of transportation if applicable.
When home is in a community: A great benefit of assisted living is the monthly calendar of activities and events included in the monthly fee. All are located on-site but for special events off-site, transportation is provided.
4. The value of friendships
When remaining at home: The loss of friends can be detrimental to both physical and emotional health. You’ll want to look for opportunities for your loved one to make friends, such as clubs or classes and include any costs in your budget.
When home is in a community: Residents discover that it’s never been easier to get to know their neighbors at the many social opportunities and activities – all included in the monthly fee.
5. Funding your wellness goals
When remaining at home: Remaining physically and emotionally fit are priorities to live a good life. Consider the options, including a gym membership or joining in group activities and calculate any costs here.
When home is in a community: Another benefit of assisted living, and included in the monthly fee, is the fitness center or classes offered to the residents. Whether it’s an exercise or yoga class – support for strength, flexibility and balance is available.
6. Healthy dining expenses
When remaining at home: Shopping, cooking and receiving the proper nutrition can become a challenge when growing older. Consider budgeting for meal preparation by a caregiver or a food service delivery program.
When home is in a community: Included in the fee is a healthy dining program that provides several menu selections, delicious meals and accommodation of any dietary restrictions.
7. The price of transportation
When remaining at home: If you or a loved one no longer drives, you may be relying on others for transportation. If additional services are required, such as mass transit or ride sharing programs, include those costs here.
When home is in a community: Another convenient benefit included in the monthly fee is access to scheduled transportation. Your loved one can take advantage of rides to medical appointments, social activities or shopping.
8. The value of safety and security
When remaining at home: Does your loved one feel safe living at home? Are repairs or renovations needed or should you install a security system or provide for more companion visits? Include any price of solutions when budgeting.
When home is in a community: Included in the fee are safety and security features in both the community and the personal residences. It is also greatly reassuring for residents and their families to know that someone is always available if help is needed.
Discover life at a Northbridge community.
If you’re considering senior living for yourself or a family member, we hope you’ll visit one of our communities. You’ll find a maintenance-free, activity-filled and engaging lifestyle to help support your wellness goals.
You’ll also discover many benefits in a Northbridge Senior Living community, including our Signature Program S.T.A.R. Club (Sharp Thinking, Active Residents) – which offers our residents several activities to participate in with others, including:
- Daily exercise group
- Walking club
- Tai Chi & yoga
- Nutritional classes
- Library and book club
- Museum outings
- Artists in residence program
- Multi-generational music
- Genealogy Generations
We’re here to answer any of your questions and invite you to download our complimentary guide Choosing the Right Senior Living Community: A Step by Step Guide for Making an Informed Decision. Please contact us if we can provide further information or if you would like to schedule a personalized tour.
